ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Yankees’ flight landed around 8:15 the night before, or just about the time the Tampa Bay Rays were beginning an epic game against the Boston Red Sox that stretched for 16 innings and nearly six hours. As the Yankees unwound, the Rays exhausted their bullpen, a development with significant repercussions Monday night.
Because of that overworked bullpen, the Rays were forced to bring in Alex Torres, who was called up Monday, to make his major league debut with the score tied in the top of the ninth. He issued three straight two-out walks, forcing in Curtis Granderson with the winning run. The Yankees erased an early three-run deficit to escape with a 5-4 victory in a game delayed for 18 minutes by a power outage.
After aiding in their eighth-inning comeback, Russell Martin worked a full count against Torres in the ninth before laying off a high changeup. “I just knew right away,” Martin said.
The victory rewarded a stellar effort by the Yankees’ bullpen, which worked three and two-thirds scoreless innings in relief of A. J. Burnett, and the headiness of Brett Gardner, whose forceful takeout slide in the eighth disrupted a potential double play, allowing Nick Swisher to score the tying run.
“You’ve got to do what you can to try to get that run across,” Gardner said, adding: “I’m definitely not trying to hurt anybody. That’s my job — to go in hard and make it difficult for him to turn it.”
The Yankees remained one and a half games behind Boston in the American League East while widening their advantage over third-place Tampa Bay, their closest competition in the wild-card race, to six and a half games. The teams’ last three games have been decided by one run, with the Yankees winning them all.
Even as Burnett sputtered early, allowing four runs in the first two innings, it could be argued that the Yankees held an advantage. The Rays needed eight relievers to work the final eight innings Sunday night, a day after using five relievers over the last three innings.
“When you get to their bullpen, they’re not going to have all their guys to use,” Martin said. “They can’t really match up like they normally would.”
Over 16 innings Sunday night and into Monday, the Rays managed three hits. They matched that total in four batters against Burnett, who allowed a walk, a single, a two-run double by Evan Longoria and another single, all within the first 11 pitches. Three runs wound up scoring, and another followed in the second. Not for lack of trying — he did, after all, put 14 runners on base — but Burnett did not give up another run, affording his teammates time to come back.
From the Rays’ factory of talented pitching prospects came Alex Cobb, a 23-year-old right-hander who arrived from Class AAA on Sunday night during the middle of the 1-0 loss to the Red Sox. That game ended at 1:54 a.m. Monday. Not 10 minutes later, Cobb was on the synthetic turf playing catch. Eighteen hours later, he was befuddling the Yankees.
His splitter and curve earned praise before the game from Yankees Manager Joe Girardi, and Cobb used those pitches to keep the Yankees off the base paths. He allowed one hit, on a first-inning bunt single by Granderson, until the fifth inning, when with two outs Mark Teixeira knocked in a run with an infield single. That accomplishment — only Teixeira’s second run batted in since July 2, a span of 58 plate appearances — might have been too much for the baseball gods to handle.
After the next hitter, Robinson Cano, took a 2-2 pitch for a ball with the tying runs on base, the lights flickered, knocking out a bank above first base. The theme song to “The Twilight Zone” blared over the loudspeakers as confused players and coaches gazed above.
A Rays spokesman said that a bolt of lightning had hit a branch line that goes into a substation feeding Tropicana Field. All service on that line experienced an interruption, affecting about 400 customers — not to mention the 22,471 paying customers awaiting a resolution to the Cobb-Cano clash. The crew chief Ed Rapuano asked Girardi if he wanted to continue playing, but he demurred.
“That was a big time in the game, and I want the lights all on in that situation,” Girardi said.
When power was restored, Cano grounded out on the first pitch, a microcosm of the Yankees’ late-inning struggles. Teixeira piled on in the seventh, striking out with two on, before the pivotal eighth. With two on and one out, Martin rapped a single off Kyle Farnsworth, loading the bases for Gardner, whose sharp grounder followed the same trail, scoring Cano.
A third straight ground ball, this one by Eduardo Nunez, went right to shortstop Elliot Johnson. He fired to second for the out, but Gardner came in hard, knocking Sean Rodriguez off balance and causing his throw to bounce wide, pulling Casey Kotchman off first. As Gardner jogged across the diamond, a throng of Yankee fans stood and cheered, welcoming him back.
“That’s what we teach,” Girardi said.
INSIDE PITCH
The Yankees lost some flexibility when Ramiro Pena was placed on the 15-day disabled list after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. His timetable for a return is unclear. To replace Pena, the Yankees promoted the 23-year-old third baseman Brandon Laird, who will back up Eduardo Nunez. Laird’s time might be short if Eric Chavez (fractured left foot) progresses smoothly in a minor league assignment, which is scheduled to begin Tuesday with Class A Tampa.
Via the New York Times
News and reviews of the Sporting World
Tuesday 19 July 2011
Friday 15 July 2011
Make A Stand, Change Football
Over the years football, the sport I love, has become a growing money pit, one that gets deeper by the transfer. Fans, once cherished, have become costumers. Football is no longer a game for the people, it is a game for the oil barrens and business tycoons of this world. How much more of this will fans take? How far can a billionaire go before someone stands up and tells them what they are doing is wrong? For me the FA cup is one of the most magical competitions in the world. The fact every team has chance to win the most famous cup in Europe just makes it special, but who won it last year? Manchester City. A club that I used to respect, but now? They are, in my opinion, an example of the shambles the modern game has become. Long story short, they bought the FA cup. What chance do teams like Wimbledon or Millwall have of a cup run now? Virtually none. And money took that way from us. How long can this charade continue before someone makes a stand? How long is it before UEFA take action against the financial elite who are slowly killing our game? What is the point of trying when you know for every million you spend someone else will spend ten million? Look at the mid-table clubs, they have no chance of winning silverware, because clubs like City spending crazy money on youngsters has caused unparalleled inflation in football. Three or so years ago eight million pounds was a perfectly acceptable fee to pay for a quality midfielder, now Chelsea are happy to offer tens of millions of pounds for Luka Modric. In honesty, I feel sorry for the fans of Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. Because all it takes is for their rich owner to get bored and they could be facing administration, bankruptcy and liquidation. Something needs to be done. How many seasons can a club function without their fans? Zero. Let’s take action, write/email your FA and if you support one of the above mentioned clubs, threaten to go on strike as a supporter, and if they fail the meet the demands of supporters do not buy their products, do not go to games and see how long they last before they have to play fair financially. Stand up, be heard, change football!
I have set up an online Facebook petition which you can join using this link http://www.facebook.com/groups/122821101142462
BE HEARD
I have set up an online Facebook petition which you can join using this link http://www.facebook.com/groups/122821101142462
BE HEARD
Monday 20 June 2011
Why England Succeed To Fail
Last night the England U21s crashed out of what appeared to be South Africa 2010 #2.
In the Euro U21s England showed we had failed to learn from England’s disastrous World Cup campaign last summer.
Many of the same problems we had in South Africa showed in our performances in Denmark. Previously people have blamed poor passing, poor close control, poor management and the list goes on. But what can really be to blame for almost 45 years without a competition win?
Most people reading this are probably thinking, “Poor coaching in grass roots football!” or “Bad passing!”. I think otherwise.
Let us look back at the 2006 World Cup for a second. Looking at our squad I think we had by far the best in the world. Frank Lampard was at his peak, Michael Owen was scoring goals and Joe Cole was actually fit, so why didn’t we win? We have had a team of individuals ever since we last won the World Cup.
In the 2006 F.A Cup final Steven Gerrard was superb, at the time it was probably one of the best performances by an individual ever. Soon after he travelled to join the England squad, and somehow he had hardly any impact on the World Cup whatsoever. That is just one example of England’s individuals.
The UEFA Champions League is often referred to as “the most prestigious club competition in the world”. I would even argue the quality of football in the Champions League surpasses that of the World Cup.
So why do the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Peter Crouch succeed at the highest level and fail in the World Cup?
Most of England’s players are used to being their club’s star player, but unfortunately having a team of stars does not mean having a star team. In fact it means quite the opposite. While Spain have a team ethic that in most peoples’ opinion works, the Spanish players seem to have a belief that they are only as good as the player next to them. This results in passing football and everybody getting a chance to prove what they can do.
But England’s players tend to go it alone and the only way to win against the likes of Spain is team play. Arsenal proved this in their home leg vs. Barcelona in the Champions League last year.
So if England want to succeed they will have to rely on the Jack Wilshere’s of this world, in other words players who appreciate you only get from the team what you give to it.
Written by Thomas Munson
In the Euro U21s England showed we had failed to learn from England’s disastrous World Cup campaign last summer.
Many of the same problems we had in South Africa showed in our performances in Denmark. Previously people have blamed poor passing, poor close control, poor management and the list goes on. But what can really be to blame for almost 45 years without a competition win?
Most people reading this are probably thinking, “Poor coaching in grass roots football!” or “Bad passing!”. I think otherwise.
Let us look back at the 2006 World Cup for a second. Looking at our squad I think we had by far the best in the world. Frank Lampard was at his peak, Michael Owen was scoring goals and Joe Cole was actually fit, so why didn’t we win? We have had a team of individuals ever since we last won the World Cup.
In the 2006 F.A Cup final Steven Gerrard was superb, at the time it was probably one of the best performances by an individual ever. Soon after he travelled to join the England squad, and somehow he had hardly any impact on the World Cup whatsoever. That is just one example of England’s individuals.
The UEFA Champions League is often referred to as “the most prestigious club competition in the world”. I would even argue the quality of football in the Champions League surpasses that of the World Cup.
So why do the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Peter Crouch succeed at the highest level and fail in the World Cup?
Most of England’s players are used to being their club’s star player, but unfortunately having a team of stars does not mean having a star team. In fact it means quite the opposite. While Spain have a team ethic that in most peoples’ opinion works, the Spanish players seem to have a belief that they are only as good as the player next to them. This results in passing football and everybody getting a chance to prove what they can do.
But England’s players tend to go it alone and the only way to win against the likes of Spain is team play. Arsenal proved this in their home leg vs. Barcelona in the Champions League last year.
So if England want to succeed they will have to rely on the Jack Wilshere’s of this world, in other words players who appreciate you only get from the team what you give to it.
Written by Thomas Munson
Thursday 9 June 2011
Abramovich Managerial Headache
As Roman Abramovich’s search for a new manager continues, it might be worth taking a look at who the prime candidates are to take over the helm at the good ship Chelsea.
First and foremost is the current Turkey boss, Guus Hiddink. The fans love him, he has an established friendship with the owner, and he has already proven himself at the club.
In Hiddink’s brief caretaker role in 2009 he led them to an F.A Cup win and third place in the Premier League. In addition, his team were unlucky to miss out on an appearance in the Champions League final.
Clearly, in Hiddink’s six-month spell at Chelsea he showed that his knack for managerial success was as strong with the Blues as it has been pretty much everywhere else in his career.
Hiddink is so far and away the favourite that it would be pointless even considering anyone else for the position if it was not for the salient point that he is still under contract with Turkish F.A, who are unwilling to let him go.
However, noises made in recent weeks suggest that the Turkish F.A might be open to negotiations with the Stamford Bridge outfit, and could reluctantly part company with Hiddink should they receive fair compensation.
Should Chelsea miss out on nabbing their man, they could turn their gaze towards Spain. Despite winning the Copa Del Rey, Jose Mourinho has a fairly frosty relationship with the powers-that-be at Real Madrid.
There have been rumours, though nothing concrete, that the ‘Special One’ has a release clause in his contract in the region of €25m, whereby if another club paid the compensation he would be free to leave Real Madrid. This is just speculation, but if there is any club that could afford such an outlay it is Chelsea.
In Chelsea’s current situation, Abramovich might look to the man who brought the Blues their first title in 50 years, a man who would in all probability relish the chance to finish what he started by winning Champions League at the club.
Nonetheless, Mourinho is still an outside shot. His position at Real Madrid, though rocky over the course of the season, has been strengthened by the departure of director Jorge Valdano, and he will certainly have foremost in his mind the wrestling of the La Liga title away from the imperious Barcelona.
It would not be entirely surprising if he rejoined Chelsea, but it seems unlikely at this particular point in time.
Finally, the bargain basement option. Having recently quit as manager of Fulham, Mark Hughes is freely available and has experience of higher echelon management at Manchester City.
Should Chelsea fail in their attempts to drag Hiddink and/or Mourinho away from their current contracts, he may represent their only choice. There is absolutely no way that Abramovich will even consider letting his team start the season managerless, therefore it is possible, though incredibly unlikely, that he may opt for Mark Hughes as a sort of ‘interim’ coach while waiting for Hiddink/Mourinho to become available.
VERDICT: Hiddink. Absolutely nailed on. Turkey receive generous compensation, Chelsea get their man. Everybody wins.
Written by Sebastian Clare
First and foremost is the current Turkey boss, Guus Hiddink. The fans love him, he has an established friendship with the owner, and he has already proven himself at the club.
In Hiddink’s brief caretaker role in 2009 he led them to an F.A Cup win and third place in the Premier League. In addition, his team were unlucky to miss out on an appearance in the Champions League final.
Clearly, in Hiddink’s six-month spell at Chelsea he showed that his knack for managerial success was as strong with the Blues as it has been pretty much everywhere else in his career.
Hiddink is so far and away the favourite that it would be pointless even considering anyone else for the position if it was not for the salient point that he is still under contract with Turkish F.A, who are unwilling to let him go.
However, noises made in recent weeks suggest that the Turkish F.A might be open to negotiations with the Stamford Bridge outfit, and could reluctantly part company with Hiddink should they receive fair compensation.
Should Chelsea miss out on nabbing their man, they could turn their gaze towards Spain. Despite winning the Copa Del Rey, Jose Mourinho has a fairly frosty relationship with the powers-that-be at Real Madrid.
There have been rumours, though nothing concrete, that the ‘Special One’ has a release clause in his contract in the region of €25m, whereby if another club paid the compensation he would be free to leave Real Madrid. This is just speculation, but if there is any club that could afford such an outlay it is Chelsea.
In Chelsea’s current situation, Abramovich might look to the man who brought the Blues their first title in 50 years, a man who would in all probability relish the chance to finish what he started by winning Champions League at the club.
Nonetheless, Mourinho is still an outside shot. His position at Real Madrid, though rocky over the course of the season, has been strengthened by the departure of director Jorge Valdano, and he will certainly have foremost in his mind the wrestling of the La Liga title away from the imperious Barcelona.
It would not be entirely surprising if he rejoined Chelsea, but it seems unlikely at this particular point in time.
Finally, the bargain basement option. Having recently quit as manager of Fulham, Mark Hughes is freely available and has experience of higher echelon management at Manchester City.
Should Chelsea fail in their attempts to drag Hiddink and/or Mourinho away from their current contracts, he may represent their only choice. There is absolutely no way that Abramovich will even consider letting his team start the season managerless, therefore it is possible, though incredibly unlikely, that he may opt for Mark Hughes as a sort of ‘interim’ coach while waiting for Hiddink/Mourinho to become available.
VERDICT: Hiddink. Absolutely nailed on. Turkey receive generous compensation, Chelsea get their man. Everybody wins.
Written by Sebastian Clare
Monday 23 May 2011
QPR Chase Relegation Stars
Neil Warnock’s Championship winning team, QPR, are looking to secure their Premier League safety next season by acquiring some star players from West Ham, Birmingham City and Blackpool.
QPR is surprisingly one of the richest clubs in English football and have £50m to spend this summer.
P.F.A player of the year, Scott Parker, and Charlie Adam, Mathew Upson and Ben Foster are believed to be on Warnock’s shortlist.
Even though QPR looked like a Premier League team in the Championship, such was their dominance, it is becoming harder and harder to stay in England’s top league, in fact West Ham would have stayed up last season with the amount of points they had this season despite finishing bottom.
It seems likely that QPR will take advantage of West Ham’s relegation and there financial predicament by chasing the Hammer’s key players.
West Ham might need to offload their star players as a result of relegation, in the 2012/2013 season the Hammers may be moving to the Olympic Stadium and spend money reconstructing parts of it.
The East London club could ask for up to £15m for the midfield general Scott Parker; while Scott Parker has not expressed a desire (yet) to leave West Ham it seems more than likely the Hammers will have to sell him in order to balance the books.
Championship player of the year, Adel Taarabt, will probably maintain his place in midfield. I am sure the Moroccan will be wanting Warnock to sign players of higher calibre for Taarabt to create chances for.
Birmingham’s star man, Zigic, who played a key role in Birmingham’s Carling Cup final success may also be moving to QPR in search of more Premier League football.
However I am sure QPR’s players and fans will enjoy the taste of a long awaited Premier League season.
Written by Thomas Munson
QPR is surprisingly one of the richest clubs in English football and have £50m to spend this summer.
P.F.A player of the year, Scott Parker, and Charlie Adam, Mathew Upson and Ben Foster are believed to be on Warnock’s shortlist.
Even though QPR looked like a Premier League team in the Championship, such was their dominance, it is becoming harder and harder to stay in England’s top league, in fact West Ham would have stayed up last season with the amount of points they had this season despite finishing bottom.
It seems likely that QPR will take advantage of West Ham’s relegation and there financial predicament by chasing the Hammer’s key players.
West Ham might need to offload their star players as a result of relegation, in the 2012/2013 season the Hammers may be moving to the Olympic Stadium and spend money reconstructing parts of it.
The East London club could ask for up to £15m for the midfield general Scott Parker; while Scott Parker has not expressed a desire (yet) to leave West Ham it seems more than likely the Hammers will have to sell him in order to balance the books.
Championship player of the year, Adel Taarabt, will probably maintain his place in midfield. I am sure the Moroccan will be wanting Warnock to sign players of higher calibre for Taarabt to create chances for.
Birmingham’s star man, Zigic, who played a key role in Birmingham’s Carling Cup final success may also be moving to QPR in search of more Premier League football.
However I am sure QPR’s players and fans will enjoy the taste of a long awaited Premier League season.
Written by Thomas Munson
Wednesday 11 May 2011
Middlesbrough Set To Cut £7m From Wage Budget
Middlesbrough have tried everything to get back into the Premier League since being relegated in 2009, they have tried spending money, doing nothing and appointing new managers, however the Yorkshire club still occupy England’s second division.
With attendances getting lower by the year and parachute payments nearing their end Middlesbrough have decided to cut their wage bill. At the moment the club are spending approximately £17m per year on wages which is by far the highest in the Championship.
The Middlesbrough owner, Steve Gibson, has admitted he is disappointed with this season, especially when he invested a great deal of money into the club. In the summer of 2010 Middlesbrough signed Kris Boyd, Nick Bailey, Stephen McManus, Kevin Thomson, Tarmo Kink, Andrew Halliday, Scott McDonald and Maximillian Haas. The total of these transfers were around £6m, a big investment for a Championship club. In today’s market that is actually pretty cheap, however the signings have increased Middlesbrough’s annual wage bill by £4.5m.
One of the players who may have to leave as a result of Middlesbrough’s financial difficulties is the Scottish international, Kris Boyd. The ex-Rangers star moved on loan to Nottingham Forest in March and may move their permanently.
Middlesbrough’s financial state is unsustainable for a Championship club, their revenue has gone down dramatically since relegation but spending would appear to have increased.
BORO have this morning confirmed that Willo Flood and Maxi Haas will leave the club this summer, while Andrew Davies is expected to return to Stoke City after his loan spell at the Riverside. With the wage cuts taking place it has become clear that if Middlesbrough want another shot at Premier League football they will have to rely on up and coming youngsters rather than big money names.
Written by Thomas Munson
With attendances getting lower by the year and parachute payments nearing their end Middlesbrough have decided to cut their wage bill. At the moment the club are spending approximately £17m per year on wages which is by far the highest in the Championship.
The Middlesbrough owner, Steve Gibson, has admitted he is disappointed with this season, especially when he invested a great deal of money into the club. In the summer of 2010 Middlesbrough signed Kris Boyd, Nick Bailey, Stephen McManus, Kevin Thomson, Tarmo Kink, Andrew Halliday, Scott McDonald and Maximillian Haas. The total of these transfers were around £6m, a big investment for a Championship club. In today’s market that is actually pretty cheap, however the signings have increased Middlesbrough’s annual wage bill by £4.5m.
One of the players who may have to leave as a result of Middlesbrough’s financial difficulties is the Scottish international, Kris Boyd. The ex-Rangers star moved on loan to Nottingham Forest in March and may move their permanently.
Middlesbrough’s financial state is unsustainable for a Championship club, their revenue has gone down dramatically since relegation but spending would appear to have increased.
BORO have this morning confirmed that Willo Flood and Maxi Haas will leave the club this summer, while Andrew Davies is expected to return to Stoke City after his loan spell at the Riverside. With the wage cuts taking place it has become clear that if Middlesbrough want another shot at Premier League football they will have to rely on up and coming youngsters rather than big money names.
Written by Thomas Munson
Tuesday 10 May 2011
Nottingham Forest Face Swansea In Play-Offs
On Thursday night, the first round of Championship play-offs get under way. Nottingham Forest will host Swansea.
Despite Forest’s poor performance against Blackpool in the play-offs last year the midlands team still look confident.
Forest manager, Billy Davies, has claimed that their defeat to Blackpool last year is not in their minds and that Forest are a different animal this year. “We all know what the play-offs are like- they are a lottery.” said Davies. “It is luck, it’s refereeing decisions and if you get the breaks you can get there. We won’t think about last year and take nothing away from Blackpool- they deserve an awful lot of credit for what they did and what they have done.”
When the press asked Brendan Rodgers, the Swansea manager, whether he will take a different approach to the play-offs he replied, “No, we will just continue with no pressure. Monday we will be back preparing.” he added “I just need to keep taking the pressure off the players because of how we play, trying to make 600, 700, 800 passes a game, you have to be confident and you have to want the ball. Thankfully I have players who do that. We play how we train and we’ll continue to train how we have been and focus on these two play-off games”
Swansea’s cool attitude may play in their favour as Nottingham Forest are bound to feel under pressure after their 6-4 play-off defeat last season.
Written by Thomas Munson
Despite Forest’s poor performance against Blackpool in the play-offs last year the midlands team still look confident.
Forest manager, Billy Davies, has claimed that their defeat to Blackpool last year is not in their minds and that Forest are a different animal this year. “We all know what the play-offs are like- they are a lottery.” said Davies. “It is luck, it’s refereeing decisions and if you get the breaks you can get there. We won’t think about last year and take nothing away from Blackpool- they deserve an awful lot of credit for what they did and what they have done.”
When the press asked Brendan Rodgers, the Swansea manager, whether he will take a different approach to the play-offs he replied, “No, we will just continue with no pressure. Monday we will be back preparing.” he added “I just need to keep taking the pressure off the players because of how we play, trying to make 600, 700, 800 passes a game, you have to be confident and you have to want the ball. Thankfully I have players who do that. We play how we train and we’ll continue to train how we have been and focus on these two play-off games”
Swansea’s cool attitude may play in their favour as Nottingham Forest are bound to feel under pressure after their 6-4 play-off defeat last season.
Written by Thomas Munson
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Chelsea Treble Could Leave This Summer
Chelsea will have gone another year without the Champions League in their trophy cabinet. In 2003 Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea F.C with the intention of winning the most prestigious club competition in the world, the UEFA Champions League. The club signed some of the best young talent in the world including, Petr Cech, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole and best of all Didier Drogba. It is often said those players came to the blues with one purpose, to win the Champions League. But now J.Cole has left and most of the other players in the squad are on the wrong side of 30.
Abramovich wants a younger fresher squad, a squad that can win the Champions League. Rumour has it that the Russian wants to offload some of the older players in the squad, John Terry, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard. If those players were to become available I am sure that there would be many interested parties. However Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp could be interested in all three to help secure Champions League football at the Lane once again. It would not surprise me if Manchester City made a bid for Drogba and Terry. City have been linked with a move for Terry pretty much as soon as they were bought by Mansour Al Nahyan in 2008.
It is hard to say how much the players in question would cost, the prices for Lampard and Terry could be around £20m each while Drogba would be closer to £30m.
But no matter who goes where and how much they sell for there is sure to be fresh investment from Abramovich
Written by Thomas Munson
Abramovich wants a younger fresher squad, a squad that can win the Champions League. Rumour has it that the Russian wants to offload some of the older players in the squad, John Terry, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard. If those players were to become available I am sure that there would be many interested parties. However Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp could be interested in all three to help secure Champions League football at the Lane once again. It would not surprise me if Manchester City made a bid for Drogba and Terry. City have been linked with a move for Terry pretty much as soon as they were bought by Mansour Al Nahyan in 2008.
It is hard to say how much the players in question would cost, the prices for Lampard and Terry could be around £20m each while Drogba would be closer to £30m.
But no matter who goes where and how much they sell for there is sure to be fresh investment from Abramovich
Written by Thomas Munson
Monday 4 April 2011
Can Tottenham Beat Galácticos?
Tottenham Hotspur have exceeded all expectations this season, last year they qualified for the UEFA Champions League play-offs and there were a few people who thought “Champions League, you’re having a laugh.”
However Tottenham have been no joke this season; admittedly they had a rough start versus Young Boys but since then they have looked far from out of place. They beat Inter at White Hart Lane and finished ahead of them in their group.
Even Wenger thinks Spurs are in with a chance of beating Real Madrid, “It is very open” Wenger said, “Who cannot be beaten? If everything went all right, Barcelona would be out today ... if it had stayed 11 v 11, I am convinced of that. So why can't Spurs beat Madrid? Madrid has a disadvantage to play the first game at home and Spurs look to be strong at home. It is a real 50-50 tie.”
For Real the 1st leg is vital, Tottenham have turned the Lane into a European fortress so Real need to kill them off early. Fortunately for Spurs Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Marcelo could be unavailable for tomorrow’s match.
Bale could come back from injury to face Galácticos but question marks have been raised after the Welshman said “You never know [what will happen] but I have no fear about leaving the country,” he said “If there is a great opportunity then that has to be considered seriously. I left home when I was 15, if I leave the Premier League, learn another language and see another country then I will grow as a person.”
The question remains; will Tottenham shock us all, again?
Written by Thomas Munson
However Tottenham have been no joke this season; admittedly they had a rough start versus Young Boys but since then they have looked far from out of place. They beat Inter at White Hart Lane and finished ahead of them in their group.
Even Wenger thinks Spurs are in with a chance of beating Real Madrid, “It is very open” Wenger said, “Who cannot be beaten? If everything went all right, Barcelona would be out today ... if it had stayed 11 v 11, I am convinced of that. So why can't Spurs beat Madrid? Madrid has a disadvantage to play the first game at home and Spurs look to be strong at home. It is a real 50-50 tie.”
For Real the 1st leg is vital, Tottenham have turned the Lane into a European fortress so Real need to kill them off early. Fortunately for Spurs Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Marcelo could be unavailable for tomorrow’s match.
Bale could come back from injury to face Galácticos but question marks have been raised after the Welshman said “You never know [what will happen] but I have no fear about leaving the country,” he said “If there is a great opportunity then that has to be considered seriously. I left home when I was 15, if I leave the Premier League, learn another language and see another country then I will grow as a person.”
The question remains; will Tottenham shock us all, again?
Written by Thomas Munson
Tuesday 29 March 2011
Youthful England Ready To Play World Cup Quarter Finalists
Some people would argue that England should have played Ghana in the quarter final of the World Cup, but they were pipped at the post by the U.S who went on to lose to a strong Ghana side.
Ghana really deserved to get to the semi final of the World Cup, but Luis Suarez’s hand stopped the ball crossing the goal-line in the 90th minute. Ghana were given a penalty but the pressure was too great and Gyan missed the penalty which would have taken Ghana through to the semi final.
While England are higher up in the world rankings there is no clear favourite.
Fabio Capello, the England manager, has released six players from the England squad including John Terry who was confirmed as full time captain of England.
Gareth Barry will be captain of England tonight and is the seventh England captain since Fabio Capello took over in 2008.
Even though Jack Wilshere is an Arsenal regular and looks to be breaking into England’s first team I believe he will start against Ghana.
My predicted line-up: (4-3-3) Ben Foster; Glen Johnson, Garry Cahill, Joleon Lescott, Leighton Baines; Jack Wilshere, Gareth Barry, Milner; Ashley Young, Andy Carroll and Matthew Jarvis.
I predict that the score will be 1-1. I think Ghana are a very good side and England are playing a second string team but I think both teams are too good to lose.
Written by Thomas Munson
Ghana really deserved to get to the semi final of the World Cup, but Luis Suarez’s hand stopped the ball crossing the goal-line in the 90th minute. Ghana were given a penalty but the pressure was too great and Gyan missed the penalty which would have taken Ghana through to the semi final.
While England are higher up in the world rankings there is no clear favourite.
Fabio Capello, the England manager, has released six players from the England squad including John Terry who was confirmed as full time captain of England.
Gareth Barry will be captain of England tonight and is the seventh England captain since Fabio Capello took over in 2008.
Even though Jack Wilshere is an Arsenal regular and looks to be breaking into England’s first team I believe he will start against Ghana.
My predicted line-up: (4-3-3) Ben Foster; Glen Johnson, Garry Cahill, Joleon Lescott, Leighton Baines; Jack Wilshere, Gareth Barry, Milner; Ashley Young, Andy Carroll and Matthew Jarvis.
I predict that the score will be 1-1. I think Ghana are a very good side and England are playing a second string team but I think both teams are too good to lose.
Written by Thomas Munson
Tuesday 22 March 2011
How The International Break Will Effect The Top Three
The top three are racing for the title, some relying on momentum, some relying on stability and some relying on pure passion. But how will the international break effect how the season turns out?
1. Manchester United sit on the top of the Premier League table, but have United eaten too much dinner and risk falling through it? I doubt that, although I would not want to carry their trophy cabinet around.
The Devils have been struggling with injuries and have seven players injured, so an international break would reduce the amount of matches their injured players miss.
United, I think, are probably the most stable and defensively sound of the top three despite O’Shea, Vidic and Ferdinand being injured as well as Evans’s suspension.
So I think United have more to gain from the international break than lose, but they run the risk of more key players being injured.
2. Arsenal are on a bad run and have only won one match in their last six, however the international break offers Arsenal’s players the opportunity to escape from club football, and maybe get a morale boost if they win their internationals.
The break from club football also offers Lehman the opportunity to get himself fit in the gym and mentally compose himself.
Despite these positives, Arsenal fans will remained concerned as the gunners seem to be cursed by injuries during the international break.
3. Chelsea had their worst run in over a decade during mid-season, but now look like returning to their double winning form of last year.
Maybe a break in club football could hinder their chances of making an historic come back and win the title. Momentum is what seems to be carrying Chelsea forward so a break could slow their momentum.
Recently Arsenal and Manchester United have been dropping points and Chelsea have been steaming forwards; so Chelsea will have to work very hard in order to keep their form going after the international break.
Once again injuries crop up as a problem, most of Chelsea’s players have returned to fitness but with an ageing squad Chelsea’s key-players may struggle to maintain fitness.
Most of my focus has been on how CLUB football will be effected but I would like to say, there is nothing more satisfying in football than seeing your country doing well.
Written by Thomas Munson
1. Manchester United sit on the top of the Premier League table, but have United eaten too much dinner and risk falling through it? I doubt that, although I would not want to carry their trophy cabinet around.
The Devils have been struggling with injuries and have seven players injured, so an international break would reduce the amount of matches their injured players miss.
United, I think, are probably the most stable and defensively sound of the top three despite O’Shea, Vidic and Ferdinand being injured as well as Evans’s suspension.
So I think United have more to gain from the international break than lose, but they run the risk of more key players being injured.
2. Arsenal are on a bad run and have only won one match in their last six, however the international break offers Arsenal’s players the opportunity to escape from club football, and maybe get a morale boost if they win their internationals.
The break from club football also offers Lehman the opportunity to get himself fit in the gym and mentally compose himself.
Despite these positives, Arsenal fans will remained concerned as the gunners seem to be cursed by injuries during the international break.
3. Chelsea had their worst run in over a decade during mid-season, but now look like returning to their double winning form of last year.
Maybe a break in club football could hinder their chances of making an historic come back and win the title. Momentum is what seems to be carrying Chelsea forward so a break could slow their momentum.
Recently Arsenal and Manchester United have been dropping points and Chelsea have been steaming forwards; so Chelsea will have to work very hard in order to keep their form going after the international break.
Once again injuries crop up as a problem, most of Chelsea’s players have returned to fitness but with an ageing squad Chelsea’s key-players may struggle to maintain fitness.
Most of my focus has been on how CLUB football will be effected but I would like to say, there is nothing more satisfying in football than seeing your country doing well.
Written by Thomas Munson
Thursday 17 March 2011
Roberto Mancini Selection Headache

Tonight Manchester City travel to Dynamo Kyiv in the second leg of their Europa League tie. They travel to Kyiv with a two goal deficit and will be looking to chip away at that, however the Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini, has a tough decision to make. On Sunday City are travelling to Stamford Bridge and need to win if they want to ensure Champions League football next season. The Italian has often complained about the players being tired, so will he play the first-team line-up that is needed to overturn Kyiv’s 2-0 lead or rest his players for the match against Chelsea. Mancini does not want to be seen to be throwing away silverware by playing a reserve team tonight, but he can not risk losing to Chelsea. If City lose to Chelsea on Sunday Chelsea will leap-frog them leaving City in a battle with Spurs for fourth spot, a battle City lost last year. I think City will rest some of their starting eleven tonight.
Most likely Manchester City line-up: (4-3-3
Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov; Vieira, Barry, Yaya Touré; Balotelli, Dzeko and Milner.
If I was a Manchester City fan I would not worry about losing. As Kompany said, “We are more than capable of doing to them [Dynamo Kyiv] what they did to us.”
Written by Thomas Munson
Tonight Manchester City travel to Dynamo Kyiv in the second leg of their Europa League tie. They travel to Kyiv with a two goal deficit and will be looking to chip away at that, however the Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini, has a tough decision to make. On Sunday City are travelling to Stamford Bridge and need to win if they want to ensure Champions League football next season. The Italian has often complained about the players being tired, so will he play the first-team line-up that is needed to overturn Kyiv’s 2-0 lead or rest his players for the match against Chelsea. Mancini does not want to be seen to be throwing away silverware by playing a reserve team tonight, but he can not risk losing to Chelsea. If City lose to Chelsea on Sunday Chelsea will leap-frog them leaving City in a battle with Spurs for fourth spot, a battle City lost last year. I think City will rest some of their starting eleven tonight.
Most likely Manchester City line-up: (4-3-3
Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov; Vieira, Barry, Yaya Touré; Balotelli, Dzeko and Milner.
If I was a Manchester City fan I would not worry about losing. As Kompany said, “We are more than capable of doing to them [Dynamo Kyiv] what they did to us.”
Written by Thomas Munson
Tuesday 15 March 2011
MLS: Seattle Sounders vs. LA Galaxy Preview
Tonight the first match of the 16th MLS season kicks-off at Qwest Field. This is a battle of U.S Open Cup winners vs. last year’s western conference finalists and favourites to win this year’s MLS Cup. The Galaxy are a strong unit and have quality players, however the Sounders are no pushovers. Pablo Angel has a lot to live up to as the replacement for Edson Buddle and he will be looking to score from day one. David Beckham and Landon Donovan will still be the key players for the California side and will prove to be the difference in the set-plays. Omar Gonzales is 6.5ft and is the perfect player for Beckham to target in the box from set-plays, Gonzales scored a header in LA’s 4-0 last May. Even though the Sounders have been working hard in pre-season on defending set-plays I still think the Galaxy will get at least one goal from a set-play. The Sounders also struggled scoring set-plays last season but they have been working on their dead ball situations this winter, last Wednesday in the MLS Community Shield Seattle scored a world-class goal from a free kick from about 35 yards out; the delivery was from Freddie Montero and John Kennedy headed the ball into the back of the net.
I have spent most of this preview talking about set-plays but that is because I believe the key to winning this match will be making the most of the dead balls. David Beckham is probably the most famous footballer of all time, the reason for that is his ability. Sir Alex Ferguson once said, “His [David Beckham’s] right foot is like having all the football clubs in the world in a golf bag.” Beckham has always been good at taking free kicks, his most famous free kick is probably the one he scored against Greece for England in a World Cup qualifier, so the Sounders will have to be very careful not to concede silly free kicks. For me the only way the Sounders can get anything out of the game is if they do the opposite of Galaxy. The only way to beat LA’s defence is by playing the ball along the ground and just keep passing and moving, Dallas did this in the western conference final, and guess what, they won.
Written by Thomas Munson
I have spent most of this preview talking about set-plays but that is because I believe the key to winning this match will be making the most of the dead balls. David Beckham is probably the most famous footballer of all time, the reason for that is his ability. Sir Alex Ferguson once said, “His [David Beckham’s] right foot is like having all the football clubs in the world in a golf bag.” Beckham has always been good at taking free kicks, his most famous free kick is probably the one he scored against Greece for England in a World Cup qualifier, so the Sounders will have to be very careful not to concede silly free kicks. For me the only way the Sounders can get anything out of the game is if they do the opposite of Galaxy. The only way to beat LA’s defence is by playing the ball along the ground and just keep passing and moving, Dallas did this in the western conference final, and guess what, they won.
Written by Thomas Munson
Monday 14 March 2011
Norwich City vs. Bristol City Preview
Tonight’s match is incredibly important to how the Championship league table is going to turn out. If Norwich City avoid defeat they will overtake Swansea and will be in an automatic promotion spot, which is impressive enough (If you consider that the Npower Championship is the hardest league to get out of in the world.) But what you must remember is that Norwich City were in League 1 last year; so finishing second would be a challenge worth of the prize (The prize being Premier league football.)
However the match tonight is not just about Norwich, it is about Bristol City too. Bristol had a poor start to the season but are now in very good form and have won their last four matches, they are now all but certain to stay up. Even so every team wants to finish a season on a high so that they can pick up where the left of in the upcoming season.
Both sides have players who can change games, Bristol City have David James, the goalkeeping maestro can be the difference between a clean sheet and letting in four goals, Albert Adomah had a great game against Portsmouth last week and looks like scoring more goals in games to come. Norwich have game changing players to, Henri Lansbury who scored his first two goals for the club in consecutive home games against Millwall and Reading - the former being a stoppage time winner and as looked influential ever since. My match prediction is 2-2 because I think Bristol’s extra confidence will get them goals but I think Norwich are too good not to score.
Written by Thomas Munson
However the match tonight is not just about Norwich, it is about Bristol City too. Bristol had a poor start to the season but are now in very good form and have won their last four matches, they are now all but certain to stay up. Even so every team wants to finish a season on a high so that they can pick up where the left of in the upcoming season.
Both sides have players who can change games, Bristol City have David James, the goalkeeping maestro can be the difference between a clean sheet and letting in four goals, Albert Adomah had a great game against Portsmouth last week and looks like scoring more goals in games to come. Norwich have game changing players to, Henri Lansbury who scored his first two goals for the club in consecutive home games against Millwall and Reading - the former being a stoppage time winner and as looked influential ever since. My match prediction is 2-2 because I think Bristol’s extra confidence will get them goals but I think Norwich are too good not to score.
Written by Thomas Munson
Friday 11 March 2011
Arsenal Look To Old Trafford For Needed Morale Boost
The gunners will soon be taking part in what could be a season defining game when they travel to play Manchester United in the F.A cup this weekend. Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has admitted that a win at Old Trafford would be a, “Much needed morale boost.” This game is vital for both clubs’ seasons, not because it is a chance to play in the F.A cup semi final but because who ever wins this tie will have the edge when they meet in the league; and the league match between the two clubs is sure to decide who will win the title.
Both sides are struggling with some injuries to big players which is bound to make the fixture a battle of wits between the two managers. Arsenal’s injury list includes Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song, Thomas Vermaelen, (Who has not played for Arsenal since August) Theo Walcott, Lukasz Fabianski, Wojciech Szczesny and Robin Van Persie is also not 100% fit. Manchester United’s injury list is considerably shorter but still has some big names; the following players either are out of the match or are not 100% fit: Rio Ferdinand, Nani, Nemanja Vidic and Antonio Valencia. I believe the most effective midfield for Arsenal on Saturday would involve playing Nasri in a more central position while Wilshere plays further wide. I hope that it will be a good match but it is a fixture that tends to lack goals so my prediction is 1-0 to United.
Written by Thomas Munson
Both sides are struggling with some injuries to big players which is bound to make the fixture a battle of wits between the two managers. Arsenal’s injury list includes Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song, Thomas Vermaelen, (Who has not played for Arsenal since August) Theo Walcott, Lukasz Fabianski, Wojciech Szczesny and Robin Van Persie is also not 100% fit. Manchester United’s injury list is considerably shorter but still has some big names; the following players either are out of the match or are not 100% fit: Rio Ferdinand, Nani, Nemanja Vidic and Antonio Valencia. I believe the most effective midfield for Arsenal on Saturday would involve playing Nasri in a more central position while Wilshere plays further wide. I hope that it will be a good match but it is a fixture that tends to lack goals so my prediction is 1-0 to United.
Written by Thomas Munson
Monday 7 March 2011
Cesc’s 90% Chance
According to Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, Cesc Fabregas is 90% certain to play for Arsenal against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, but the holding midfielder Alex Song has been ruled out with a knee injury; which will be a massive blow to Arsenal’s defensive prospects. However Arsenal are not short of replacements for the Cameroonian. Jack Wilshere had a successful debut for England in the holding midfield, Diaby could also cover for Song.
Fabregas, the Arsenal captain, is due to have a test on his hamstring today and will see if he can play against Barcelona. Wenger also confirmed that Jack Wilshere would be available despite picking up a knock to his ankle in Arsenal’s home match to Sunderland on Saturday. “Fabregas will have a final test today,” Wenger told Arsenal.com. “It is 90% he will travel and be fit. It is vital for us because he is important in the transition between attacking and defending. He is also the leader of the team so we want him there” . Arsenal will travel to Spain defending a 2-1 lead from the home leg at the Emirates, which is a goal better than last seasons match at the Emirates. Despite losing 4-1 at Barcelona last season, Wenger believes that his side have improved at the back, with Arsenal's Premier League defensive record now only bettered by Chelsea and Manchester City. But can Van Persie’s replacements up front live up to the occasion? However no matter what happens in the build up, tomorrow nights match is going to be something special.
Written by Thomas Munson
Fabregas, the Arsenal captain, is due to have a test on his hamstring today and will see if he can play against Barcelona. Wenger also confirmed that Jack Wilshere would be available despite picking up a knock to his ankle in Arsenal’s home match to Sunderland on Saturday. “Fabregas will have a final test today,” Wenger told Arsenal.com. “It is 90% he will travel and be fit. It is vital for us because he is important in the transition between attacking and defending. He is also the leader of the team so we want him there” . Arsenal will travel to Spain defending a 2-1 lead from the home leg at the Emirates, which is a goal better than last seasons match at the Emirates. Despite losing 4-1 at Barcelona last season, Wenger believes that his side have improved at the back, with Arsenal's Premier League defensive record now only bettered by Chelsea and Manchester City. But can Van Persie’s replacements up front live up to the occasion? However no matter what happens in the build up, tomorrow nights match is going to be something special.
Written by Thomas Munson
Wednesday 16 February 2011
In The Spur Of The Moment
Week in, week out, match officials are criticised for giving a yellow card for this or a penalty for that, but how much do journalists really know about the laws of the game? Through most of this article I will be using Tottenham’s Champions League match against A.C Milan as an example. At this point I should mention I am a qualified referee. Technically the referee is always right, every law is based on, ‘The opinion of the referee’, so if a referee does not award a penalty for handball in the box, then (in the eyes of the law) there was no handball because in the opinion of the referee there was no handball. The referee, Stéphane Lannoy had a good game last night, as did the other five officials. Unfortunately a great game was plagued by bad sportsmanship, although Ibrahimovic was very reasonable about his goal being disallowed. The two most discussed parts of the game (Apart from the goal) are Flamini’s tackle on Corluka and Gattuso’s outburst. First Flamini’s tackle, many people would say he should have been shown a red card. However the referee did not. I think his view was slightly obstructed by another play so all he saw was the start of the tackle and Flamini winning the ball. The referee was correct to award the free kick as he could see how hard the impact of the tackle was. I do not want to put words in the referee’s mouth but I think he wanted to keep all 22 players on the field of play and he probably thought that Flamini was caught up in the spur of the moment, while the tackle was dangerous I think Flamini intended to play the ball. As far as Gattuso is concerned the referee did the best he could, he booked the Italian veteran for unsportsmanlike like conduct, which was again the right call. Gattuso’s first ‘attack’ on the Tottenham assistant manager was worthy of a red card but unfortunately Stéphane was dealing with other players at that moment in time, so as he did not see anything, there was nothing he could do. When the full time whistle blows the referee can no longer issue cards, unlike at halftime. But officials can file reports and then the F.A, FIFA, UEFA etc.. will investigate what happened and if they feel it necessary, sanction the person in question. Based on what happened at the end of the match I would assume Gattuso will receive an extra three-match ban. But at the end of the day only one persons opinion counts, the referee.
Written by Thomas Munson
Written by Thomas Munson
Monday 14 February 2011
McClaren Happy To Manage A Championship Club
Former England and Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren was recently sacked by the German club, Wolfsburg. The Englishman said in an interview with SkySportsNews, “At Wolfsburg it was hard, they wanted instant success, I prefer working for clubs who seek long term success.” While Steve McClaren has had great success at FC Twente and Middlesbrough his career is tainted slightly by his poor spell in charge of England, McClaren said his struggle in charge of England keeps him on his toes.
A move back to England could be on the cards after McClaren said that we was happy to come home and that he would be happy to manage a Championship club. Middlesbrough who at the start of this season were favourites to win the Championship are currently 20th and are in a relegation battle. McClaren achieved great success at Middlesbrough, under McClaren’s reign as manager of M‘Brough the club won it’s first major trophy (The League Cup) and qualified for the UEFA Cup, (Now known as the UEFA Europa League) the club also got it’s highest ever Premier League finish.
Will Steve McClaren be the man to turn round Middlesbrough’s ship or will he move to another club that he has not managed before? If Avram Grant fails to keep his job at the helm of West Ham United then maybe that is the type of club Steve would want to manage, in the long term the board and the fans expect great things but I am sure, at least for the first season or so, finishing in the top 15 would be more than enough. Which is just the kind of job McClaren said he wanted. But I am sure that McClaren will not be a free agent for much longer.
Written by Thomas Munson
A move back to England could be on the cards after McClaren said that we was happy to come home and that he would be happy to manage a Championship club. Middlesbrough who at the start of this season were favourites to win the Championship are currently 20th and are in a relegation battle. McClaren achieved great success at Middlesbrough, under McClaren’s reign as manager of M‘Brough the club won it’s first major trophy (The League Cup) and qualified for the UEFA Cup, (Now known as the UEFA Europa League) the club also got it’s highest ever Premier League finish.
Will Steve McClaren be the man to turn round Middlesbrough’s ship or will he move to another club that he has not managed before? If Avram Grant fails to keep his job at the helm of West Ham United then maybe that is the type of club Steve would want to manage, in the long term the board and the fans expect great things but I am sure, at least for the first season or so, finishing in the top 15 would be more than enough. Which is just the kind of job McClaren said he wanted. But I am sure that McClaren will not be a free agent for much longer.
Written by Thomas Munson
Monday 7 February 2011
Good Kop Bad Kop
Liverpool's majority shareholder, John Henry, has suggested Kenny Dalglish could be in charge of Liverpool on a permanent basis.
Dalglish was appointed as caretaker manager by the owners, Fenway Sports Group, to take charge until the end of the season. Kenny Dalglish has already made a big impact at the club and the manager’s experience going forward has given the strikers at the club a big confidence boost.
However, the new owners have also made an impact in their first transfer window, they took a punt selling Torres, but the owners reinvested the money from the transfer to buy two strikers. (Andy Carroll and Luis Suárez) A punt most people are happy with. The new strikers did not come cheap though, Liverpool had to break the club's transfer record to bring in Andy Carroll from Newcastle for £35m, and signing Luis Suárez for £22.8m was also an extravagant buy. The fans and the pundits would argue that the Liverpool squad is stronger than it was when the transfer window opened, and the club even managed to make a profit on transfers this January of about £10.2m
In an interview John Henry was asked how he felt about his decision to appoint Kenny Dalglish as caretaker manager, "In our case it was very fortunate, but we could not have made a better choice," Henry said. "I know he [Kenny Dalgish], for a long time now, has wanted to be in this position, so it's a great thing for the club, for Kenny and for us."
Henry suggested Liverpool might not build a new stadium, but instead redevelop Anfield. "The Kop is unrivalled," he said. "I was really surprised because we've heard so much about needing a new stadium. We were surprised at how beautiful Anfield was both viewing it as an empty stadium and then with the first game. It would be hard to replicate that feeling anywhere else."
Henry also explained why he sold one of Liverpool’s best players (Torres) "One of things that we talked about from the very beginning was how important it was that everyone was on the same page. No player is bigger than the club, we expect players to want to be here. If they don't want to be part of Liverpool Football Club then we should do everything we can to facilitate them going elsewhere." Strong words from a successful man, the fans of Liverpool have wanted a new stadium for some time now, the failure to build a new stadium is one of the reasons Hicks and Gillett became so unpopular with the fans, the fans will be hoping that this is not déjà vu. The new owners have a lot in common, they both are American, they both own American sports teams and they both promised a new stadium and backed out. Hopefully for Liverpool fans the only other thing they will share is Champions League football.
Written by Thomas Munson
Dalglish was appointed as caretaker manager by the owners, Fenway Sports Group, to take charge until the end of the season. Kenny Dalglish has already made a big impact at the club and the manager’s experience going forward has given the strikers at the club a big confidence boost.
However, the new owners have also made an impact in their first transfer window, they took a punt selling Torres, but the owners reinvested the money from the transfer to buy two strikers. (Andy Carroll and Luis Suárez) A punt most people are happy with. The new strikers did not come cheap though, Liverpool had to break the club's transfer record to bring in Andy Carroll from Newcastle for £35m, and signing Luis Suárez for £22.8m was also an extravagant buy. The fans and the pundits would argue that the Liverpool squad is stronger than it was when the transfer window opened, and the club even managed to make a profit on transfers this January of about £10.2m
In an interview John Henry was asked how he felt about his decision to appoint Kenny Dalglish as caretaker manager, "In our case it was very fortunate, but we could not have made a better choice," Henry said. "I know he [Kenny Dalgish], for a long time now, has wanted to be in this position, so it's a great thing for the club, for Kenny and for us."
Henry suggested Liverpool might not build a new stadium, but instead redevelop Anfield. "The Kop is unrivalled," he said. "I was really surprised because we've heard so much about needing a new stadium. We were surprised at how beautiful Anfield was both viewing it as an empty stadium and then with the first game. It would be hard to replicate that feeling anywhere else."
Henry also explained why he sold one of Liverpool’s best players (Torres) "One of things that we talked about from the very beginning was how important it was that everyone was on the same page. No player is bigger than the club, we expect players to want to be here. If they don't want to be part of Liverpool Football Club then we should do everything we can to facilitate them going elsewhere." Strong words from a successful man, the fans of Liverpool have wanted a new stadium for some time now, the failure to build a new stadium is one of the reasons Hicks and Gillett became so unpopular with the fans, the fans will be hoping that this is not déjà vu. The new owners have a lot in common, they both are American, they both own American sports teams and they both promised a new stadium and backed out. Hopefully for Liverpool fans the only other thing they will share is Champions League football.
Written by Thomas Munson
Wednesday 2 February 2011
Wenger Out-burst
Last night Arsene Wenger accused Chelsea of hypocrisy after questioning the logic of Roman Abramovich's extraordinary £76.5m spending in last months transfer window, despite the Russian owner claiming to support UEFA's policy of financial fair play. So far this season Chelsea have made a loss of around £140m which is £110m over the allowed loss as of 12/13 season. These new regulations only effect teams competing in the UEFA Champions League, the rules essentially mean that the maximum loss a club can make per season is £30m, making the major European leagues more competitive. Failure to meet regulations will result in expulsion from the UEFA Champions League. Arsene Wenger felt it was ironic that one day Roman Abramovich claimed he was more than happy with the financial fair play rules and within a month he spent £70m in one day. Clubs like Manchester City spend more in wages than they make in turnover on top of the £300m they have spent in the last three seasons. What is the point of spending big money like that when you will get banned from the Champions League anyway.
The English club that should benefit most from these new rules is Arsenal, who are one of two Premier League clubs that ran in profit last season, a £53m profit to be exact. Making profits like these is certainly going to help chip away at the debt of building the Emirates, which is UEFA’s goal. And a new era of football will begin.
Written by Thomas Munson
The English club that should benefit most from these new rules is Arsenal, who are one of two Premier League clubs that ran in profit last season, a £53m profit to be exact. Making profits like these is certainly going to help chip away at the debt of building the Emirates, which is UEFA’s goal. And a new era of football will begin.
Written by Thomas Munson
Andy Carroll, The Most Expensive Brit Of All Time
Andy Carroll has moved to Liverpool for £35m, which means he is the eighth most expensive player in the world and the most expensive Brit. The £35m fee puts Carroll up there with the likes of David Villa and Wayne Rooney. The ex Newcastle striker stated when interviewed, “I didn‘t want to go, I was pushed out, they wanted the money.” The England international has signed a deal worth £80,000 per-week. West Ham must have been distraught when they saw the £35m fee; after all, they did say that Carroll’s asking price of £1m in the summer of 2009 was unrealistic.
Questions have been asked about whether Carroll is worth the £35m paid for him, which is the equivalent of £1.7m per Premier League start for the young Englishman.
When asked Pardew insisted, “You don’t force anyone to do anything and we didn’t twist his arm to put in a transfer request or to get on that helicopter. He had a five-year contract here, a contract we said we would renew yesterday in the summer; but we wanted to renew it straight away and when he made it clear that he wanted to renew it now or he would to speak to Liverpool and that’s when the power shifted. We didn’t want to lose Andy yesterday and if Andy really wanted to stay he could’ve stayed, but he is not here. We don’t want bad feeling for Andy, he’s moved on and he’s moved to a big club, Liverpool are a good club and good luck to him. Nothing was mentioned to his representatives it terms of forcing him out. He indicated to me in my office that he wanted a new deal and if wasn’t going to get a new deal he wanted the option to move to Liverpool and I said you need to put that in writing Andy if your going to do that, and he did. One thing I said to Mike (Ashley) is that if this boy is going to go we have to reinvested the money in the squad.” The new Liverpool number nine has not started is Liverpool career in the best of circumstances, but Kenny knows a good player when he see’s one, and Carroll is just that.
Written by Thomas Munson
Questions have been asked about whether Carroll is worth the £35m paid for him, which is the equivalent of £1.7m per Premier League start for the young Englishman.
When asked Pardew insisted, “You don’t force anyone to do anything and we didn’t twist his arm to put in a transfer request or to get on that helicopter. He had a five-year contract here, a contract we said we would renew yesterday in the summer; but we wanted to renew it straight away and when he made it clear that he wanted to renew it now or he would to speak to Liverpool and that’s when the power shifted. We didn’t want to lose Andy yesterday and if Andy really wanted to stay he could’ve stayed, but he is not here. We don’t want bad feeling for Andy, he’s moved on and he’s moved to a big club, Liverpool are a good club and good luck to him. Nothing was mentioned to his representatives it terms of forcing him out. He indicated to me in my office that he wanted a new deal and if wasn’t going to get a new deal he wanted the option to move to Liverpool and I said you need to put that in writing Andy if your going to do that, and he did. One thing I said to Mike (Ashley) is that if this boy is going to go we have to reinvested the money in the squad.” The new Liverpool number nine has not started is Liverpool career in the best of circumstances, but Kenny knows a good player when he see’s one, and Carroll is just that.
Written by Thomas Munson
Monday 31 January 2011
€52m Bale A Cabo
La especulación es cada vez mayor sobre un posible traspaso por el Inter al premio Bale lejos de White Heart Lane con una posible £ 40m en las tarjetas, el £ 40m incluso podría aumentar con el Real Madrid para una guerra de ofertas. Un movimiento £ 40m, no sólo haría que la bala que el jugador británico más caro, pero también lo convertiría en el más caro de 21 años en el mundo. Tottenham tendrá un puesto de trabajo en sus manos para mantener la bala en el verano próximo Lane, el Inter de Milán triplicaría los salarios de la bala y el Real es el club que los jugadores encuentran "imposible" para decir que no.
La cuestión no es si el Tottenham quiere mantener Bale en White Heart Lane, pero, ¿pueden darse el lujo? Spurs se encuentran un buen uso con la £ 40m, son después de todo, después de un nuevo estadio que costará Spurs al menos 300 millones de libras. (Y eso si consiguen el estadio olímpico, si no se podía llegar a costar hasta 500 millones de libras.)
Bale no ha expresado su deseo de salir de los Spurs, el factor decisivo en cuenta Bale podría ser la clasificación para la Liga de Campeones de la UEFA. El hecho de no calificar podría significar que el club tiene que venderle a equilibrar las cuentas.
Tottenham hizo una facturación récord de la temporada pasada de £ 119 millones, que hicieron perder una de £ 6.6m, no clasificarse para la Liga de Campeones de la UEFA establecerá los Spurs de nuevo por al menos otros £ 19m sin contar el dinero de televisión y venta de entradas.
Pero en el lado brillante jugador estrella de los Spurs, debe estar en el carril para el resto de la temporada.
Escrito por Thomas Munson
La cuestión no es si el Tottenham quiere mantener Bale en White Heart Lane, pero, ¿pueden darse el lujo? Spurs se encuentran un buen uso con la £ 40m, son después de todo, después de un nuevo estadio que costará Spurs al menos 300 millones de libras. (Y eso si consiguen el estadio olímpico, si no se podía llegar a costar hasta 500 millones de libras.)
Bale no ha expresado su deseo de salir de los Spurs, el factor decisivo en cuenta Bale podría ser la clasificación para la Liga de Campeones de la UEFA. El hecho de no calificar podría significar que el club tiene que venderle a equilibrar las cuentas.
Tottenham hizo una facturación récord de la temporada pasada de £ 119 millones, que hicieron perder una de £ 6.6m, no clasificarse para la Liga de Campeones de la UEFA establecerá los Spurs de nuevo por al menos otros £ 19m sin contar el dinero de televisión y venta de entradas.
Pero en el lado brillante jugador estrella de los Spurs, debe estar en el carril para el resto de la temporada.
Escrito por Thomas Munson
£40m Bale-Out
Speculation is growing about a possible move by Inter to prise Bale away from White Heart Lane with a possible £40m on the cards; the £40m could even escalate with Real Madrid up for a bidding war. A £40m move would not only make Bale the most expensive British player but would also make him the most expensive 21 year old in the world. Tottenham will have a job on their hands to keep Bale at the Lane next summer, Inter Milan would triple Bale’s wages and Real is the club which players find ‘impossible’ to say no to.
The question is not do Tottenham want to keep Bale at White Heart Lane but, can they afford to? Spurs would find good use with the £40m, they are after all after a new stadium which will cost Spurs at least £300m. (And that’s if they get the Olympic stadium, if they do not it could cost them up to £500m.)
Bale has not expressed a desire to leave Spurs, the deciding factor in Bale’s mind could be qualification for the UEFA Champions League. A failure to qualify might mean that the club have to sell him to balance the books.
Tottenham made a record turnover last season of £119m, they made a lose of £6.6m; failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League would set Spurs back by at least another £19m not including TV money and ticket sales.
But on the bright side Spurs’s star player should be at the Lane for the rest of the season.
Written by Thomas Munson
The question is not do Tottenham want to keep Bale at White Heart Lane but, can they afford to? Spurs would find good use with the £40m, they are after all after a new stadium which will cost Spurs at least £300m. (And that’s if they get the Olympic stadium, if they do not it could cost them up to £500m.)
Bale has not expressed a desire to leave Spurs, the deciding factor in Bale’s mind could be qualification for the UEFA Champions League. A failure to qualify might mean that the club have to sell him to balance the books.
Tottenham made a record turnover last season of £119m, they made a lose of £6.6m; failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League would set Spurs back by at least another £19m not including TV money and ticket sales.
But on the bright side Spurs’s star player should be at the Lane for the rest of the season.
Written by Thomas Munson

Aguero Chased By Spurs
If Chelsea sign Torres Tottenham will have to up there game in order to retain fourth spot, but is Aguero the answer to their problems? If Spurs sign Aguero it would be the highest fee paid by an English club for a player, Tottenham’s bid (Which was rejected) was worth more than €44m, a statement of intend from a club desperate to achieve.
Spurs will have to go deep into their pockets if they are going to sign the argentine this January, this is because Athletico Madrid are also trying to compete for a UEFA Champions League place and they would not have time to replace their star striker. However, if Spurs are patient and they wait for the summer window, they could sign Aguero for a lower fee.
Harry Redknapp stated when interviewed outside Tottenham’s training ground, “I would be very surprised if there are any transfers involving Spurs between now and the end of the window.”
While this might be a long and drawn out transfer, whatever happens at the end is bound to surprise us all.
Written by Thomas Munson
Aguero Chased By Spurs
If Chelsea sign Torres Tottenham will have to up there game in order to retain fourth spot, but is Aguero the answer to their problems? If Spurs sign Aguero it would be the highest fee paid by an English club for a player, Tottenham’s bid (Which was rejected) was worth more than €44m, a statement of intend from a club desperate to achieve.
Spurs will have to go deep into their pockets if they are going to sign the argentine this January, this is because Athletico Madrid are also trying to compete for a UEFA Champions League place and they would not have time to replace their star striker. However, if Spurs are patient and they wait for the summer window, they could sign Aguero for a lower fee.
Harry Redknapp stated when interviewed outside Tottenham’s training ground, “I would be very surprised if there are any transfers involving Spurs between now and the end of the window.”
While this might be a long and drawn out transfer, whatever happens at the end is bound to surprise us all.
Written by Thomas Munson
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)