England News
March, 2005
Thursday,
31 March 2005 -
David
Beckham has thanked coach Sven-Göran Eriksson
for continuing to show faith in him. Eriksson paid Beckham a warm tribute
before the game against Azerbaijan and the England captain responded with one of
his best displays in recent times. "The manager is like that with every
player, not just me because I am captain and I came in for a bit of stick.
However, I certainly appreciated all of his comments."
Sven-Göran Eriksson
has leapt to the defence of Michael Owen after the England striker was
condemned by Azerbaijan coach Carlos Alberto Torres. The Brazilian was
upset after reading that Owen vowed to score five times against his side and
said: "Who is this midget anyway, what has he ever won?" But Eriksson
said: "From what I know about Michael Owen, he would never say things like that.
It's not his style. I'm sorry if there was any misunderstanding."
Wednesday,
30 March 2005 -
England
2 Azerbaijan 0
England suffered 45 minutes of frustration before beating Azerbaijan at St
James' Park with goals from Steven
Gerrard and David Beckham.
Poland
are still just a point behind England after Maciej Zurawski headed the only goal
with three minutes left against Northern Ireland. But Wales finally saw
their faint hopes of World Cup qualification disappear. Rene Aufhauser's
late goal helped Austria claim a 1-0 victory after keeper Helge Payer denied
Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs on several occasions.
Sir Bobby Robson
insists he has not yet reached a settlement with Newcastle over his final
pay-off after his sacking in August 2004. "I have to tell you as far as
I'm concerned you're jumping the gun a little bit. It's in the hands of
the solicitors. I was dismissed in August and it's now April, so it's
about time and it's in the hands of the lawyers. That's all I can tell
you."
Wayne
Rooney is hoping Azerbaijan are still suffering from an 8-0 thrashing
by Poland so England can inflict further torment on the minnows. "A few of
us were disappointed that it wasn't us that got the result. But we are
also hoping it might have taken quite a lot out of Azerbaijan. As a
striker, I look at it as a chance to score a few, but you don't care who scores
as long as you get the result."
A student who accused footballer
Wayne Rooney of punching him in a
nightclub has dropped the claims. Patrick Hanrahan, of Eaglescliffe,
in Stockton-on-Tees, alleged the England and Manchester United star attacked him
in Manchester's Tiger Tiger nightclub. The 22-year-old was said to have
been attacked after taunting Rooney about his Ł28m move from Everton.
Greater Manchester Police said on Wednesday he had since retracted his statement
and no further action would be taken. Although according to Teesside's
local newspaper, Hanrahan will be pursuing a civil claim against Rooney.
Stuart Pearce has told
Danny Mills he has to prove his
form before winning back his Manchester City place. Mills, 27, was dropped
for Pearce's first game in charge of City and was in action for the reserves on
Tuesday. "He has been left out of the side and that was tough for him. I
understand how he feels but he also understands his form wasn't good. He
is prepared to stand toe-to-toe to get a place in the side and that process
starts in the reserves."
Howard Wilkinson
is to expand his role at Notts County to help out the club's management team.
Wilkinson, who was boss at County before successful spells at Sheffield
Wednesday and Leeds, recently returned to Meadow Lane as an executive director.
He will now take the League Two strugglers for some training sessions.
Tuesday,
29 March 2005 -
The
England Under 21 side beat Azerbaijan 2-0 at the Riverside Stadium,
Middlesbrough.
Alan
Shearer has backed Michael Owen to become the country's leading scorer of
all-time. Owen will move into a tie with Shearer for fourth place on the
list if he scores against Azerbaijan on Wednesday. That would take him to
30 goals for England and Shearer believes Owen will pass Sir Bobby Charlton's
record of 49. "If he steers
clear of injuries, he'll beat Sir Bobby's mark. The lad is only 25 so time is
very much on his side."
Sven-Göran Eriksson
has said he will name the same team that beat Northern Ireland for the
game against Azerbaijan on Wednesday. David Beckham had a back problem and
Steven Gerrard an ankle injury
but both are fit for the World Cup qualifier.
Stuart Pearce should remain in charge beyond the
summer, according to Manchester City defender Richard Dunne. Pearce
succeeded Kevin Keegan as City boss but his position is awaiting review.
But Dunne, 25, feels that Pearce has brought positive changes to the team and
should stay for continuity's sake. "He's been there so long and training has
improved already. I think everyone would appreciate it if he got the job."
John
Terry will use England's World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan on
Wednesday to aid his bid for a regular starting place in the England side.
He is determined to break up what many perceive as the first-choice central
defensive pairing of Sol Campbell, who is out injured, and Rio Ferdinand.
The 24-year-old said: "Hopefully, with the chances I am getting at the moment
with England, I can prove myself. It's down to me. Now I've got my place
in the side, hopefully I can keep it."
Monday,
28 March 2005 -
Peter Taylor's
Hull City (2nd) lose 1-0 to Oldham Athletic (18th). Brian Little's
Tranmere Rovers (3rd) lose 4-2 to Doncaster Rovers (9th). Colin Todd's
Bradford City (10th) beat Stockport County (24th) 3-1. Roy McFarland's
Chesterfield (13th) are beaten by Colchester United (14th) 1-0. Paul Merson's
Walsall (19th) are beaten 3-2 by Barnsley (12th).
Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town (11th) beat Kidderminster Harriers (23rd) 3-1.
Michael
Owen has paid tribute to England strike partner Wayne Rooney as the pair
set their sights on Azerbaijan in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier. Owen
said: "We complement each other well. I love to score goals and Wayne creates as
many as he scores. He is a fantastic player. We are totally opposite, but
our goals record together is very pleasing. Everyone knows I like to play
on the shoulder of the last defender and get goals, while Wayne's strength is
that he comes off defenders and can play great balls through."
England
are set to name an unchanged line-up for the World Cup qualifier against
Azerbaijan after David Beckham and Steven Gerrard
trained on Monday. Beckham has had a back problem and Gerrard took a knock
on the ankle in the 4-0 win against Northern Ireland. Eriksson said:
"There shouldn't be any problems for Wednesday night and, if they are all fit,
they deserve to start another game together." Beckham has had a scan, but
is expected to figure at St James' Park.
Steve McManaman has hinted that he may retire if his
current injury troubles do not clear up this summer. The 33-year-old
Manchester City midfielder has not played since 7 March and has been dogged by
calf and Achilles problems this season. "I will go away on holiday and sit
down and if my body feels good I might carry on. If it feels terrible and
I still have aches and pains then it might be time. But I won't know for six
months or so."
Easter Sunday,
27 March 2005 -
Sven-Göran Eriksson
says he would not swap his new-look England midfield with any other quartet in
the world. Eriksson was impressed with how Joe Cole played alongside David
Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in Saturday's win over Northern
Ireland. He said: "I would not change these four midfielders with anyone.
Many managers in the world would wish to have those four in their side. If
we have almost all the players fit then we have an excellent team."
Peter
Taylor has agreed a 12-month extension to his contract, keeping him
in charge of the under-21 team until the end of 2005-2006 season. Taylor
has led England to the top of their Uefa Under-21 Championship qualifying group
after returning for a second spell in charge last summer. Taylor said:
"I'm pleased to have signed the new contract. FA director of football
development Sir Trevor Brooking and myself were always confident it would
happen." The new deal means Taylor will continue his dual role as coach to
England's young charges and as manager of League One leaders Hull City.
Stuart Pearce says he will leave Manchester City if
he does not keep the job this summer. After three years as coach, Pearce
succeeded Kevin Keegan as City boss on
11 March, but his position will be reviewed at the end of the season.
Michael Owen has been told to leave if he is not
totally committed to the club, by club captain Raul. Owen, 25, has been
linked with a return to England after becoming frustrated at settling for a
place on the bench since his summer move from Liverpool. But Raul said:
"We only need people here who are desperate to represent Real Madrid. "If
anyone is unhappy here I think it's best that they leave. And that means anyone,
including Michael Owen."
Saturday,
26 March 2005 -
England
4 Northern Ireland 0
England turned on the style and struck four second-half goals to end Northern
Ireland's stubborn resistance in the World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford.
Northern Ireland had frustrated England with
Wayne Rooney hitting a post and
keeper Maik Taylor in outstanding form. But
Joe Cole sparked a spell of
three goals in nine minutes after the break. Michael Owen added a second
from close range before Chris Baird turned Rooney's cross into his own net and
Frank Lampard hit a deflected fourth. England were impressive in killing
off the Irish once the deadlock was broken, and Sven-Göran Eriksson
will be delighted to see his side take another giant stride towards next year's
World Cup in Germany.
Poland
kept up the pressure on Sven-Göran Eriksson's side with a thumping 8-0 win over
Azerbaijan. A Tomasz Frankowski hat-trick, a Marek Saganowski brace plus
goals from Kamil Kosowski, Jacek Krzynowek and Aftandil Hajiyev's own goal
proved enough. Wales lost 2-0 to Austria, Martin Stranzl and Ivica Vastic
scoring.
Peter Taylor's
Hull City (1st) drew 2-2 with Port Vale (17th). Roy McFarland's
Chesterfield (13th) drew 2-2 with Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers (3rd).
Paul Merson's Walsall (18th) lost to Oldham Athletic (19th).
Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town (14th) draw 0-0 with Chester (21st).
Sven-Göran Eriksson
believes Joe Cole can be the long-term solution to England's left-flank problem.
"He can be the answer if he carries on like this. He was excellent and I
don't think he lost the ball in a stupid way once which has happened before.
Of course he's very talented - he can beat people, he scores goals - but he also
defended very well today. He has finally learned that football is not only
about making tricks. It is about choosing when to do it and when not to do it.
He was absolutely perfect and, if he goes on like this, it would be very
difficult to move him from that position."
Steven Gerrard
has branded reports claiming he has already decided to leave Liverpool for
Chelsea in the summer as "absolute rubbish". He said: "I held a news
conference last summer to say I was staying and the situation hasn't changed
since then. The suggestion I've already made up my mind to leave and I've
done a deal to join another club is absolute rubbish. I've not even been
thinking about it. There's been a lot of rubbish written about me and it's
getting ridiculous." Despite turning down a move to Stamford Bridge last summer,
rumours linking Gerrard to Chelsea have persisted and the Liverpool captain
admitted he was becoming frustrated.
Good Friday,
25 March 2005 -
England
U21 draw 2-2 with Germany U21.
Sven-Göran Eriksson
accepts that England still have to prove themselves on the world's major
football stage. "The squad is better than when I took over four years ago
- but that is my opinion. We've to prove it on the pitch and I'm sure if
we qualify we will have a good World Cup. I hope that we qualify for the
World Cup and that we can go further. A lot of the players are the same as
when I took over. The squad is more mature, there is a lot of experience, even
if the players are not old. You can see in the training sessions this week
that confidence is very high. To win football games we always try to play
good football. If you play good football you win more games. But if you
ask what is more important, winning or good football, I would say three points.
Northern Ireland want to beat us. It would be a big sensation not only in this
country and Northern Ireland but in Europe, so we must be ready. But I say
let's try to give a good performance and go out and try and kill them,
sportingly. Three points in a qualifying game is absolutely necessary."
Shaun
Wright-Phillips will not be sold, according to Manchester City
chairman John Wardle. Winger Wright-Phillips, 23, is rated at Ł20m and his
sale would help ease the City's Ł62m debts. "We will do everything in our
power to keep him here - he is our player under contract for another three
years. We have never said we want to sell him and he's never said he wants
to leave. There has been no official approach." Arsenal, Chelsea,
Liverpool and Tottenham have been linked with making a move for the England
international.
The
Football Association has confirmed that its executive director David
Davies - Sven-Göran Eriksson's
biggest ally - will quit his post after next year's World Cup. Davies, who
will end a 13-year stint, insists his departure will have no effect on Eriksson,
whose current contract runs until 2008. Davies said: "Everyone says I'm an
ally of Sven and of course I am. But he has other allies here at the FA.
It's my decision to leave and it is not related to his position."
Thursday,
24 March 2005 -
A 1-1 draw for Doncaster Rovers (10th) and Colin Todd's Bradford City (11th) did
little to boost their hopes of making the League One play-offs.
Transfer deadline day: Championship leaders Sunderland
have completed the free signing of Leeds striker Brian Deane. The
37-year-old has joined until the end of the season as manager Mick McCarthy
looks to increase his forward options ahead of the title run-in. McCarthy
said: "Brian will be a terrific addition. He offers us something different.
He'll thrive on the kind of service we can give him and we're well aware of the
problems he can cause teams." Deane began his career at Doncaster and has
also played for Sheffield United, Benfica and Middlesbrough.
Steve Howey joins Hartlepool United from being without a club, on a non-contract
basis.
The
Football Association has confirmed England's players will get a four-week
break before the 2006 World Cup. Sven-Göran Eriksson
said he had received a guarantee for the tournament in Germany and the FA board
has stayed true to its word. It met on Thursday to discuss the matter and
the FA Cup quarter-finals next season will be played on Wednesday to accommodate
the promise. The FA Cup final will now be the last game of the season on
13 May. An FA statement read: "The FA Cup final will be played on 13 May
2006 and there will be replays for every round of the competition, up-to and
including the sixth round, in accordance with the desire of The FA Challenge Cup
committee and the FA Premier League and Football League. The FA Cup sixth
round ties will be played midweek. This solution is in the widest-possible
interests of English football in the World Cup year of 2006."
George McCartney has been withdrawn from the Northern
Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against England and Poland
because of a groin injury. The 23-year-old Sunderland player had not
trained since the squad assembled at their Cheshire base on Tuesday and is now
heading back to his club. "I am bitterly disappointed to be missing the
game but the injury is not getting any better. Only rest can help."
England
reported a clean bill of health for their penultimate training session ahead of
Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland.
Jermaine Jenas returned to action
after being excused Wednesday's session to attend a family funeral.
Peter Taylor
will continue in his dual role of England U21 coach and Hull City manager for
another year. Taylor will also discuss his future with the Football
Association's director of development Sir Trevor Brooking within the next few
days. Taylor, who recently extended his contract at the KC Stadium until
2007, told the Hull Daily Mail: "I'm not 100% sure where things are for
next season. But the FA has had a meeting and I'm confident things will be
sorted out."
David Beckham has questioned his future with Real
Madrid after his children were targeted by paparazzi. The 29-year-old
England skipper said incidents involving his sons Brooklyn and Romeo had left
him "at a point where I don't know what to do. I love playing for Real
Madrid and I love Spain as a country. And also the fans have been incredible to
me since I moved there. But what I do get over there I've not had probably
anywhere else before."
Wednesday,
23 March 2005 -
:
March update - England remain 8th.
The
new England home kit from Umbro has been unveiled in Manchester this
afternoon. The brand new strip, which will be worn by all England teams for the
next two years, was revealed by England stars Michael Owen, David Beckham, John
Terry, Steven Gerrard, David James, Rachel Yankey and Rachel Unitt.
Ashley Cole,
Chelsea, and their manager José Mourinho have all been charged by the Premier
League over the 'tapping-up' row. An investigation has been completed by
the League into a meeting held at a London hotel in January and attended by
Mourinho, Cole and the player's agent. The League has now given all
parties 14 days to respond to the charges. After that an independent
three-man commission, headed by a Queen's Counsel barrister, will be appointed
to look into the case and hand down punishments.
Mark Clyde has been withdrawn from the Northern Ireland
squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against England and Poland.
The 22-year-old Wolves defender has not fully recovered from a knee injury and
medical staff believe he may require surgery to rectify the problem.
David
Beckham gave England hopes a boost in the build-up to Saturday's game
when he returned to training on Wednesday. He missed training on Tuesday
while he had a scan on a back injury but it turned out to be nothing serious.
Kieron Dyer also trained after missing out on Tuesday with a foot injury.
Jamie Carragher,
Steven Gerrard, Emile Heskey and Stewart Downing
were also involved after being rested on Tuesday. The positive verdicts on
Beckham and Dyer will give England a lift after Crystal Palace striker Andrew
Johnson was forced to pull out of the squad with an ankle injury. Eriksson
is unlikely to call up a replacement for Johnson despite leaving Manchester
United's Alan Smith out of his
original squad.
David Beckham says the police investigation
surrounding Wayne Rooney will not
affect the England striker's performance against Northern Ireland. Beckham
said: "I don't know what has gone on but from Wayne's mood it has not affected
him at all."
Tuesday,
22 March 2005 -
Lawrie
Sanchez
has named his 23-man
Northern Ireland squad to face England this weekend. Already, Sanchez
has two injury worries ahead of the game. Sunderland defender George
McCartney missed training on Tuesday because of a groin injury and has been
rated as only 50-50 to play in Manchester, and Wolves defender Mark Clyde has
been troubled by a knee injury for several weeks and has remained at his club
for treatment.
Andrew
Johnson has been forced to leave
England's squad because of an ankle injury. Johnson was sent back to his
club after a scan on Tuesday but captain David Beckham, who also had a scan on a
back injury, was passed fit.
Kieron Dyer missed training on Tuesday because of a foot injury and could
yet be forced out of the party.
Steven Gerrard, Stewart Downing,
Jamie Carragher and Emile Heskey also missed Tuesday's session. They were
in action for their clubs on Sunday but will train on Wednesday.
Wayne Rooney
could face police questioning over an alleged assault in a nightclub. A
22-year-old student has told Greater Manchester Police the England striker
assaulted him in the city's Tiger Tiger at about 0100 GMT on Tuesday.
Rooney, 19, who was with a number of team-mates in the club, is alleged to have
reacted to comments about his Ł28m summer move to United from Everton.
Police are to investigate, but a Rooney spokesman has denied the allegations.
Sven-Göran Eriksson
feels that Arsenal defender Ashley Cole will not be affected by the inquiry into
an alleged illegal approach by Chelsea. Cole, 24, who will join up with
the England squad today, was quizzed over claims he met Chelsea officials.
Eriksson said: "I won't speak to him in any other way than I would normally do.
He will be picked, he will play and he will play very well, I am sure of that. I
don't think it will affect his form. What may or may not have happened
with Chelsea, I never talk to him about it and it is nothing to do with the
national team."
Monday,
21 March 2005 -
Oleh
Blokhin has been reinstated as national team coach by the Football Federation of
Ukraine (FFU) despite resigning last week. The FFU accepted the coach's
resignation last Wednesday after suggestions that the former Soviet Union
international could not continue to be both Ukraine coach and a member of the
Ukrainian parliament, but it has reversed that decision after a public outcry.
Sven-Göran Eriksson
has insisted England's end-of-season tour of America will be worthwhile.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsené Wenger have questioned the need for the matches
against US and Colombia in May. But Eriksson said: "We play two games
against non-European teams, which is good thinking for the World Cup as it is
the only chance we get to do that. There will be some young players going
and it is a good chance to see them." Ferguson and Wenger have suggested
that the timing of the tour means players will not get the close-season rest
they need but Eriksson disagrees. "I am not worried that the players will
get too little holiday as, when we made fixture list for the World Cup
qualifiers, my only request was not to play in June. I think it is very
important that they have a good holiday and think about what is happening next
summer with the World Cup." However, Ferguson has threatened not to
release his stars, which could mean Eriksson would be without the likes of Wayne
Rooney and Rio Ferdinand. And Eriksson admitted that, after a gruelling
season, "I am sure some players will need operations".
Emile Heskey's recall into the
England squad has delighted his Birmingham City club manager Steve Bruce.
"For his type he is the best English centre-forward there is. Of course,
you've got Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen who are different types of players but
I bet they all love to play alongside an Emile Heskey. I think if you
asked Michael (Owen) he will tell you he enjoyed playing alongside Emile at
Liverpool. You saw again against Villa how hard it is for a centre-half to
contain a skilful, powerful big lump like Emile. But he is also quick and
has got a good touch and he has led the line manfully all season and I am
delighted he is back with England."
Sunday,
20 March 2005 -
Sven-Göran Eriksson
has recalled Emile Heskey to his
24-man squad for the two forthcoming World Cup qualifiers. The
Birmingham City has been pushing for a recall and Eriksson has brought him back
while dropping Manchester United's
Alan Smith. Fellow forward
Andy Johnson has kept his place in the squad but the axe has also fallen on
Darius Vassell. Newcastle
United midfielder Nicky Butt is another not to be included along with Heskey's
club team-mate and central defender
Matthew Upson. Heskey has not featured in an England squad since
pulling out of the friendly against
Ukraine in August 2004
with an injury. But he has been showing improved form of late and has
scored six goals in his last 10 Premiership outings, including the opener in his
side's derby win over Aston Villa today. Johnson has been included despite
a foot injury and is set to miss the first couple of days of training.
Central defender Sol Campbell is out through injury.
Birmingham City (13th) win the first local derby of the day, beating Aston Villa
(11th) 2-0 with Emile Heskey scoring the opening City goal.
Steven Gerrard sets Liverpool
(5th) on their way to victory over Everton (4th) in a 2-1 win.
Dennis Wise's Millwall (10th) beat Preston North End (4th) 3-0.
Terry Butcher's Motherwell are thrashed by Rangers 5-1, in the CIS
Cup final.
Saturday, 19 March 2005 -
Chelsea remain top of the Premiership with 11 points after their win over
Crystal Palace (17th), Frank
Lampard & Joe Cole scored the
first two goals of a 4-1 win.
Jermain Defoe scores for Tottenham Hotspur (9th) as they beat Stuart
Pearce's Manchester City (12th).
Kieron Dyer scores for Newcastle United (11th) as they draw with Portsmouth
(15th), whose goal is scored by Steve Stone. Bryan Robson's West Bromwich
Albion (19th) beat Charlton Athletic (7th) 4-1.
Joe Royle's Ipswich Town (3rd) suffer a blow to their promotion hopes as they
are held to a scoreless draw by Gillingham (21st).
Glenn Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderers
(13th) earn yet another 1-1 draw, against Stoke City (10th).
Peter Taylor's
Hull City (2nd) thrash Bournemouth (6th). Colin Todd's Bradford City
(11th) lose to Hartlepool United (5th). Roy McFarland's Chesterfield (12th)
draw with Brentford (7th). Paul Merson's Walsall (18th) lose at Port
Vale (16th).
Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town (16th) draw 4-4 with Bristol Rovers (17th).
Tony Cottee, the former West Ham United striker, has
revealed he is part of a consortium interested in buying the club. The
Championship side were relegated two seasons ago and currently lie outside the
play-off positions. "I've spoken to some potential investors in West Ham,
all of which are fans and have obviously done well in their respective
businesses. There is the potential of building a consortium with a view to
buying the club."
Arsené Wenger insists unsettled Ashley Cole will
stay at Arsenal, despite a Premier League inquiry into his alleged meeting with
rivals Chelsea. Arsenal boss Wenger said: "Will Ashley stay for years to
come? Yes, that's my wish and I believe it will happen. At some stage, I
feel it did affect him, but now he's over it as the hearing has taken place."
Wenger added: "We've had time to reflect on the situation and he looks to me
like he is over it."
Sir
Alex Ferguson has indicated he may not release his stars for England's
American tour in May. Ferguson said: "It is not a Fifa tournament, so
we're not obliged to send our players. We will have to assess who needs to
rest and see who actually wants to go because players don't always want to.
Players with clubs at the top of the league will have had a much harder season
than others."
Sven-Göran Eriksson
admits he has tried to talk Paul Scholes out of international retirement.
Eriksson said: "I met Paul Scholes once a couple of months ago at Old Trafford
before a game and I asked him if he had changed his mind and he said 'no'.
I don't think he will come back. Maybe I will try again but not before the two
games coming up with Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan. I have to say we
miss Paul Scholes because he is a very good football player but when we meet up,
now for nine days and hopefully at the World Cup for five or six weeks, you want
to have a happy player. If he is not happy, he will not perform as good as
he could do. That is why I am not phoning him every week and going on my knees
asking him to come back."
Friday, 18 March 2005 -
Teddy Sheringham scores two as West Ham United (7th) draw two each with
Leicester City (16th).
Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers (3rd) thrash Peterborough United (23rd) 5-0.
Liverpool, with
Steven Gerrard and Jamie
Carragher, will meet Juventus and Chelsea, with
John Terry,
Frank Lampard,
Joe Cole,
Wayne Bridge,
Scott Parker &
Glen Johnson, will play Bayern
Munich, with Owen Hargreaves,
in the quarter-finals.
Newcastle United,
with Alan Shearer, Nicky Butt, Kieron
Dyer, Lee Bowyer &
Jermain Jenas, will meet Sporting
Lisbon in the quarter-finals after the draw was made in Switzerland.
Stuart Pearce is desperate not to see England winger
Shaun Wright-Phillips
leave the club. The 23-year-old has been linked with a big-money summer
move away from City, who are Ł62m in debt. But Pearce said: "I would
prefer the best players to stay here, and I think I can improve him. He is
an extremely good player, who could play anywhere in the world - but as far as I
am concerned he has a big future here."
Arsené Wenger has questioned the need for England's
end-of-season tour of America. "I cannot understand the logic of going to
the United States. On one hand you want the England national team to have
a four-week break before the World Cup in 2006. But then you don't give
them a holiday after a long and exhausting season." The Frenchman suggested
there is an ulterior motive for the matches - rather than preparation for
Germany 2006. "I think money might come into it. I cannot understand
why international teams who are preparing for the World Cup have a busy summer
this year. Next season will start early anyway because of the World Cup
and that means that the close season this year will be short. The most
important thing is to give the players a breather. Half of the team will
pull out anyway and the other half will be going after having played 55 games.
I am not at all happy to lose Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell. But I didn't
organise the tour. "
Thursday, 17 March 2005 -
Azerbaijan's
Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Torres named his
22-man squad on
Thursday for World Cup Group Six qualifiers away to Poland and England on March
26 and 30.
Steve McManaman looks set to miss Saturday's game at Tottenham after
suffering another injury setback. McManaman, 33, has a calf strain after
being dogged by an Achilles problem. City boss Stuart Pearce told the club
website: "We think we have lost Steve McManaman with a slight injury. He should
not be out for too long. We have a break after the match, which might give
Steve a bit of a breathing space to get back again."
David Beckham is not about to leave Real Madrid, according to club
president Florentino Perez. He has urged supporters to get behind Beckham
and the rest of the team, after protests in Sunday's loss to Getafe. "I
have denied everything to my players. I never said any Real Madrid player is on
the market," said Perez. "I can't believe the players are being criticised
like this, especially Becks, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane. They give everything
for the club." Beckham has also reiterated his desire to stay at Real but
admits their lack of success may lead to his sale in the summer. "I've
already said that I'm happy in Madrid. I want to stay, but you never know in
football. People say players will be sold at the end of the season but
we'll handle it. The motivation is to prove them wrong."
Bill McGarry, the Former Ipswich Town, Wolverhampton
Wanderers and Newcastle United manager has died aged 77 after a long illness.
The former England player took Ipswich Town into the First Division in 1968, and
guided Wolves to the 1972 Uefa Cup final and a League Cup victory in 1974.
He enjoyed less success at St James' Park between 1977-80 and returned for an
ill-fated second spell at Wolves which lasted just 61 days in 1985. His
funeral will take place on Saturday in South Africa.
Robert Lee, the former England international, has
agreed to join League Two play-off challengers Wycombe Wanderers. Lee, 39,
is to sign a deal until the end of the season at the Causeway Stadium after
spending time training with John Gorman's side. "I'm delighted. He's a
player of sheer class," Gorman said. Ex-Charlton Athletic and Newcastle
United midfielder Lee left West Ham United at the end of last season and made a
brief comeback in November playing one game for Oldham Athletic.
Wednesday, 16 March 2005 -
round of 16, second leg:
Newcastle United eased their way into the quarter-finals with a comprehensive
victory over Olympiakos (4-0 - aggregate 7-1).
Kieron Dyer produced a cheeky
backheeled finish to put United ahead after just 18 minutes. A demoralised
Olympiakos offered no threat and Nicky Butt crashed a superb drive against the
bar before Alan Shearer drove in from close range.
Lee Bowyer hit the third on 54
minutes before Shearer rifled a shot into the roof of the net to seal victory.
With the tie over, it was no surprise that the pace of the game dropped to less
than pedestrian. Fittingly, Shearer was able to almost walk around the
Greek goalkeeper before notching his 191st goal for Newcastle. It was no
more than Newcastle deserved from a performance which oozed pace, power and
professionalism. Jermain Jenas
also put in a superb performance.
Charlton Athletic (7th) beat Tottenham Hotspur (9th) with one of the goals from
Danny Murphy.
The
Premier League is expected to appoint an independent disciplinary
commission to further investigate the
Ashley Cole 'tapping up' saga. An inquiry into the affair has been
completed and there seems to be enough evidence for a case against Chelsea.
The Premier League would act as the prosecution and Chelsea as the defence.
A three-man panel would be set up to hear the case after an alleged meeting
which has been one of the major talking points of the season.
Andy
Johnson's England career could be over after
only one appearance as a substitute.
Sven-Göran Eriksson has hinted he
will axe Johnson, top English scorer in the Premiership this season. But
Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing
will keep his place in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Northern
Ireland and Azerbaijan. Eriksson said: "Johnson is always an interesting case,
but Downing will be involved, he is a big consideration." Johnson failed
to make an impression after being thrown on in an unfamiliar right-wing role for
the last 20 minutes of England's drab goalless draw in the
friendly against Netherlands
at Villa Park. Eriksson said: "I was criticised for playing him there,
but I think he was happy to do that." Eriksson will name his squad for the
World Cup qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan this weekend, but
refused to say if Johnson would be included. "I have not picked my squad
yet."
Matthew Upson will consider his future at Birmingham
when he sees their contract offer. The 25-year-old's failure to agree a
new deal has led to speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool. His
agent Barry Neville said: "If Birmingham make an offer, then Matthew will
consider it but he can only do that if they make an offer. Matthew is
coming to an important stage in his career so he will think about any new
contract very seriously."
Ukraine coach Oleh Blokhin has resigned despite his
side being in pole position to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals.
Blokhin was in charge when
England beat Ukraine in August
Tuesday, 15 March 2005 -
Bryan Robson's West Bromwich Albion lose by a single goal
to Chelsea. Captain John Terry
insists the title race is not over, despite extending their lead to 11 points.
He said after the 1-0 win: "It is not in the bag - there is still a long way to
go. Manchester United are pushing us all the way. We still need a few
wins. I had great respect for West Bromwich Albion because they have been
fighting and have shown that they want to stay in the Premiership."
Manchester United's Gary Neville has all but conceded the Premiership crown to
Chelsea. "They can make a mistake but it is looking less likely as each
game goes by. We still harbour hopes that they could really collapse. But
we need more than a blip now, it would be a monumental disaster for them not to
win it. All we can try and do is make sure we maintain our own form so if
they do falter we can capitalise on them." Chelsea need only 17 points
from the remaining nine league games of the campaign and time is running out for
Manchester United to close the gap.
Joe Royle's Ipswich Town (3rd) beat Cardiff City (20th) with a single penalty.
Steve Coppell's Reading (6th) are beaten by bottom club Rotherham United (24th).
A Teddy Sheringham goal earned West Ham United (7th) a draw against Crewe
Alexandra (17th). Dennis Wise's Millwall (10th) draw 1-1 with Coventry
City (21st). Glenn Hoddle's
Wolverhampton Wanderers (13th) beat Burnley (14th) 2-0 with a goal from Paul
Ince.
Teddy Sheringham has revealed that Blackburn
Rovers boss Mark Hughes tried to sign him during the transfer window in January.
Sheringham, 38, said in his programme notes ahead of United's game at home to
Crewe Alexandra that Upton Park boss Alan Pardew rejected a player-swap offer.
"The manager told me that Mark Hughes enquired about me going to Ewood Park in a
swap deal. Alan Pardew said I was going nowhere and I was quite happy
about that."
Kevin Keegan will not be joining the management
staff at Portsmouth, insists Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric. "Kevin's
not on our list, because he only became available recently and I don't believe
he's looking for a job at the moment. Gordon [Strachan]'s a different
matter, we're definitely going to talk to him."
David Beckham
has described Chelsea as a "major contender" for the Champions League.
"They have a young manager who has come in and keeps the pressure off the
players with the way he is. He is well respected for that. People said it
was going to take a while for them to gel but they have gelled straight away and
it is full credit to the manager and the players. Seeing how they're
performing they're a major Champions League contender."
Lawrie Sanchez, the Northern Ireland boss, wants his players to give a
high octane performance when they face England on 26 March. Sanchez is
hoping they will respond in the same way at Old Trafford as they did when
drawing 2-2 with Wales despite finishing the game with only nine men.
"What I do hope is the players react in the same way as they did at the
Millennium Stadium. I asked them then to step up to the crease and be
counted and they did."
Monday, 14 March 2005 -
Semi-final draw
pairs Manchester United with Newcastle United and Arsenal with Blackburn Rovers.
The ties will have its fair share of England players, both former and current,
on show.
David Beckham has opened the first of his international soccer schools in
south-east London. The David Beckham Academy was unveiled on the Greenwich
peninsula as part of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Millennium
Dome site. There will be two full-size pitches and 15,000 youngsters aged
between eight and 15 will be able to train there. The Real Madrid star
said it was not just about creating players, but about creating fun for
youngsters.
Ashley Cole
has given evidence today to the Premier League inquiry investigating claims he
met representatives from Chelsea. José Mourinho, the Chelsea manager
accused of meeting Cole at a London hotel in January, could also attend.
Cole's agent Jonathan Barnett has denied he or the player met Mourinho and Blues
chief executive Peter Kenyon. But Gunners boss Arsené Wenger believes the
meeting, first alleged in the News of the World newspaper, did happen.
Sunday, 13 March 2005 -
Graham Taylor
was approached to work with boss Brian Tinnion and his assistant Keith Millen,
reveals Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown. But the ex-England manager
Taylor was unavailable due to other commitments. "We did make an enquiry,
but Graham is contracted to BBC Radio Five Live. He is currently not
available, but we are looking at bringing somebody with experience to the club -
but a person Brian and Keith want to work with." Millen was a player at
Watford during Taylor's second spell in charge at Vicarage Road during the
mid-1990s.
Jamie Carragher has revealed that he wants to stay
at Anfield for the rest of his career. The 27-year-old defender, who has
two years left on his contract, said: "When I say life, I mean it. I want to
stay here. I'm not kidding myself. I'm not going to go any higher than
Liverpool. If your club's in the Champions League that's the ultimate -
and obviously you want to win trophies. I've never even thought about leaving.
I've been lucky enough to win trophies here in the past and I want to win bigger
trophies now - the Champions League and the Premiership. We're not at that
level yet but the new manager - if he can bring in a few more players - can get
us to that level."
Saturday, 12 March 2005 -
quarter-finals: Paul Scholes scores two, as Manchester United
thrash Southampton 4-0.
Wigan Athletic maintain top spot in the
Championship with victory over Dennis Wise's Millwall (12th). Joe Royle's
Ipswich Town (2nd) bounced back from three successive defeats with a six-goal
demolition of Nottingham Forest (23rd). Steve Coppell's Reading (6th)
scored three against West Ham United's (7th) one, from Teddy Sheringham.
Glenn Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderers
(14th) drew 2-2 with Preston North End (5th).
Peter Taylor's
Hull City (2nd) beat Torquay United (21st). Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers
(4th) beat Hartlepool United (6th). Colin Todd's Bradford City (10th) draw
with Peterborough United (23rd). Roy McFarland's Chesterfield (12th) beat
Huddersfield Town (15th). Paul Merson's Walsall (17th) lose 2-1 to
Bournemouth (5th).
Carlton Palmer's
Mansfield Town (14th) are beaten by Oxford United (16th).
Ashley Cole's
agent has strongly refuted Arsenal's claims that he instigated a meeting which
the England defender held with Chelsea. Arsené Wenger has publicly accused
Chelsea of "tapping-up" Arsenal defender Ashley Cole. But agent Jonathan
Barnett said: "I am happy to confirm, on the record, that the accusations
levelled at Ashley are entirely false. Not only that, they are both
appalling and offensive."
Alan Smith's
return to Elland Road for Lucas Radebe's testimonial has been ruled out amid
concerns over security. Smith, who left Leeds last season, was to be
invited to play on 2 May but the organisers decided against it, following
discussions with police. Chairman of the organising committee, David
Share, told the Yorkshire Post: "Alan Smith would love to play. But
it wouldn't be prudent so soon after him moving from Leeds to United to have him
involved."
Friday, 11 March 2005 -
England will play friendlies
against the United States and Colombia in Chicago and New Jersey in late May.
Sven-Göran Eriksson said: "Playing
the USA in their own country is a big test. We wanted to play these
matches close to the end of the season to ensure players rest properly over the
summer. They are an excellent team who have made enormous progress over
the last 10 years and were very unlucky not to make the semi-finals at the last
World Cup." England will play the
USA at Chicago's Soldier
Field on 28 May and
Colombia three days later at Giants Stadium.
Shaun Wright-Phillips
-
Manchester City chairman John Wardle is refusing to give assurances that the England
star will not be sold in the summer. He insisted he would do all he could to
keep 23-year-old Wright-Phillips, despite reported debts of around Ł60m.
Wardle said: "We have to look at everything in the summer. I am not looking
to lose Shaun or anyone. It is probably the last thing I would want to do
and I would do everything in my power to avoid that."
Peter Taylor has
signed a contract extension to keep him as the Hull City manager at the KC Stadium until June 2007.
Stuart Pearce will take temporary charge of Manchester City until the end of the
season after Kevin Keegan's departure as manager. Pearce was assistant to
Keegan and has been given a chance to stake his claim for the job on a permanent
basis, after stating his interest. If City decided not to appoint Pearce then Celtic manager Martin
O'Neill could head any managerial wish-list. Gordon Strachan, Crystal
Palace's Iain Dowie, Claudio Ranieri and Lyon coach Paul Le Guen may also be in
the frame.
Kevin Keegan has left the club 15 months ahead of his
expected departure date, Manchester City have confirmed. The 54-year-old
has left after serving just over three-and-a-half years of his five-year
contract. "We all believe this is in the best interests of the club," said
an official club statement. "His professionalism, infectious enthusiasm
and drive for success have benefited all areas of the club."
Steve Bull, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers legend, will again apply for the
manager's job at Molineux if present boss
Glenn Hoddle leaves the club at the end of the season. Bull revealed
he teamed up with former Aston Villa and Derby boss John Gregory to go for the
post in December. Instead Hoddle was appointed on a six-month contract,
but his long-term future remains in doubt. "We would have made a great
team and if Glenn does go we'll put our hat into the ring again." The
39-year-old former England striker believes the club should sort out the
situation as soon as possible to end any uncertainty.
Thursday, 10 March 2005 -
round of 16, first leg: Newcastle United took control of their Uefa
Cup tie after Olympiakos had two players sent off. Alan Shearer converted
a penalty after Grigoris Georgatos was controversially dismissed for a shove on
Kieron Dyer. United ended the tie
as 3-1
winners.
The new Wembley will open in March 2006 with an England Under-21 match or
a schoolboy international. The 2006 FA Cup final had been expected to be
the first fixture at Wembley following its redevelopment. The Football
Association needs to stage an event with only half to two-thirds of the 90,000
capacity in attendance. A full test of the stadium's safety,
organisational and power systems must be carried out before Wembley will be
awarded its safety certificate. Wembley chief executive Michael Cunnah
said: "The stadium will basically be ready by the end of January. But
before we have the first official match, the FA Cup final, we will stage a
couple of 'soft events' in order to gain the safety certificate from Brent
Council. These events will probably be an England Under-21 international
and possibly a schoolboy international. There will be a crowd of between
30,000 and 60,000, which will enable us to test all the facilities - but not at
full capacity."
David Unsworth has been banned from driving for two
years after being found to be nearly three times over the alcohol limit.
The Portsmouth Football Club player was stationary in his car 200 yards from his
home in Whiteley, Hampshire, when an officer smelled alcohol on his breath.
The 31-year-old is currently on loan to Championship club Ipswich Town.
Wednesday, 9 March 2005 -
knock-out phases, second leg: Arsenal beat Bayern Munich
by a single goal (aggregate 2-3), but not enough to take them into the
quarter-finals. Ashley Cole
played in Arsenal's first clean sheet in Europe for months, and
Owen Hargreaves played the
last minute for Munich.
Liverpool reached the quarter-finals following their 3-1 over Bayer Leverkusen
(aggregate 6-2).Jamie Carragher &
Steven Gerrard starred.
Real Madrid lose 2-0 to Juventus (aggregate 1-2), David Beckham plays and
Michael Owen was a substitute.
Joe Cole
has been praised by
Sven-Göran Eriksson after his brilliant display in Chelsea's Champions League win
against Barcelona. The 23-year-old is set to be included in England's
World Cup games against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan. Eriksson said: "I
think it is fair to say that was probably the best performance that I have seen
from Joe Cole. Since the start of the season he has been playing better
and better. He has been playing in more games which helps but I also think
he is becoming more mature, growing in confidence and getting stronger
physically. His skill has always been there and against Barcelona he
applied it excellently. I thought he played a clever game. When you see
players performing at their best in a game like that one last night - in a huge
atmosphere against top players - you have sit up and take notice."
Carlton Palmer has signed an initial deal until
2006 to become full-time boss at Mansfield Town. Palmer, 39, arrived at
Field Mill in November in a caretaker role following Keith Curle's departure,
and revealed that he was not paid for his efforts. "I was working for the
BBC at the time and I really enjoyed it, but Ron Atkinson said either I wanted
to be a successful manager or I didn't. So I just got on with it because I
have the desire to prove myself."
Tuesday, 8 March 2005 -
knock-out phases, second leg:
John Terry's header sent Chelsea
into the last eight of the Champions League after a classic clash with
Barcelona. Chelsea raced into a three-goal lead in 19 minutes, with
Frank Lampard also on target.
Chelsea won 4-2, (aggregate 5-4).
Gary Johnson &
Joe Cole also featured.
Manchester United crash out of the competition following a 1-0 defeat to Milan
(aggregate 0-2). Wes Brown, Alan
Smith, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes or
Wayne Rooney could not prevent
the defeat.
Peter Taylor's Hull City
(2nd) beat Hartlepool United (5th).
David Dunn
will be back in action in time for next season after undergoing back surgery. The 26-year-old has
made several failed comebacks from a nerve problem, which affects his
hamstrings.
Joe Royle, sacked by Manchester City in 2001, has been
stripped by the Appeal Court judges of his Ł423,000 compensation pay-out. Mr Royle, 55, sued City when he received only a fraction of the pay-off he claimed
he was due in May 2001. However, Lord Justice Sedley, Lady Justice Smith
and Lord Justice Gage, overturned the earlier court award. Mr Royle, now
Ipswich Town manager, was also ordered on Tuesday to pay City's legal costs
thought to be over Ł80,000.
Kevin Keegan feels the domination of the Premiership elite
may lead to fans deserting the game. "The top clubs are being financed
through the Champions League. They get more television money and more from
sponsors. For the West Brom's and Norwich's in this world, it is tough and
will be the same for whoever comes up this season. In four or five years
there won't be much interest in the league. Fans will say it's not worth going
to the games." Keegan, who almost took Newcastle United to the Premiership
title a decade ago, added that it was unlikely a team coming up from the
Championship would be able to challenge the best clubs.
Monday, 7 March 2005 -
Kevin Keegan's Manchester City (12th) lose by a single goal to
Bolton Wanderers (6th).
Shaun
Wright-Phillips has come through an operation to repair torn cartilage in
his knee and will start his rehabilitation immediately. "The operation was
a success," said Manchester City doctor Mark Whitaker. "Shaun is upbeat and raring to start
his rehab." The 23-year-old England international suffered the injury
during City's 3-2 win at Norwich City and it was initially feared he would be out for
eight weeks. Whitaker refuses to set a return date but is optimistic at a
speedy recovery. "We are not setting any targets but the prognosis is
promising. It was the right decision to operate and we look forward to
seeing Shaun in a City shirt again soon."
A team of Liverpool legends will play a tsunami fundraiser against a celebrity
side at Anfield. Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan, Alan Hansen, John Barnes
and Ian Rush are just a few of the names to have been confirmed for the match.
Roy Evans will take charge of the Liverpool team, while Harry Redknapp will
manage the celebrities. The match takes place on 27 March 2005. In
addition to the match, there are numerous activities planned for the day and the
organisers are hopeful of a large turn out.
Liverpool (confirmed so far): Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen, John
Barnes, Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Jason McAteer, David Johnson, Ian Rush,
John Aldridge, Phil Thompson, Neil Ruddock, Bruce Grobbelaar.
Sven-Göran Eriksson
Gary Neville will not travel to Milan with
Manchester United in the Champions League. Neville's absence with an ankle injury means Wes Brown is
likely to start at right-back, with Rio Ferdinand in central defence.
United will have to end AC Milan's nine-match unbeaten home record against
English clubs in Europe to progress after losing the first leg 1-0 at home.
Kevin Keegan has made it clear he
intends to walk away from football when his contract with Manchester City expires in
Summer 2006. The former England manager spoke out to end speculation that he is
considering signing a new deal if City reach Europe and do well next season.
Keegan said: "I will not be staying beyond my contract. People who really know
me know that is what I will do. Whatever we do next season will not make
any difference."
Sunday, 6 March 2005 -
Bryan Robson's West Bromwich Albion (19th) kept alive their hopes
of avoiding relegation by moving off the bottom of the Premiership with a
crucial win over Birmingham City (13th).
Dennis Wise's
Millwall (8th) draw with Leeds United (9th).
Paul Ince has slammed
speculation touting him as a replacement for Molineux boss
Glenn Hoddle at the end of the season.
Hoddle's contract runs out in the summer and his future is uncertain, but Ince,
37, hopes he stays on. He said: "I was very disappointed by the reports.
I'm 100% behind the gaffer and I want to play for him. Hopefully, if I can
keep playing the way I am, I can play for him next year if he's asked to stay."
Ince says his strong relationship with Hoddle has not been affected by the
reports linking him with his job.
Bryan Robson will not be axed if West Bromwich
Albion are relegated, Chairman Jeremy Peace has revealed. The Baggies
chief insisted that Robson will be given time to build a team in a bid to bounce
back. Peace said: "He will start next season, whatever division we're in,
and it is important we have long-term stability. In terms of time, it's
measured by seasons, not just a few games and Bryan is very much part of our
plans."
David Beckham is doubtful for Real Madrid's Champions League
game against Juventus after suffering a back problem. Although Beckham
played in Real's 1-1 draw against Valencia, he came off in the second half and
afterwards revealed that he was not fully fit. "I woke up on Saturday
morning and could feel my back. I had to have a lot of work and injections
on it before the game. It hasn't really responded."
Ashley Cole
- Chelsea have denied a report that they are not co-operating with the
Premier League inquiry into an alleged illegal approach for Arsenal's England
defender. A report in a
Sunday newspaper claims Chelsea coach José Mourinho and chief executive Peter
Kenyon have failed to meet "a string of demands". But a Chelsea spokesman
said: "We made it clear from the start of the inquiry that we would co-operate
fully. We completely refute any suggestion that we have not been
co-operating."
Saturday, 5 March 2005 -
Chelsea go eight points clear at the top of the table with a
comfortable win at Carrow Road, beating Norwich City (19th) 3-1, with Chelsea's
opener scored by Joe Cole.
Wigan Athletic (1st) beat Joe Royle's Ipswich Town (3rd) in the
top of the table scrap. Steve Coppell's Reading (6th) end with a scoreless
draw at Queen's Park Rangers (12th).
Glenn Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderers (13th) beat Crewe Alexandra (17th)
4-1.
Peter Taylor's Hull
City shrug off an early Tranmere Rovers goal to take another big stride to
automatic promotion. City are 2nd, 6 points behind Luton Town, but 7
points ahead of Brian Little's Tranmere side. Colin Todd's Bradford City
(10th) beat Huddersfield Town. Roy McFarland's Chesterfield (13th) draw
2-2 at Torquay United (21st). Paul Merson's Walsall (15th) are beaten by
Blackpool (16th).
Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town (14th) draw
with Shrewsbury Town (19th).
Terry Butcher's Motherwell (6th) beat Dundee United (11th).
Real Madrid (2nd) draw away at Valencia (5th), Beckham started,
cautioned, and was then substituted.
Owen Hargreaves
is still keen on a move to England from Bayern Munich with Tottenham Hotspur the club who have come
closest to signing the midfielder. The 24-year-old turned down an offer
from Spurs' director of football, Frank Arnesen, in the summer but is keeping
the lines of communication open. "The timing wasn't right last summer but
Frank told me to keep in touch. To play for a club like Tottenham and live
in London would be wonderful."
Friday, 4 March 2005 -
Sven-Göran Eriksson insists it was
essential to alter next season's FA Cup competition to give England a chance of
success in the World Cup. Fifth and sixth-round replays have been scrapped
for clubs in Europe and the Premiership will end early to allow for a four-week
break before Germany 2006. Eriksson said: "This solution is a must if we
want to compete against the best countries in the world. I'm extremely
happy and say thank you to all the people who sorted it out. To have the
same preparation as all the other countries is important. It would have been
very difficult to have one week less." Eriksson feels Fifa are right to be
insisting on a four-week break between domestic competition and the World Cup.
Wayne Rooney has won the Barclays Premiership player of the month award.
Manchester United have won five out of six games in February, including beating
Arsenal, with their only loss coming against AC Milan in the Champions League.
Rooney has produced some sparkling form on the way to scoring four goals.
David James has urged the club to clear up manager
Kevin Keegan's future at the club.
Keegan has intimated he will leave when his current deal expires at the end of
next season while there is talk he may leave at the end of this campaign.
"The manager has said he's going to see his contract out, which is another 18
months. There's a lot of speculation it's going to be the end of the
season. If not then tell us." The Manchester City goalkeeper added: "The gaffer now is doing a good
job, and that's showing in the performances. But it would be nice to know
that something is going to happen and when it's going to happen."
Andy
Johnson admits he may be forced to consider his options if Crystal
Palace are
relegated. The 23-year-old has had an outstanding season in the
Premiership, scoring 18 goals and winning his first England cap against
Netherlands at Villa Park. But he said: "If we go down I am obviously
going to want to play in the Premier League. But my first thought will be
that it is my job to get the club straight back up if I am still here."
Johnson admitted: "At this moment in time it would be very hard to leave a
gaffer like Iain Dowie. He has done so much for me and I am learning every
single day."
Shaun
Wright-Phillips has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifiers against
Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan later this month. Wright-Phillips, 23,
will have knee surgery after picking up an injury against Norwich on Monday and
could be out for up to two months. Keegan said: "Of course it is a blow to
lose Shaun. The medical opinion is that it is a six to eight-week rehab
process. But Wrighty is very professional and a quick healer and I can
assure you he is in great hands with our medical team."
David Beckham has insisted he wants to stay at Real
Madrid for the rest of his career. The 29-year-old, who moved to Real from
Manchester United in 2003, has moved to scotch rumours that he was keen for a
move back to the Premiership "When I left United, I thought I'd end my
career at Real Madrid - that is what I want."
Thursday, 3 March 2005 -
Sven-Göran Eriksson has won his
battle to secure a four-week break before the 2006 World Cup finals.
The 2006 FA Cup final - the first game at the new Wembley - has been brought
forward a week to Saturday 13 May, and the Premiership will end a week early.
Sides in the Uefa Cup will not play replays in the fifth or sixth round of the
FA Cup while Champions League teams will not have sixth-round replays. Any
ties affected will go to extra-time and penalties if necessary. The
arrangement will only be in effect next season.
Carlton Palmer is favourite to be named
permanent boss at Mansfield Town next week. Former boss Keith Curle lost his
appeal last week against the club's decision to sack him after he allegedly
bullied a trainee player in November. Stags chairman Keith Haslam says
he expects to announce the club's new manager in the next seven days. "Now
the Keith Curle situation is over we can start planning for the future."
Rinus Michels, the legendary tactician from the
Netherlands has died at the age of 77.
The coach is known as the creator of "total football" and was in charge of the
legendary Dutch side that was beaten in the final of the 1974 World Cup by West
Germany, and also the side that won the European Championship in 1988, which
included the defeat of England.
Wednesday, 2 March 2005 -
Michael Owen scored the first goal as Real Madrid returned to winning
ways with a 3-1 victory over Real Betis. Owen, starting his third
successive La Liga match, converted a low cross from Santiago Solari as his team
reduced the deficit on Barcelona to six points.
Sir Bobby Robson has been granted the Freedom of the City of Newcastle at a
glittering ceremony. The civic honour is in recognition of his successful
career and for his role as an ambassador for the north-east of England and
Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor George Douglas
presented the honorary freedom at a ceremony. Other football stars
honoured include Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn. Sir Bobby was knighted
in 2002 and received an honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from Newcastle
University in 2003. Sir Bobby's name will be engraved on to the wall on
the Banqueting Hall along with the 85 previous recipients of the honour.
Jonathan Woodgate will miss the rest of Real Madrid's season because of injury.
But Madrid have denied reports Woodgate, 25, needs further surgery on his
ruptured tendon or torn thigh. The England international defender has not
played for Madrid since joining the Spanish giants from Newcastle for Ł13.4m in
August 2004. "Woodgate is out for the season but he will not need another
operation," said a Real Madrid spokeswoman. "He recently just went for his
regular monthly check-up, and the only thing the doctor said to us was that
nothing new came out of that."
Tuesday, 1 March 2005 -
5th round replay: A Kevin Phillips goal was among Southampton's 3 goals
against Brentford. Brentford's only goal was not enough, despite scoring
first. Southampton will meet Manchester United.
James Beattie
has been declared fit for training on Tuesday, despite suffering an alleged
assault last Saturday. Beattie, 27, is not believed to be as seriously
hurt as some reports have suggested after being "the victim of an unprovoked
assault" in Birmingham. He was on a night out with his girlfriend and two
friends following Everton's 3-1 win over Aston Villa. "He was shaken but
not badly injured," said Everton spokesman Ian Ross. He added: "He did
speak to the police but will not be pressing charges. He has spoken to
manager David Moyes about what happened."
Robbie Fowler has been praised by Manchester City
boss Kevin Keegan for his landmark return to form. The
29-year-old, out of favour at City earlier this season, took his Premiership
goal tally past 150 with a brace in Monday's 3-2 win at Norwich City. "He
is still a quality player and knows where the net is - we have just got to
supply him with ammunition and, in the end, we did. He has worked hard to
get back to where he is now."
Phil Thompson has pleaded with
Steve Gerrard to reject any
overtures from Chelsea. The ex-Reds assistant boss also warned that
any honours won at Chelsea would be cheapened by the bid to buy success.
"Liverpool would think about any bid made but it will all be down to Steve in
the end. But it wouldn't have that same sweet feeling at Chelsea, where
it's all money-orientated and about simply buying the best."
___________________
CG
England Football Online