Real Madrid boss Mourinho: Ballon d’Or cannot go to Iniesta

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:59:36 +0000

Andres Iniesta

Atletico Madrid

Barcelona

Diego

Diego Forlan

Inter Milan

Jose Mourinho

Real Madrid

Wesley Sneijder

World Cup

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says Barcelona star Andres Iniesta does not deserve this year's Ballon d'Or.

Iniesta is among the favourites for his performance in Spain's World Cup triumph.

But Mourinho says: "You cannot give it to Iniesta, because although he scored the most important goal of the year, for the rest of the season he was injured. Nor Diego Forlan because, although he had a good World Cup and has won the Europa League, Atletico Madrid were eliminated from the Champions League.

"Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) deserves it, he has won everything, has always been crucial and has played in the World Cup final, behind him should be Xavi."

Click here for the best Real Madrid coverage on the 'net. All your Real news and gossip in one spot.

Real Madrid coach Mourinho taken aback by media intensity

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:58:46 +0000

Inter Milan

Jose Mourinho

Mallorca

Real Madrid

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho admits he's been taken aback by the intensity of the local media.

Mourinho says he's surprised by the criticism that came from their 0-0 draw at Real Mallorca to kickoff the season.

"Over a few years have passed Capello, Schuster, Ramos and Pellegrini. We need stability," said Mourinho.

"The environment does not help the club to find the right balance as after a 0-0 draw against an outstanding goalkeeper and having seven scoring chances, controversy has already arisen.

"Right now I have no obsession with titles. If I did, I would have stayed with Inter Milan."

Click here for the best Real Madrid coverage on the 'net. All your Real news and gossip in one spot.

Barcelona fullback Dani Alves calm over slow progress for new contract talks

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:58:19 +0000

Barcelona

Daniel Alves

Barcelona fullback Daniel Alves is staying calm over the prospect of new contract talks.

Barca are ready to open negotiations about a contract upgrade with the Brazil international.

"I'm not worried, now I have a contract and if they planned to extend it that would be fantastic," he told Calcionews24.com. "Even if it does not happen, that's okay."

Click here for the best Barcelona coverage on the 'net. All your Barca news and gossip in one spot.

Barcelona willing to upgrade Busquets contract

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:57:44 +0000

Barcelona

Barcelona are ready to upgrade the contract of Sergio Busquets.

The tough tackling midfielder is set to enter new contract talks with Barca after a stellar 12 months.

Busquets' current deal runs to 2013 and that will be extended with a bumper pay-rise included.

Click here for the best Barcelona coverage on the 'net. All your Barca news and gossip in one spot.

Tino Costa insists Valencia can compete with Barcelona, Real Madrid

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:57:19 +0000

Barcelona

Real Madrid

Valencia

New Valencia midfielder Tino Costa insists they can challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona for the title.

Costa arrived in the summer from France.

The Argentine said: "No doubt it will be very difficult. Barcelona are on a level all on their own. I've seen Real Madrid play and I don't fear them. I think Real Madrid, we can play as equals, we can match them. If you say we will finish fourth or fifth, it's not worth the effort.

"We have to be the most ambitious ever. Then whatever will be, will be, but even when we play against Barca we must go out to win or steal points."

Guarente insists Sevilla title contenders

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:56:51 +0000

Atalanta

Sevilla

Tiberio Guarente rates Sevilla title contenders.

The former Atalanta midfielder arrived in the summer and insists they can challenge for the La Liga title.

"It is not impossible. Of course we can compete for the title if we win all of our games," he told Marca.

Milito welcomes Mascherano to Barcelona

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:56:28 +0000

Barcelona

Javier Mascherano

Liverpool

Gabriel Milito has welcomed fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano to Barcelona.

The former Liverpool midfielder completed his €22 million move to the Nou Camp last week.

"We really hoped it would happen. It is an incredible strengthening to the side. He will be very useful. We all know the capabilities of 'Masch', and we know what he is like as a person," said Milito.

"He will adapt very quickly. I did not speak with him during the negotiation, I thought about calling but knew he would be in the midst of all this and I did not want to bother him. Now we have talked about things and will continue doing so."

Click here for the best Barcelona coverage on the 'net. All your Barca news and gossip in one spot.

Hercules coach Vigo excited working with Trezeguet

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:56:10 +0000

David Trezeguet

Juventus

Hercules coach Esteban Vigo has welcomed the signing coup of David Trezeguet.

The Juventus legend chose to join the promoted minnows ahead of some of Europe's most famous clubs.

“He is a goalscorer and we will try our best to provide him with the best service, because that is what the team needs,” smiled Vigo.

Atletico star Forlan flattered by Real Madrid interest

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:55:48 +0000

Atletico Madrid

Diego

Diego Forlan

Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan admits he is flattered by interest from Real Madrid.

Despite the great rivalry between the two Madrid clubs, Forlan did not hesitate to admit how happy he is to be linked with Real.

"I am honored and flattered that (Jose) Mourinho and (Florentino) Perez are interested in me," said Forlan.

The Uruguay star was mentioned as a target for Real during the summer.

Ex-Reggina captain Lanzaro in Real Zaragoza talks

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:55:26 +0000

Real Zaragoza

Spanish Liga

Former Reggina captain Maurizio Lanzaro is in talks with Real Zaragoza.

The experienced defender is a free agent and his representatives will be in Spain tomorrow for talks with Zaragoza officials.

The Spanish Liga club already have one Italian on their books in Matteo Contini.

Real Zaragoza in talks with released Le Mans star Goulon

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:55:03 +0000

AC Milan

Real Zaragoza

Real Zaragoza are in talks with French free agent Darryl Hérold Goulon.

The 21 year-old has been released from his contract with Le Mans and has immediately entered talks with Zaragoza about a move to Spain.

Goulon has attracted interest from AC Milan in the past and has been tabled a contract offer by Zaragoza in the last 24 hours.

Ezequiel Calvente signs new Real Betis contract

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:54:36 +0000

Betis

Real Betis have secured young striker Ezequiel Calvente to a new deal.

Calvente is a Spain U19 international and featured in this year's European Championships.

The youngster has penned a new deal with Betis to 2014.

Gold Coast United’s Rees: We desperately need a win

Andrew Slevison — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:00:00 +0000

A-League

Gold Coast United

Perth Glory

Gold Coast United defender Kristian Rees is well aware the club needs to record their first win of the season this weekend.

United find themselves sitting second bottom on the A-League table and although they have two games in hand, Rees knows a win against league leaders Perth Glory [with new signing Bruce Djite in tow] on Sunday will go a long way to kickstarting their season.

''I feel we have the character and ability to step up, and we need to,” Rees told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

''We can't just go there and be happy to get away with a point.

''We will have (new signing) Bruce Djite making his debut, and he will do a job for us.

''Obviously with Shane Smeltz gone it changes the dynamic a bit. Bruce is a different sort of player but at 23 he's very mature.

''You get that from going overseas. He obviously learned a lot during his time in Turkey and will prove a very important signing for us.

''He has come back now after a difficult time at Genclirbirligi, and he has been doing extra work in training to sharpen up and he will be ready, even if it is not for (the full) 90 minutes.

''He might not score as many goals as Shane, but he has other strengths he can call on.''

Does Ahsan Ali Syed have Blackburn best interests at heart?

Ian Ferris — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:57:42 +0000

David Beckham

Manchester United

Blackburn Rovers

Portsmouth

Liverpool

Manchester City

tribalfootball.com's Ian Ferris reflects on the prospect of his beloved Blackburn Rovers being bought by Ahsan Ali Syed and asks whether the new owner will be good for the club.

Back in the day, 1995 to be precise, Blackburn Rovers won the Premiership and were accused of buying the title.

Laughable really, as this was based on £3m for Alan Shearer and £5m for Chris Sutton plus assorted others, and all thanks to Jack Walker's money.

Today those transfer fees barely cover the wages of a top Premiership player and even the late, lamented Uncle Jack would have difficulty in competing with the billionaire status needed to buy a Premiership team in the 21st Century.

Manchester City have spent over £300m on players in the last two season's to try and become a successful top four team. Rovers are currently on the market for £300m. A bargain.

After the death of Jack Walker ten years ago it was the Walker Trust who took over his affairs, including his interest in Blackburn Rovers.

Now, Rovers were Uncle Jack's pride and joy and he was the driving force behind the club. The rest of the family were never that interested as it clearly didn't sit well within their conventional business empire.

As a result after initially carrying on as normal with the club, including at one time threatening to withdraw funding, subsequently reinstated, the Trustees have actively been trying to sell Rovers for the last three years.

Only in recent months have credible bidders emerged, and currently an Indian billionaire Mr Ashan Ali Syed is carrying out due diligence on the club with the intention of a takeover of around £300m with £100m given to boss Sam Allardyce as a transfer kitty.

As with all Premiership takeovers all sorts of rumours are swirling around our would-be new owner. Dodgy deals, failed companies and suspect business partners are all par for the course, and let's not forget you don't become a billionaire without cutting a few corners.

My reservation is more to do with his motives for buying the club.

He makes all the usual noises for the purchase – in it for the long term, not looking to make a profit on a quick sale, blah, blah.

No, my concern is more a fear of the unknown. Rovers have always looked on themselves a small town cub who punch above their weight, and in the increasing sophisticated world of the Premiership have never lost that connection with the community.

Under the stewardship of chief executive John Williams Blackburn are a well run club who have manageable debt, live within their means and are unlikely ever to take a risk even if it meant relegation. Survival of the club is paramount.

Uncle Jack was a local lad 'made good' and the Trustees have tried to carry on that tradition. Now we are faced with a foreign owner who may not realise the tradition they are inheriting and need to preserve.

I appreciate Rovers can't operate in a time-warp and money talks in the Premiership, and the more you have the more you are likely to survive and prosper in the top flight rather that existing on the margins of relegation every season.

But I only need to look at the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Portsmouth to see examples of how it can all go wrong. The former two are still seen as a success but not in the eyes of their supporters who resent what the foreign owners have inflicted on their club.

As for Pompey, they went into administration and almost folded because of the financial mismanagement of a series of overseas owners.

Now I accept risks have to be taken, and quite frankly we need the investment to prevent constant struggles against the drop, and there are some foreign owners who exert a positive influence on proceedings.

My niggles are around some of the comments made by Mr Syed. He claims to have been a Blackburn Rovers supporter for some time…but has never actually been to Blackburn. Fair enough, many of us follow foreign teams without actually seeing them play, but we aren't forking out £300m on a product unseen!

Mr Syed also refused to say who his favourite player was. Perhaps, as a possible owner he doesn't want to be seen to have favourites…or he hasn't a clue who the player's are!

He also feels, as an Indian, he can tap into the Asian communities of Blackburn, thus increasing Rovers fan base at home and on the Indian sub-continent.

The club has constantly been trying to attract the minority communities of Blackburn to Ewood Park with varying degrees of success. Frankly, it will need players coming through from the Asian community to encourage fans to attend games, not just because we have an absent billionaire Indian owner.

We also have ludicrous statements from the Syed camp claiming they will try and attract David Beckham to Ewood Park. There is more chance of Elvis being found alive and well and working in Burger King…

To be fair Syed, should he be successful with his takeover, is happy to continue with the existing management structure and has no plans for wholesale changes.

Presumably though, if Big Sam fails to spend his war chest wisely our impatient Indian owner will certainly look to ring the changes. And frankly I'm not sure I'd trust Sam to spend my £100m!

And what will £100m achieve? Allardyce has admitted that even with this amount of money it won't change Rovers into a top four outfit.

What I can see it doing is changing the whole ethos of the club and in doing so something at Ewood Park will be lost.

But realistically we are fighting against the tide, if Blackburn, or any club for that matter, want to survive in the Premiership they need a rich owner to bankroll their tenure.

Ideally this would be someone with a local connection, but nowadays being a millionaire simply isn't enough so overseas investment is the only way forward.

Of course there is still no certainty of silverware or Premiership survival, for as a Clint Eastwood character once said, "If you want a guarantee, buy a toaster!"

Kalmar not getting ahead of himself at Melbourne Heart

Andrew Slevison — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:47:25 +0000

A-League

Melbourne Heart

North Queensland Fury

Perth Glory

Melbourne Heart midfielder Nick Kalmar is not getting ahead of himself following a brilliant start to his A-League career.

The 22-year old former Oakleigh Cannons man has been one of the surprise packets of the season so far, performing with consistency and assuredness with the A-League’s newest club, but he knows that he has to keep his feet grounded and continue in the same vein for his early-season form to mean something.

“I've been pinching myself ever since I came to the club and I'm very humbled to be among the players I am here," Kalmar said.

"The coaching staff have had a lot of faith in me and telling me to go out, and that I have nothing to lose. I go out every game with that attitude."

Kalmar has been pulling the strings in midfield in the past few weeks for the Heart and his 11th minute goal against the North Queensland Fury on Saturday helped the club to their first win. It came just a week after he netted in the 2-2 draw with Perth Glory and his recent showings so far have helped his side jump to 6th on the table.

Perth Glory coach Mitchell urges players to not get comfortable

Andrew Slevison — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:33:51 +0000

A-League

Adelaide United

Perth Glory

Wellington Phoenix

Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchell has urged his players to find more of an edge whenever they happen to take the lead.

The A-League’s co-league leaders [with Adelaide United] were cruising against Wellington Phoenix with 20 minutes to go yesterday but conceded a ‘soft’ goal when Ben Sigmund headed home from a corner.

The goal gave the Phoenix a chance of taking a point from the game which would have been a miracle after they were completely outplayed by the Glory and it prompted Mitchell to urge his side to be more ruthless in front of goal.

“We made it hard for ourselves I think," admitted Mitchell. "We created quite a few chances.

"We didn't capitalise on them and Wellington always had a lot of threat in their side and as soon as they got the goal back it was like, sit on your seat and hold on 'cause they threw a lot of balls into the box and they could have bounced anywhere.

"We scored the second goal (and) we thought we've got the game won now, because we've been good at keeping clean sheets at certain times.

"Obviously we didn't and that's something to address.

"When you've been so dominant and create so many chances - and we didn't put them to the sword - that's when it comes back to bite you on the backside. That could have happened today and fortunately it didn't."

FFA takes eye off the ball as A-League’s honeymoon ends

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:15:54 +0000

A-League

Adelaide United

Brisbane Roar

Gold Coast United

Melbourne Heart

North Queensland Fury

Sydney FC

Sydney Rovers

Newcastle Jets

World Cup

by Ray Gatt for The Australian

It hasn't been a great couple of weeks for Australian soccer.

With the A-League five rounds into its sixth season, a new coach at the helm of the Socceroos and excitement and optimism building as we draw closer to a decision on Australia's bid to host the 2022 World Cup finals, the game in this country should be on a high.

Yet it is difficult to escape the feeling the sport is in crisis from Football Federation Australia to the Socceroos to the A-League.

The ugly public spat between Socceroo Harry Kewell and commentator and former teammate Robbie Slater, rumours of discontent among the Socceroos, A-League crowds falling at an alarming rate, Newcastle Jets in financial strife, concerns over the viability of Gold Coast United and other clubs and the FFA's disciplinary regulations coming under fire have conspired to put the blowtorch to the belly of the FFA.

Even the FFA cannot hide from its own internal problems with reports surfacing it was forced to instigate $5 million in cost-cutting measures recently. The head body appears to be melting like plastic under the intense heat.

It begs the question, where's the leadership? Where's chairman Frank Lowy? Where's chief executive Ben Buckley? Hello, is anyone home?

Lowy is in Europe for the Socceroos friendlies and The Australian understands Buckley left yesterday for a trip to China and is not likely to be back until Thursday. It seems an incredulous decision on Buckley's part when you consider the dramas going on, especially in the A-League.

It is difficult to see the NRL's David Gallop, the AFL's Andrew Demetriou or the ARU's John O'Neill being out of the country in such circumstances.

For all the arguments that, coming from a rugby union background, he knew nothing about the game, this would not have happened in O'Neill's days as boss cocky of FFA.

His corporate skills were a blessing for the game, but it was his ability to be out there, the face of the game in good and bad times, that made him such an asset.

It didn't matter whether O'Neill called a hastily arranged door stop or a full-blown media conference, television, radio and the written press flocked.

Clearly he was publicity savvy, an expert in getting the message out to the most important people - the fans and sponsors - either extolling the virtues of the game or putting out the spot fires before they turned nasty.

But O'Neill has long gone and, whether by design or by accident, the parameters have changed - and for the worse.

It is clear the FFA has taken its eye off the ball over the past 12 months in regards to the game in general. The World Cup finals in South Africa in June-July and the World Cup hosting bid consumed it at the expense of all else.

The events of the past fews weeks have done nothing to change that perception as we have lurched from one problem to the next.

This week is a case in point.

Issues like the A-League's falling attendances - figures are down by every measure, round-by-round average, total attendance and total average. Just 4100 turned up to watch new club Melbourne Heart play North Queensland Fury on Saturday night and Sydney FC drew its worst home crowd ever (7500) against Adelaide United on the same night. Then there is the financial drama at the Jets, who could go under this week. The players, staff and management are two weeks behind in wages and the FFA was forced to cough up $60,000 to ensure yesterday's game against Brisbane Roar went ahead.

By the time Buckley returns, he could be attending a funeral - that of the Jets.

But they are not the only club in trouble. The FFA already runs Adelaide and Fury and helped prop up Gold Coast last season. You wouldn't want to bet Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer will hang around next season.

The 10 clubs lost a combined $25 million last season.

Then there is the issue of expansion and the new western Sydney club that will become the A-League's 12th franchise.

Despite admitting it did not have the financial backing and insistence from the FFA that it would not financially support the club, Sydney Rovers was, after just several months of existence, given the 12th spot - amazingly leapfrogging four other bids that had each put in as much as 18 months work. But we have not heard a peek from the FFA. In this age of transparency, this is simply not good enough from the FFA.

When Lowy rode back in to the game as its shining knight seven or eight years ago, the sport rejoiced. For the first five or six years all involved in the game enjoyed the honeymoon.

These days our administrators are acting as if the honeymoon will never end and have become too comfortable, maybe taken things for granted.

They could do well to remember the words of Martin Luther King: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

It is time for the FFA to heed those words.

Midfielder Skacel talks of return to Hearts

Ian Ferris — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:35:53 +0000

Southampton

Rudi Skacel is in talks with Hearts about a possible return to Tynecastle, four years after leaving for Southampton in a £1.6million transfer deal, reports the The Scotsman.

The 31 year old is available as a free agent after turning down the offer of a new contract with Greek club Larissa.

"I've started talks with two or three clubs, and one of them is Hearts," Skacel told The Scotsman.

"We'll see what happens over the next few days, but I'm really excited. The year I spent at Hearts before was something special for the team and for me."

Skacel admitted that he had been to Lithuania to have talks with club owner Vladimir Romanov and director Sergejus Fedotovas.

"I spoke with Mr Romanov and with Sergejus, and I'm very interested," he said. "I had an amazing time in Scotland and I hope the supporters would welcome me back. Hearts are a friendly club and it would be easy for me to fit back in.

"My last game was for the national team in June. I'm a free agent now - I rejected a contract offer from Larissa on 31 August because over the last few days before then I had contact with those other clubs.

"But I kept training with Larissa while talks were going on and my fitness levels are high. The only thing I need is match sharpness and I think I can get that back quickly."

Kilmarnock have club debt reduced by half

Ian Ferris — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:34:59 +0000

Kilmarnock

Former Kilmarnock chairman Jamie Moffat has helped reduce the Ayrshire club’s debt by waiving half of the £1.8 million he is owed, reports STV Sport.

The move was announced by current Killie chairman Michael Johnston, who has now called for fresh investment in the business.

“This £900k write down of the club's debt of £1.8m to former Chairman Jamie Moffat is yet another example of the remarkable generosity of Jamie Moffat and his parents to Kilmarnock Football Club,” Johnston said.

“The family has contributed around £5m in supporting the club over the last fifteen years. Jamie's father, Jim Moffat, was also a Chairman of the club in the late nineties - a period of great success for the club, both on and off the pitch, with the redevelopment of Rugby Park and the Scottish Cup win in 1997.

“Everyone who cares about Kilmarnock Football Club should be aware of the debt of gratitude we owe the Moffat family.”
The Kilmarnock chairman said that the next step was not only to continue to reduce outgoings at Rugby Park, including the wage budget for players, but also to find new investment.

"This debt reduction marks another step in the process of improving the club's balance sheet in the hope of attracting new investment," Johnston said. " Over my five years as Chairman, debt has now been reduced by almost £2.5m.

"But if the club is to survive in the SPL during the current recession, new capital is required in order to maintain a competitive squad without selling our best players to our SPL competitors.

He added: “It's time for the local business community, East Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government to do more to help Kilmarnock's most famous institution survive in the top flight of Scottish football.”

“Everyone recognises the importance of that to the regeneration of Kilmarnock as a post-industrial community with a strong identity in the west of Scotland but not enough practical support has been forthcoming. That's got to change soon.”

Levein: All change for Scotland squad

Ian Ferris — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:34:07 +0000

World Cup

Scotland coach Craig Levein will make changes for Tuesday's game with Liechtenstein, following Friday's Euro 2012 qualifying draw in Lithuania.

"You can't afford to go into any game expecting to win," Levein told BBC Radio Scotland. "That sets the wrong tone for the players.

"It will probably need one or two more flair players to try and break the opposition down.

"The shape might change and certainly the personnel will change."
Liechtenstein fell 4-0 at home to World Cup winners Spain as Scotland were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw in Kaunas.

The central European principality lies at 141 in the Fifa rankings but Levein pointed out that they managed to hold Iceland to a draw three weeks ago.

"We need to have a good tempo, move the ball about quickly and try to expose them in one-on-one situations," explained Levein, looking ahead to Tuesday's game in Glasgow.

"Against any team that is well-organised and gets people behind the ball and defends properly, then you need a goal to get in front and change things.

"Their heads can go down and our tails will go up."

tribalfootball.com’s A-League Team of the Week – Round 5

Andrew Slevison — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:30:00 +0000

A-League

Adelaide United

Melbourne Heart

North Queensland Fury

Sydney FC

Adelaide United have enjoyed a brilliant start to the season and a lot of that has to do with the form of midfielder Marcos Flores.

The 24-year old Argentine playmaker has been a vital member of the Reds line-up which has recorded three wins on the trot and his performance in the 3-1 away win over Sydney FC on Saturday gained his third-successive tribalfootball.com A-League Team of the Week selection.

Flores’ link up play with young gun Mathew Leckie and striker Sergio van Dijk has been a highlight of the past few weeks and along with Melbourne Heart’s Nick Kalmar, he is the in-form midfielder in the competition.

Kalmar, who netted his second goal in two games to help the Heart to their first win, also grabbed his third selection for his game against the North Queensland Fury at AAMI Park on Saturday evening.

To view the Round 5 Team of the Week, click the following link: http://www.tribalfootball.com/aleagueteamofweekround5

PR guru Clifford: Scandal will not hurt Man Utd star Rooney

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:05:32 +0000

Manchester United

Wayne Rooney

PR guru Max Clifford says Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney's career will not be affected by allegations about his private life.

Despite the lurid headlines in two Sunday newspapers, Rooney is set to travel to Switzerland on Monday for England's Euro qualifier.

Clifford said: "The only thing Wayne Rooney has to worry about is his wife, whether she like all the others, is prepared to accept her husband's alleged infidelities.

"Nobody in football gives a monkey's as long as he's winning on the pitch.

"Man United fans love him. He could be a mass murderer as long as he's scoring goals.

"(England manager Fabio) Capello can't demote him because that would mean he couldn't play and the team needs him.

"Rival fans will have something else to shout about, but so what?"

Clifford said Rooney's sponsors were also likely to stick with the player, adding: "Will it stop people drinking Tiger Beer? No. Will it stop people buying Coca-Cola? No. Will it stop parents buying Nike for their children? No."

Clifford continued: "It's almost expected that if you are a Premier League football star you're going to be playing away.

"It's become a pantomime. It's a farce. It's as if it doesn't really matter."

Click here for the best Manchester United coverage on the 'net. All your United news and gossip in one spot.

Sponsors stick with Man Utd striker Rooney

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:04:40 +0000

Manchester United

Wayne Rooney

Sponsors are expected to stick with Manchester United star Wayne Rooney despite allegations about his private life.

EA Sports have already gone public with their commitment.

A spokesman for EA Sports, one of Rooney's sponsors, said: "This is a personal matter and we respect Wayne and his family's privacy.

"We have worked together for six years and Wayne continues to represent EA Sports. We will be making no further comment at this time."

Click here for the best Manchester United coverage on the 'net. All your United news and gossip in one spot.

AC Milan signing Robinho attacks both his Man City managers

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:04:15 +0000

AC Milan

Mark Hughes

Real Madrid

Robinho

Roberto Mancini

Manchester City

AC Milan signing Robinho has attacked both the managers he had at Manchester City.

The Brazil superstar finally got his wish to leave City last week when he completed an £18 million move to the Italian giants.

The 26-year-old Samba star felt that life under Mark Hughes and Roberto Mancini was like going to work in an office environment rather than a football club.

Robinho, who cost City £32.5 million, told The People: "Neither Hughes nor Mancini understood me.

"Perhaps they only believed in the sporting side of things but that wasn't enough for me. There was a lack of contact between the players and the club.

"It was much like an office - to training and goodbye, to a match and goodbye. I am Brazilian and I can't offer my best performance if I'm not happy in every aspect of life.

"That was my problem. I am a special footballer and I need to be happy when I'm playing.

"That was the case at Real Madrid but never at City."

Click here for the best Manchester City coverage on the 'net. All your City news and gossip in one spot.

Capello in regular contact with Man Utd ace Rooney after scandal broke

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:03:40 +0000

Manchester United

Wayne Rooney

England coach Fabio Capello is weighing up playing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney against Switzerland.

The Sun says Rooney is reeling from allegations about his romps with a £1,200-a-night hooker as England prepare for tomorrow's Euro 2012 qualifier in Basel.

He was expected to travel with the team this morning but boss Capello is talking to Rooney and monitoring the Manchester United striker's mental state closely.

Rooney set up all four goals for England against Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday and seemed back to his best.

But the landscape has changed and there are serious concerns for Rooney among England staff.

Click here for the best Manchester United coverage on the 'net. All your United news and gossip in one spot.

Carragher confident signing new Liverpool contract

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:02:43 +0000

Jamie Carragher

Liverpool

Jamie Carragher doesn't expect any problems over new contract talks with Liverpool.

Carragher, who hopes to raise £1million from his testimonial and a gala dinner on Saturday night for his 23 Foundation, which benefits local groups and charities, is confident he will sign a new contract in the coming weeks.

"I don't think it has ever been in doubt," said the 32-year-old defender.

"The club has always been the most important thing and they will decide if they think I am good enough or not.

"I'm sure with the transfer window now closed maybe there is something we can sort out - I think it will take two minutes.

"I've always wanted to play for Liverpool for my whole career and I'm sure that will be the case."

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Robinho mocks Man City ambitions of becoming bigger than Man Utd

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:02:16 +0000

Manchester United

Robinho

Manchester City

Robinho has slammed the ambitions of Manchester City in attempts to be bigger than Manchester United.

The Brazilian mocked City's ambitions of becoming a bigger club than their Old Trafford neighbours as well as castigating the Manchester weather.

He told the People: "When I arrived, the directors at City told me that, in a couple of years, we would overtake United, but the time has passed and nothing has changed.

"Manchester is a sensational venue for football but an awful place to live...the winter, the cold and the dark nights. It's very hard for a young Brazilian.

"The Premier League is one of the best in the world, without a doubt.

"The stadiums are always full and the atmosphere is incredible.

"But not every footballer is able to play in England. The character can be difficult for a foreigner."

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Juventus preparing January bid for Tottenham striker Defoe

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:01:39 +0000

Juventus

Jermain Defoe

Tottenham

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is a target for Juventus.

Tuttosport says Juve's new board want to make a big name signing in January after being stung by criticism of their summer market campaign.

Defoe is regarded highly inside Juve - particularly after his hat-trick for England on Friday night.

If Spurs are struggling in the Champions League, Juve will fancy their chances in prising Defoe away when the market reopens in the New Year.

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Liverpool captain Gerrard praises Man Utd striker Owen for making Carragher match

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:01:07 +0000

Manchester United

Michael Owen

Jamie Carragher

Steven Gerrard

Liverpool

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was delighted Manchester United striker Michael Owen made Jamie Carragher's testimonial.

Gerrard was eager to highlight Owen's determination to help honour Carragher, despite expecting a mixed reception from the Kop having signed for Manchester United last summer.

"I suppose he was slightly concerned about the reception he'd get, which was a mixed bag, but he went for Jamie," Gerrard told liverpoolfc.tv.

"They were so close when he was at the club and are still close now, so credit to Michael for getting involved.

"It was great to see some players who I haven't seen for many years again, and there was also the likes of Gary Mac and Jason McAteer back who I played with very early on.

"All the jokes were flying around and it was fantastic to join in."

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Liverpool defender Carragher aware of Villa talk for Houllier

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:00:37 +0000

Aston Villa

Jamie Carragher

Liverpool

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher played talk of Aston Villa naming Gerard Houllier as manager with a straight bat.

Houllier was in the Liverpool dugout for Carragher's testimonial on Saturday.

Asked about Houllier’s move to Villa, Liverpool defender Carragher said: "Yes, I’ve heard that.

"I am very grateful that he was able to make it for the match today."

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Newcastle boss Hughton would welcome new contract signing

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:00:08 +0000

Everton

Newcastle United

Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton admits he'd like to sign a new contract.

The Toon boss says he doesn’t see his future anywhere other than St James’ Park – and is savvy enough to know that a few bad results could soon change the board’s outlook.

“At the moment I’m just getting on with the job,” he told the Sunday Sun. “Yes my contract is up at the end of the season, but my priority is just to get on and do the best job that I can and let other things take care of themselves.

“From my point of view, where I want to be is manager of Newcastle United. That is where I am and I would like that to continue. But the most important thing is to get the results because I am also conscious that as managers, we can go through bad periods.

“Look at Kevin MacDonald at Villa, for example. In his first week in charge he had a wonderful week. He then took a young side to Austria and also got a good result, a draw. Then the next weekend he lost 6-0 here and was getting knocked out of the Europa League, before getting a very good result against Everton.

“That is all in the space of two or three weeks. Things can change very quickly in football, so all I want to do is concentrate on the job at the moment.”

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Bannan hoping for future with Aston Villa

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:59:39 +0000

Aston Villa

Barry Bannan feels he has a future at Aston Villa.

Martin O’Neill’s resignation resulted in more opportunities for Bannan under reserve team mentor Kevin MacDonald and he hopes his prospects are similarly positive under the new boss.

“We’re a bit short of numbers so it’s good to be here because you get the chance to impress,” Bannan told the Sunday Mercury.

“I’m still young so I’ve got plenty of time. I’m going to try my hardest and hopefully get a break somewhere along the line

“I’d love to be involved with Villa, sometimes there’s too many players in your position so you just have to move on.

“But I’m going to hopefully get a few chances and I’ve just got to take them really – if not I’m to blame.”

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Jiranek convinced Birmingham can crack Europe

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:59:03 +0000

Birmingham City

New Birmingham City signing Martin Jiranek says Europe can be achieved this season.

Brum boss Alex McLeish has played down the prospect.

But Jiranek has loftier ambitions than his new managers and reckons Europe is a distinct aim.

Speaking through an interpreter, he said: "Is it seven teams that go into Europe? Then yes, I think so."

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Newcastle defender Simpson: I know people writing me off

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:58:35 +0000

Manchester United

Newcastle United

Newcastle United fullback Danny Simpson is determined to prove himself Premier League class.

Simpson is well aware that people have reservations about him as a top-flight full-back.

But he is big enough to accept the challenge of proving them wrong.

“I know what people might be saying. Manchester United got rid of me, it didn’t work out at Blackburn. But I know what I can do,” he tells the Sunday Sun.

“In previous years if things haven’t gone my way, or I’ve had a dip in form, I’ve been able to say ‘Well, I’m a young player’ or it’s because I’m out on loan and my future’s up in the air.

“Not this time, though – now there are no excuses at all.

“It’s time to establish myself in the Premier League as a Premier League right-back. I’ve done my growing up, I’ve made my mistakes on the field and I think I’ve learned from it."

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Newcastle fullback Simpson determined to match success of ex-Man Utd teammates

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:58:06 +0000

Manchester United

Newcastle United

Newcastle United fullback Danny Simpson wants to join his former Manchester United teammates in the Premier League.

Simpson came through the system at United.

He told the Sunday Sun: “I was watching Match of the Day last weekend and a lot of my ex-Manchester United team-mates are now playing regularly.

“They’re Premier League players and that’s where I need to be now.

“Dave Jones, Fraizer Campbell, Phil Bardsley, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Kieran Richardson, Craig Cathcart, Jonny Evans – these are all lads who I grew up with and I want to be one of them who goes on and proves himself.”

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Sunderland hero Bennett: Gyan has big boots to fill

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:57:24 +0000

Stoke City

Sunderland

World Cup

Sunderland hero Gary Bennett says new signing Asamoah Gyan has big boots to fill.

Gyan has arrived as a direct replacement for Stoke City signing Kenwyne Jones.

“Gyan looked an excellent player in the World Cup,” Bennett, who played more than 400 games in 11 years at Sunderland, told the Sunday Sun.

“He certainly caught the eye in South Africa and he was the one everyone was talking about from the Ghana team.

“But he’s got big boots to fill at Sunderland now Kenwyne Jones has left, because there aren’t many players like him around.

“Kenwyne was very good in the air, strong, athletic – on his day he was unplayable.

“But, of course, what all Sunderland fans will tell you is that we didn’t see Kenwyne at his best often enough."

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Middlesbrough captain O’Neil remains on Stoke radar

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:56:48 +0000

Middlesbrough

Stoke City

Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil remains on Stoke City's radar.

The Sunday Sun says Stoke City boss Tony Pulis remains keen on Boro captain O’Neil.

Pulis attempted to prise O'Neil away from Teesside during the summer market and will try again in January.

Click here for the best Stoke City coverage on the 'net. All your Potters news and gossip in one spot.

Middlesbrough planning offer for Tottenham keeper Cudicini

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:56:10 +0000

Middlesbrough

Liverpool

Tottenham

Middlesbrough are eyeing Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.

The Sunday Sun says Boro are monitoring Cudicini’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur with a view to a January move for the Italian keeper.

The Teessiders banked £2.3 million from the sale of Brad Jones to Liverpool.

That left them with Danny Coyne and Jason Steele as their only senior stoppers.

And while Gordon Strachan admires Coyne and rates England Under-21 keeper Steele very highly, he is understood to want a No 1 with top-class, top-flight experience.

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Pennant full of praise for new Stoke training centre

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:55:44 +0000

Arsenal

Real Zaragoza

Liverpool

Stoke City

Jermaine Pennant has heaped praise on Stoke City's new training complex.

Pennant signed on-loan from Real Zaragoza last week.

He is certainly impressed with the new training facilities at Clayton Wood and told Stoke's website: "It's just as good as the big places I've been to, like Arsenal and Liverpool. So Stoke are definitely moving in the right direction and I am excited by the prospect of what we can achieve here."

Click here for the best Stoke City coverage on the 'net. All your Potters news and gossip in one spot.

Pennant excited playing with Gudjohnsen at Stoke City

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:55:15 +0000

Stoke City

Jermaine Pennant is delighted to be joining Stoke City with Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Pennant's capture came so late in the hour that there were literally only a few minutes remaining when his registration was sent through to the Premier League and that meant he then had to hastily make arrangements for his return to English football.

"One minute I was watching Sky Sports News and seeing Eidur Gudjohnsen heading for Stoke, the next I was making plans to move there myself," he revealed to Stoke's website.

"I thought at the time that Eidur was a good signing and it made Stoke a very attractive proposition, but I had no idea I would be joining him there later that same day.

"It was mid afternoon in Spain when I got the phone call saying that a deal was in place if I wanted to go to Stoke, and I didn't really have to give it too much thought."

Click here for the best Stoke City coverage on the 'net. All your Potters news and gossip in one spot.

Jean Beausejour: McLeish wants me to play wide-left for Birmingham

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:54:50 +0000

Birmingham City

World Cup

Jean Beausejour says he's moving to Birmingham City to play on the left wing.

The Chile World Cup star signed in a deal worth around £3.3 million from Club America of Mexico.

He told the Sunday Mercury: “I am very proud to get the chance to play in such an important league, the most watched in the world, and where the best football is being played.

“Birmingham watched me a lot, for a long time, and made a very big effort to sign me. I am happy for that and I hope to repay them.

“I like to play on the left but I will do it where the coach wants me to.

“From speaking to him, he wants me to play where I like most and feel comfortable, and that is on the left.”

Click here for the best Birmingham City coverage on the 'net. All your Blues news and gossip in one spot.

Birmingham signing Jiranek big fan of fighter O’Connor

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:54:18 +0000

Spartak Moscow

Birmingham City

Birmingham City signing Martin Jiranek is well aware of new teammate Garry O'Connor.

Asked if he had any memories of O’Connor, Jiranek began to laugh. The blond hair and the tattoos were probably uppermost in his mind.

Former Spartak Moscow defender Jiranek told the Sunday Mercury: “I remember we played away at Lokomotiv Moscow and Garry came on as a substitute in the second-half - he was running and fighting hard!

“But I didn’t really know that much about him, to be honest.

“During the preparation for the game against Lokomotiv I knew a lot, because the coach insisted that all the defenders knew how to play the strikers and what is their style. But when the game is finished, you focus on the new opponents.”

Click here for the best Birmingham City coverage on the 'net. All your Blues news and gossip in one spot.

Birmingham boss McLeish: Europe talk just silly

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:53:40 +0000

Birmingham City

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish says talk of Europe this season is "silly".

McLeish does not want fans to get carried away and insists he will be content first and foremost just to stay in the Barclays Premier League.

"That's nonsense to start talking about that," he said. "I thought silly season finished when the window closed.

"I don't think we should be thinking about that. We're still a fledgling Premier League team. We want to establish ourselves and develop again.

"If we finish in the top 17, like the targets I set last season, then I'll be happy.

"Some people might not be happy with that but for me there's around eight teams that are going to be pretty hard to keep in touch with over the course of the season.

"There's another 12 out there playing to stay in the Premier League."

Click here for the best Birmingham City coverage on the 'net. All your Blues news and gossip in one spot.

Barry Bannan feeling at home with Aston Villa

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:53:16 +0000

Aston Villa

Aston Villa's Scottish midfielder Barry Bannan says he now feels at home.

The Airdie-born youngster is still a proud Scotsman, but admits that the Midlands now feels like his home.

“I’ve been down here since I was 14 so that’s six years now,” Bannan told the Sunday Mail.

“It was hard at first. When I was younger I had to go to school in England for two years. “About a year down the line I’d made friends and I wouldn’t move back to Scotland now. “I feel like an adopted Brummie now, but I don’t want my family to know that!

“I’d always go back to Scotland to visit because all my family are back there.”

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Bannan grateful for Villa captain Petrov leadership

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:52:45 +0000

Celtic

Aston Villa

Barry Bannan says Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov is like a father to him.

Bannan jumped through Hoops to defend the Bulgarian midfielder during his tough introduction to English football after seen him at his best.

Petrov has returned the favour by keeping a watchful eye on Bannan since the Scottish under-21 international’s parents returned north of the border.

Bannan told the Sunday Mercury: “I’m really friendly with Stiliyan.

“He’ll phone me because I’m on my own now, so I’m not alone. He’s good that way, he’s brilliant.

“He’s a bit like a father figure. When I was growing up I was a big Celtic fan, my family love Celtic and I was brought up that way.

“Obviously Stan was unbelievable in Scotland and he was my hero when I was younger. Now training with him and talking to him is so strange, but he was like my idol at Celtic.”

Click here for the best Aston Villa coverage on the 'net. All your Villans news and gossip in one spot.

Spurs fullback Hutton: Redknapp has made up his mind on me

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:52:14 +0000

Harry Redknapp

Tottenham

Alan Hutton fears he has no future at Tottenham.

The Scotland fullback believes manager Harry Redknapp has already made up his mind on him.

He told the Sunday Mail: "It's in the back of my mind the gaffer has already made up his mind about me. I've been thinking about that.

"If that's the case, I will have to wait until January and get a move.

"Then it's a case of showing everybody that this is what you let go."

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Houllier happy seeing Carragher develop into Liverpool great

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:51:47 +0000

Jamie Carragher

Liverpool

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is proud to have seen Jamie Carragher develop into a club great.

Having since blossomed into an authoritative centre-back, Houllier feels Carragher has improved even further since his Anfield tenure.

"I am pleased he has developed. He did at first with Phil (Thompson) and myself, but he's continued to get even better and better, particularly in the centre-back position," he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"During my time here, he was playing more often than not on either the left or right of defence - but we won many things together."

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Liverpool midfielder Spearing grateful for Leicester experience

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:51:15 +0000

Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing says his loan spell at Leicester City last season was just what he needed.

Spearing admits it was a spell that has given him a lot of belief.

"Playing for Leicester was a massive confidence boost for myself and I enjoyed the experience of playing in front of 30,000 people every week for their home games," he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"It's given me the fight to try and show I can step up to play for Liverpool."

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Liverpool captain Gerrard says testimonial not on agenda

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:50:44 +0000

Steven Gerrard

Liverpool

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits a testimonial isn't on his personal agenda.

Gerrard is currently in his 13th season as a first-team regular at Anfield - but he admits he hasn't yet considered the possibility of his own testimonial match.

He told liverpoolfc.tv: "I'm not sure (about a testimonial) - you'll have to ask the club. I think they're for 10 years of service, which I've already done, but there's no rush.

"Obviously I've got more important things to worry about - but maybe there will be one for me sometime in the future. We'll see."

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Houllier delighted to be back in Liverpool dugout

tribalfootball.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:50:04 +0000

Jamie Carragher

Liverpool

Gerard Houllier was delighted to be back on Liverpool's bench for Jamie Carragher's testimonial.

Houllier revealed he put the special request to Roy Hodgson as he wanted to enjoy the unique experience of viewing a Reds game from the dugout once more.

"It was a little joke between Roy and I," Houllier explained to Liverpoolfc.tv. "I asked him if I could sit next to him on the bench and he said yes. I wanted to have that feeling again.

"It was important for me to be there to pay tribute to Jamie because I worked with him for six years and I enjoyed every minute of it.

"It was nice to see people happy to see me and I was as happy as they were. When you spend a good time at a club and develop strong relationships, it's always good to go back."

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