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Thursday, 31st
August
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Transfer Deadline:
Andrew Cole has become another of the mass legion of ex-England players
to join the ranks at Portsmouth, at a cost of £500,000. |
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Kevin Keegan
is wanted by Doncaster Rovers.
Chairman John Ryan has launched an
ambitious attempt to convince Kevin Keegan to take over as Rovers' new
manager. The League One club parted company with manager Dave
Penney on Wednesday. Ryan saidr: "Kevin Keegan is the man I want
as manager. It's the sort of challenge that would appeal to him."
Doncaster-born Keegan, 55, managed Newcastle, Fulham and England before
a four-year spell with Manchester City.
Keegan is good friends with Rovers chairman Ryan.
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Wednesday,
30th August
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Jonathan Woodgate
has moved to Middlesbrough from Real Madrid on a season-long loan.
Woodgate, capped five times by England, was also a target for Newcastle
United as well as Bolton Wanderers. But the lure of getting his
career back on track playing for his hometown club proved too strong. |
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Rio Ferdinand
missed England's first training session in the build-up to their Euro
2008 qualifiers against Andorra and Macedonia. Steve McClaren's
squad trained at Manchester United's Carrington training ground, but
Ferdinand worked alone in the gym after suffering a toe injury. If
he is ruled out, McClaren is expected to turn to Wes Brown. |
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Tuesday, 29th
August
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Owen Hargreaves
has admitted defeat in his bid to join
Manchester United, according to his agent.
The England midfielder was keen to leave
Bayern Munich for Old Trafford, but the German club have refused to
sanction the transfer. Hargreaves' agent Roman Grill said: "We
have to accept there is no way Bayern will allow this transfer to
happen. His only hope is that if United remain interested in him
the deal could happen at a later date."
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Jonathan Woodgate
is wanted by Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate. The former
England defender, Southgate, is hoping for an answer from Real Madrid
defender on a proposed season-long loan. Woodgate, 26, held talks
at the Riverside but former club Newcastle are also believed to be
interested in the England international. Southgate said: "We've
had discussions with him and he wants time to think about what he wants
to do. We've done everything we can to try and make it happen." |
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Saturday, 26th
August
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Rio Ferdinand could be forced to
pull out of the England squad for the opening Euro 2008 qualifiers
because of a suspected broken toe.
Ferdinand suffered the injury during
Manchester United's 2-1 win at Watford. United boss Sir Alex
Ferguson said Ferdinand faced a scan on Sunday and rated him doubtful
for England. If Ferdinand misses out, Tottenham's Michael Dawson
could be given the chance to partner captain John Terry. |
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Stewart Downing
is the subject of a renewed bid from
Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs have long been linked with Downing, 22,
and had a £6m bid by Boro rejected in the summer of 2005, but are now
understood to have offered £10m. "We made a very good bid for him.
Our highest bid to be honest," said Spurs manager Martin Jol. "He
is the number one player we want. We want the best and for us he is the
best player," added the Dutchman. |
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Premiership: Darren Bent scores
twice against Bolton Wanderers as Charlton Athletic capture their first
victory of the season. Peter Crouch secures victory for Liverpool
as his goal gives the reds' a 2-1 win over West Ham United. Andy
Johnson scores again for Everton as they beat Tottenham Hotspur.
Emile Heskey scored his first ever goal in Wigan Athletic colours as
they beat Reading. |
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Friday, 25th
August
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Steve McClaren
has picked a 24-man squad for
the upcoming Euro 2008 double header against Andorra and Macedonia.
Everton striker Andy Johnson has earned an international
recall after a flying start to his Everton career with Michael Carrick also
returning after recovering from an ankle injury. Gary Neville is rested
and Jamie Carragher is the only other exclusion from the squad following an
ankle injury last week. |
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Wednesday,
23rd August
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Premiership:
New Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry secures the points against Steve
Coppell's Reading, Barry scored the winner in Villa's 2-1 win. |
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Sir Bobby
Robson
is recovering in hospital after
undergoing an operation to remove a small tumour on his brain. A
statement said the operation went "very well" and that the tumour had
been completely removed. The 73-year-old, who is currently a
consultant for the Republic of Ireland side, will be attended to by his
consultants over the next two days. |
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Tuesday, 22nd
August
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Premiership: Jermaine Jenas scores
the second of Tottenham Hotspur's two goals as they beat Sheffield
United. |
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Champions League: Peter Crouch
scored Liverpool's only goal of the game against Maccabi Haifi of
Israel. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but the 3-2 aggregate win
sent Liverpool into the Champions' League proper draw on Friday. |
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Kevin Phillips
has signed for West Bromwich Albion for a fee of £700,000. It ends
Sunderland's attempts to sign their former star. The two clubs
were given permission to talk to the 33-year-old after having bids for
the player accepted. Phillips was in the Villa squad to play
Reading on Wednesday but manager Martin O'Neill has allowed him a speedy
exit. Bryan Robson said: "We have signed a vastly-experienced
player who has played at the top level throughout his career. His
anticipation to get himself a chance, and the quality he has got in
converting those chances, are the reasons we have brought him here."
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Graham Roberts
has been sacked as Clyde manager on the grounds of gross misconduct.
For legal reasons, the Scottish First Division club are not commenting
further on the decision to remove Roberts. But the move follows a
long investigation into Roberts' behaviour on a post-season tour and
allegations of racist and anti-semitic comments.
Roberts had been placed on leave while Clyde's probe
dragged on during the summer and into the first weeks of the season.
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Sunday,
20th August
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Premiership: Chelsea defend their
title with a 3-0 win over Stuart Pearce's Manchester City, John terry
and Frank Lampard open the scoring. Wayne Rooney scores two as
Manchester United thrash Fulham 5-1. |
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Sir Bobby
Robson
is to have surgery on a brain tumour.
The 73-year-old was taken to
hospital after falling ill during a match on 5 August at Ipswich.
Robson, who has overcome cancer three times in the past said "On
Wednesday I will have an operation to remove the tumour. As
surgeons tell me the rest of my body is clean, I should be able to make
a full recovery." |
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Wayne Rooney
has reportedly threatened to reduce his off-field role with England in
protest at his three-match ban from the FA. The England striker
was handed the ban for his red card in a pre-season friendly against
Porto on 4 August. Reports claim Rooney's agent Paul Stretford has
sent a letter to FA chief executive Brian Barwick, saying his client
"feels extremely let down". Rooney is apparently ready to pull out
of commercial activities for the FA.
Stretford's letter reportedly said: "I am writing on
behalf of my client to express his utter dismay at the decision not to
overturn the ban. "Rooney feels extremely let down by the FA on
this matter. While he will continue if selected to play for his
country with pride and commitment, he is considering withdrawing his
support for the FA's commercial programme. In other words, he will
not allow his image to be used or exploited, or participate in personal
appearances for and on behalf of the FA's commercial partners unless he
is satisfied with how the FA conducts its affairs in regard to player
matters." |
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Saturday, 19th
August
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Premiership season opens for
business once more. Andrew Johnson scores on his Everton league
debut as Everton beat Watford 2-1. Scott Parkers scores Newcastle
United's opener as the 'toon beat Wigan Athletic 2-1. The teacher
meets pupil as Steve Coppell's Reading side come from behind to beat
Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough, boro's first goal from Stewart
Downing. Robbie Fowler scored an equalising penalty as Liverpool
drew 1-1 at Sheffield United. Darren Bent was also on the
scoresheet, but his penalty was not enough to overcome West Ham United,
Charlton Athletic were beaten 3-1. |
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Wednesday,
16th August
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Steve McClaren's first outing as
England coach ends with a 4-0 drubbing of Greece. New captain John
Terry opened the scoring.
Frank Lampard scored and Peter Crouch scored two more, all in the
first-half. |
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Owen Hargreaves
is considering an offer from Manchester United. "The offer from
United is fantastic," Hargreaves, who recently signed a contract
extension with Bayern, told German magazine Sport Bild.
"Particularly as an England international, it is of interest and you
never know if such an opportunity will arise again. Now is the
time to take the next step to develop even further."
Hargreaves has spent his entire professional career
with Bayern since moving to Germany from Canada in 1997.
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West Ham United have signed
Norwich City and England goalkeeper Robert Green in a transfer which
could eventually be worth up to £2m. The 26-year-old, who had also
attracted the interest of Charlton Athletic, has signed a four-year deal
at Upton Park after completing a medical on Wednesday. The Hammers
say Green is "almost fully recovered" from the torn groin muscle which
ruled him out of the World Cup. |
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Tuesday, 15th
August
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Steve McClaren
will play Steven Gerrard on the right side of midfield against Greece.
"I spoke with Stevie and he is delighted with that - he will play
anywhere for England. It is an evolution. We are looking at one or
two different things and the shape of the team is one of them."
McClaren will also start with Jermain Defoe, who was left out of
England's World Cup squad, and Stewart Downing, who played just 50
minutes in Germany. With strikers Wayne Rooney rested, because he
is suspended for the first two Euro 2008 qualifiers, and Michael Owen
injured, McClaren had called up Defoe and West Ham's Dean Ashton.
It had appeared that Ashton would partner Peter Crouch up front, but he
has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury in training.
Dean Ashton
is out of England's friendly after
suffering an ankle injury during training.
John Terry took part in training for the
first time since being named captain but 22-year-old Ashton's withdrawal
clouded the session. Steve McClaren said: "It's disappointing when
a young player is given his chance and gets injured. Dean is
having a scan at the hospital and we're awaiting the outcome."
McClaren had based part of his training around the West Ham forward but
the injury suffered half way through training on Tuesday has forced the
England coach into a rethink. "We did some with work on Dean on
Monday and were going to do some more this morning, but these things
happen in football. We are just very sorry to see this happen."
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Monday, 14th
August
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Norwich City
have accepted an offer from West Ham United for keeper Robert Green.
The Hammers have offered a fee which could eventually rise to £2m and
any move would see them swoop for Green under the noses of Charlton
Athletic. Green, 26, has already held talks with the Addicks as he
recovers from a torn groin muscle that ruled him out of England's World
Cup campaign. West Ham still have to agree personal terms with the
player whose switch would also be subject to a medical. |
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Scott Carson
has gone on loan to Charlton Athletic until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old was England's third goalkeeper at the World Cup and is
currently with the U21 squad. Last month the former Leeds
goalkeeper extended his contract at Anfield by two years until 2011.
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Friday, 11th
August
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Dean Ashton has
received his first England call-up to face Greece next week. David
Beckham is dropped while Wayne Rooney, who is suspended for the first
two Euro 2008 qualifiers, is rested. Sol Campbell and David James
have been also been left out, but Jermain Defoe, Phil Neville, Wes Brown
and Chris Kirkland return to the squad. Luke Young, Kieran
Richardson, Darren Bent and Shaun Wright-Phillips are in.
Tottenham's Michael Dawson and Manchester United keeper Ben Foster, who
were both on World Cup stand-by, are also in McClaren's set-up.
Chelsea's Joe Cole and Manchester United's Michael Carrick are both
injured, while Gary Neville, although struggling with a groin problem,
is included.
Terry
Venables has been unveiled as
assistant manager to Steve McClaren. Venables, 63, was England coach between 1994
and 1996 and he was keen to get on board to help McClaren's "evolution".
"I feel wonderful to be involved again," said Venables. "It is a great
privilege. I was asked and I was very interested from the word go. I am
not looking to be a rival. I am looking to help Steve. We will get the
balance right." Middlesbrough first-team coach Steve Round, who
worked with McClaren at the Riverside, will also join the new-look
England staff on an informal basis. Round is staying in his
full-time role at Boro but will join up with England for individual
games. Middlesbrough's assistant manager Bill Beswick will also
join up with McClaren's England for matches, as a psychologist. |
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David James has
signed for Portsmouth after passing a medical and agreeing personal
terms. City accepted Pompey's bid for James, said to be in the
region of £1.2m, yesterday and the 36-year-old has now signed a two-year
deal. He is set to take over as the number one goalkeeper at
Fratton Park. Redknapp has already signed Sol Campbell, Glen
Johnson and David Thompson. |
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Thursday, 10th
August
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John Terry
has been named as the new captain of England, with Steven Gerrard made
vice-captain by Steve McClaren. Terry begins his reign against
Greece on 16 August. McClaren said: "I'm convinced he will prove
to be one of the best captains England has ever had. John has all
the attributes an international captain needs - leadership, authority,
courage, ability, tactical awareness and a total refusal to accept
second-best. He has been an inspiration for Chelsea and is at his
best in adversity. Over the five years I've been involved with the
England coaching set-up I've seen first hand the respect that John has
among his fellow players. There are a number of strong leaders in
the squad and he will not lack support on and off the pitch."
Terry said he was delighted with the appointment. "It is the
ultimate honour to be the captain of your country and I am very proud to
be given this great opportunity. It is an incredible challenge and
one I am looking forward to very much." |
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Greece have
chosen an experienced
22-man squad
for the friendly against England at Old Trafford on 16 August.
Coach Otto Rehhagel has stuck with the core of the team that won Euro
2004 but failed to qualify for this year's World Cup finals in Germany.
Manchester City's Georgios Samaras and Bolton's Stelios are among 10
overseas-based players in the party. Greece open the title defence
against Moldova in Group C on 2 September. |
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Manchester City
have accepted an offer from Portsmouth for England international
goalkeeper David James. The 36-year-old's fiancee lives in the
south of England and he has told City of his desire to quit the club he
joined in a £2m deal in January 2004. Pompey are believed to have
offered £1m for James, who is about to enter the final year on his deal
at City. James is set to discuss personal terms with Pompey and is
believed to want a three-year contract. |
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Tuesday, 8th
August
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Sol Campbell
has moved to Portsmouth on a free transfer. The 31-year-old agreed to a
two-year contract with Pompey. Pompey boss Harry Redknapp said
"I told him Portsmouth are a club going places, a good club to come to.
It's a very ambitious club now. We are going to keep moving forward and
he can be part of something very exciting. So I think he was up for
that. I think he'll give the place a real lift just coming in.
He's a top, top player, a big character and I think he's a great signing
for us. He's very strong. I think he's fine and looking forward to
the challenge."
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Sunday, 6th
August
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David James has
received an approach from Portsmouth. The Manchester City and
England goalkeeper did not feature in either of City's pre-season games
in Shanghai this week despite travelling to China with the rest of the
squad. "I think they've been in contact with the club," Stuart
Pearce said. |
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Michael Carrick
is set to miss the start of the
Premiership season after injuring his left foot against Ajax. The
midfielder lasted just 14 minutes on his second appearance Manchester
United before getting injured in a tackle from behind. "It looks
like he could be out for three weeks, there's a lot of swelling, Michael
has ligament damage to his ankle and it is difficult to say how long he
will be out because we don't know his record with injuries. But it
looks like he could be out for three weeks and it is a real blow for the
young lad. He wanted to do really well for us and this has knocked him
back a bit." said boss Sir Alex Ferguson. |
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Joe Cole
could miss the start of the Premiership season after suffering a knee
injury during the 1-0 defeat by MLS All-Stars. Cole had been on the pitch in Chicago for
just five minutes before leaving the action clutching his right knee.
"Everybody is worried because I think it's something to do with his knee
ligaments. We will have to wait until we go back to London to see
the specialist but he looks really injured." said boss Jose Mourinho. |
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Saturday, 5th
August
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Sir Bobby
Robson was taken to hospital
after falling ill 10 minutes into a game at his former club Ipswich Town
today. The 73-year-old became Ipswich's honorary club president
this summer and was paraded in front of the supporters at Portman Road
before the match. But then he complained of feeling unwell and,
after seeing the club doctor, was sent to Ipswich hospital. No
details have been released about Robson's current state of health. He
was accompanied to the hospital by Dr Hugh Davies, his cancer
specialist, although he had been Robson's guest at the match. Ipswich
Hospital bed-site manager Sandra Churchyard said: "Sir Bobby Robson is
in Accident and Emergency having routine tests performed and his
condition is comfortable." |
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Tuesday, 1st
August
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Steve McClaren
officially takes charge of the England team today as Sven-Göran
Eriksson's successor. The former Middlesbrough boss, 45, was named
as manager in May. Among his first duties after arriving at
Football Association headquarters will be to begin preparations for a
friendly against Greece on 16 August. McClaren will announce his
backroom team in London on 11 August. Bill Beswick, McClaren's sports
psychology guru and assistant manager at Middlesbrough, is also expected
to be given a backroom role. The futures of England coach Sammy
Lee, goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence and England Under-21 boss Peter
Taylor are on all McClaren's agenda. He must also appoint a new
England captain after David Beckham's resignation. Chief executive
Brian Barwick will interrupt his holiday to greet McClaren on his first
day in the job. McClaren will name his first England squad on 12
August for the friendly game against Greece. Those players will
meet up in Manchester on 14 August and McClaren is expected to delay the
announcement of his new captain until he has seen the candidates
face-to-face. |
England Football Online