Those who defend the August 31st deadline of the transfer window cite that it gives managers a chance to make some final adjustments to their squad, having seen their respective performances three games in.
While others believe it to be a total distraction and that is why AVB is travelling to Nyon this week to fight the case about bringing the deadline day forward before the season starts. Whether his pleas get heard remain the be seen, but in the meantime the circus that is the last few days of the transfer window will kick on in the next few days and there will undoubtedly be an array of comings and goings within the Premier League.
The media clearly believe that some clubs have simply bided their time in the transfer market and are looking to take advantage of some last minute shopping in order to improve their current squad. One of the clubs is arguably Arsenal, who have already stated their interest in Gary Cahill, but will he be the only new arrival at the Emirates come Wednesday night?
So has Wenger still got much to do in the transfer market – if so who would you like to see him bring in at the Emirates in the next 72hrs?
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Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has stated that he is not happy playing second fiddle to David de Gea at Old Trafford, and wants a starting spot in Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.
The Danish goalkeeper looked in line to take over from the retiring Edwin van der Sar, but the signing of Spanish stopper De Gea has sparked increased competition for the number one jersey.
De Gea has started the Premier League games so far this season, but Lindegaard was preferred in Europe against Benfica on Wednesday, and is targeting more first team action.
“If you expect me to say I am happy to be No 2, that is not how it is. I am here because I want to be No 1. If you’re good enough, you are going to play. And in the end, if I am good enough, I am going to be No 1,” he told The Telegraph.
The Scandinavian continued by stating his respect for Ferguson, and claiming that De Gea’s large summer transfer fee should not automatically provide him with a starting berth.
“He has proven he is the best manager in the world and I will always respect and accept his decisions. I have not had many opportunities to show who I am, but this [Benfica] was one of them and it was a big game.
“It shows how good the competition is because it is not as clear as last year who is first choice and who is second. I think we have good competition. We have at least two top goalkeepers and Ben Amos as well, who is very promising.
“It is like that in all positions with United and that is how it should be,” he concluded.
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De Gea looks set to be reinstated for United’s Premier League clash against Chelsea on Sunday, but Lindegaard helped his cause with a solid showing in midweek.
England may have qualified for the Euro 2012 finals, but it was a game of mixed emotions as all the headlines will be focussed on Wayne Rooney’s sending off.
What has been an uncomfortable few days following the arrest of his father, the 25-year-old talisman took 73 minutes to really express his emotions. After being questioned about Rooney’s state of mind, Capello responded “calm” and “relaxed”. Think again Mr Capello.
UEFA have told the FA that Rooney will receive a minimum of a 1 match ban, therefore missing the opening game of the Euro 2012 group stage. Not the best preparation to start a tournament when your best player is banned and could possibly miss all three games of the group stage depending on what UEFA decide. England always have to do things the hard way, don’t they?
Rooney will be again questioned about his temperament, as we all thought he was past his reckless behaviour. Up to now he had been playing with a smile on his face and looking like a player who was really enjoying his football. Yet we find the red mist once again appearing on his face when things turn sour. Like they say what goes up, must come down.
So with Rooney’s dismissal capping what has been a terrible and unforgettable few days for the Rooney household, this will not have helped their situation by any means? Once again the Rooney name will be hitting the headlines for the worse.
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The game had started very brightly for England with the team oozing in confidence. It took 10 minutes for Ashley Young to score the opener, with Bent adding the second. Montenegro were able to bring one back before the break and in the dying seconds of the match Andrija Delibasic headed home the equaliser. Ultimately a point was still good enough to take England through, but will that make the back pages of the newspapers tomorrow? I wouldn’t bet on it.
United picked up a point against their great rivals in a game where Fergie’s men were far from their best. Hernandez came off the bench to grab them a late point and keeps them within touching distance of the top of the table. Tomorrow sees the opportunity for Fergie’s men to claim top spot, as City arrives at Old Trafford.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Manchester United blogs that includes a reason to love Phil Jones; proof that Sir Alex makes mistakes, while the world is Welbeck’s Oyster.
We also look at the best Manchester United articles around the web this
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Caption Competition – Fergie and Kenny can’t believe their eyes
Why Manchester Derby will have little bearing
Footie fans get shirty with Carlos at Manchester clash
Does Fergie’s transfer interest suggest an answer to the Giggs conundrum?
Another reason to love Phil Jones
Proof that Fergie can make mistakes?
United to activate £3m release clause to secure summer move
The world is Welbeck’s oyster
£10m gamble that Sir Alex shouldn’t contemplate
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Best of WEB
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Have United Lost The ‘X factor’? – Red Flag Flying High
Refs and racism in focus amid muddle of tactics – United Rant
VIDEO: What is your favourite derby moment? – The Busby Way
Why This Would Be A Huge Mistake By Sir Alex Ferguson – The United Religion
Women are football educated too, y’know – 7Cantonas
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Click on Roger Johnson’s misses below to unveil our current Premier League Wag XI
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AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has admitted that he may be tempted to make a move for Chelsea strikers Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba.
The Serie A champions were advised by former coach Carlo Ancelotti to look to Stamford Bridge to bolster their attacking options, with the experienced pair not getting as much first-team football as they would like under Andre Villas Boas.
The San Siro outfit are said to be in the market for a forward, especially given the fact that Antonio Cassano will be sidelined for a considerable period of time with a heart problem, and Galliani has refused to rule out a move for the pair.
“Ancelotti understands football; perhaps we will take them both,” Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Seriously, it is not certain that we will sign anyone in January. If we did it would be a loan because I promised to keep a place for Cassano.
“Anelka is a major player but I have been in love with Drogba since he played in Marseille,” the executive concluded.
Drogba’s contract is due to expire next summer, with Chelsea doomed to lose the powerhouse attacker on a free transfer; Anelka has been linked with a move to the MLS and also finds himself in the fringes at the Premier League club.
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Rumours of an imminent offer from Liverpool for Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini have been laughed off by the player himself.
Reports in the English media suggested Red’s boss, Kenny Dalglish would table an offer for the 27 year-old Italian in January to strengthen his defensive options in a push for Champions League qualification this season. But Cheillini’s agent moved quickly to quash any rumours of the defender leaving The Old Lady.
TuttoJuve.com spoke with Davide Lippi asking to clarify the situation of the supposed imminent offer from the Premier League club for his player.
“There is little to comment on, I do not know nothing and no one contacted me,” said Lippi.
“In any case I do not think it is important to give weight to these voices, because Chiellini is an important player for Juventus and certainly has no intention of leaving.”
Chiellini may have proved to be a good addition to Kenny Dalglish’s squad. The tough-tackling, no-nonsense centre-half, who can also play as a left-back, has amassed a total of 49 caps for the Italian national team and would have brought valuable experience aswell as added versatility to Liverpool’s back line.
However, Chiellini instantly put an end to the speculation surrounding him with a move to Anfield by affirming his agent’s comments and labelling the rumours as ‘laughable’.
Posting on his Twitter page, the defender wrote, “When I read these things, it really is laughable. They really don’t know what to write.”
Article courtesy of Graham Duckworth at the Transfer Tavern
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Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is set to get a judgement from the FA this week in regards to the allegations of racism levelled at him by Patrice Evra.
The Uruguay international was sighted having heated words with the Manchester United defender in the 1-1 draw between the sides back in October, in which the French full back accused Suarez of insulting him due to his ethnicity.
The FA have confirmed that the disciplinary hearing in relation to the claims has started, and will most likely be concluded by the end of the week.
Both Suarez and Evra will be summoned to give evidence in the hearing, as the sport’s governing body looks to assess all possible information before making a decision.
The South American categorically denies making racist remarks, and has been defended by his club over the incident.
Kenny Dalglish has criticised the FA for their handling of the allegations, especially given the amount of time that has elapsed since the game actually happened.
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Suarez is also set to be investigated over claims that he made a derogatory gesture to Fulham fans after The Reds’ 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage earlier in the month.
While Arsenal have had some wonderful players that have donned the Red and White of shirt over the years, there have equally been just as many who were anything but fit to wear it. For every Thierry Henry there is a Francis Jeffers; for every Tony Adams there was a Gus Caesar and for every Patrick Viera there was a Junichi Inamoto.
This article is a tribute to the worst Arsenal XI of all time and while I am sure there are many players that we all agree on, I am certain there are other players that many of you will believe should have been included on the list. Scan the gallery and my reasons for each player’s inclusion in the team; however please feel free to add any glaring omissions that I may have made in the comments below….
Click on the Famous Marble Halls to see Arsenal’s Worst XI of all time
QPR lifted themselves out of the relegation zone after beating Wigan at Loftus Road to leave them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.
Mark Hughes’ first home league game in charge of the R’s couldn’t have gone any better as they swept aside a poor Latics side that must be fearing for their lives as they mad it seven games without victory. For Rangers it was their first win in nine games since a 3-2 success away at Stoke in November and only their second at Loftus Road all season. Roberto Martinez will be unhappy with his side’s first half display as they gifted the hosts two goals as Heidar Helgson and Akos Buzsaky struck before the break. Hugo Rodallega gave the visitors hope of a comeback but that soon killed off as Tommy Smith wrapped up the points up with nine minutes left.
Wigan started brightly with Rodallega failing to connect with two dangerous crosses before the home side got into their groove with Jamie Mackie and Luke Young both testing Ali Al Habsi at the other end. QPR quickly got on top and were gifted the lead after James McCarthy handled in the penalty area allowing Helguson to score from the spot just after the half hour. Buzsaky then forced Al Habsi into a fine save tipping wide the Hungarian’s well struck free kick. The Latics failed to heed the warning as the Hungarian curled in a sumptuous set piece that clipped the post before going in for his first goal since 2011 before he called Al Habsi into action again before the break.
Rangers failed to build on their advantage in the second half as Martinez’s men grew in confidence as they searched for a goal that would get them back into the game. Rodallega, who had scored just once this season, was the man to halve the deficit curling a superb free kick around the wall and past Paddy Kenny to give the Premier Leagues bottom club hope of a fight back. Connor Sammon went close to bringing the contest level before the hosts squandered an opportunity to regain their two goal lead with Helgsuon seeing his second penalty of the afternoon saved by Al Habsi following Gary Caldwell’s foul on the Icelandic striker. He then almost made amends for the miss in stunning style with dipping volley from range that just dropped wide of the post as Wigan continues to press for an equaliser. It never came and the game was killed off with nine minutes to go as Smith lashed the ball into the top corner from 25-yards to put the seal on Hughes’ first league win as QPR boss.
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With the January transfer window closing a couple of weeks ago, the lack of excitement on the hotly anticipated ‘Deadline Day’ made me cast my mind back 12 months, when AFC Bournemouth’s tough tackling midfielder Marvin Bartley was snapped up by Burnley, with seconds to go.
The Cherries were still sat in the top 6, despite a recent promotion and selling strikers Brett Pitman and Josh McQuoid to Championship sides. The only player to come into the club during this period was Mathieu Baudry from Troyes, in France, on a free transfer while the club netted around £1.6 million in transfer fees. Selling players was nothing new to the Cherries faithful, but it was extremely disappointing, after a great start, to see 3 players go and no replacement bought in, although they were fortunate with the emergence of Danny Ings.
At the end of the season, AFC Bournemouth was a touch fortunate in finishing in the top 6, after a small slide down the table; they encountered Huddersfield in the Play Offs. After two great entertaining matches, the sides couldn’t be split and Huddersfield were the victors of a penalty shootout, which left a talented squad in League 1 with a lot of vultures circling above Dean Court.
Over the summer period, a lot of work went on in and around the ground by the Chairman’s company. The place looked a lot better, but the lack of incoming transfer activity left fans frustrated. By the end of the summer transfer window, The Cherries had sold 6 more of their squad including young Danny Ings to Burnley for a fee that potentially could reach £1 million, bringing the transfer income to potentially around £3.7 million. Along with loan signings returning to parent clubs and 2 players retiring, the Cherries squad was a tad bare and lacking some quality. Just 2 outfield players came in for a total of £100,000 before the window closed. On the field, a dismantled Cherries squad were uninspiring and poor and 6 defeats in 7 games, with a young and inexperienced management duo, left the Cherries fans seething. Most believed the Chairman was lining his pockets and he was accused of asset stripping and Lee Bradbury didn’t have the backing of the supporters. This all came to a head when a slightly drunk looking Eddie Mitchell came onto the pitch after a dismal 0-3 home defeat to Chesterfield and was subject to abuse, before offering to ‘take on’ a fan.
There was clearly a reason for the previous events as investment from a Russian businessman who was a friend of Eddie Mitchell was secured a few weeks later. Maxim Demin bought 50% of the club, with supporters split as to whether this was a good or bad thing. Maxim was the 3rd Russian interested in acquiring shares in AFC Bournemouth after Mitchell rejected 2 other bids on a basis of lack of evidence over funds. Unfortunately, one of those groups had recently acquired Portsmouth FC and I think that was a lucky escape.
Since the arrival of Maxim, the playing side has seen significant investment with proven players at this level coming in on loan with a view to permanent signings and some lower league talent also joined the ranks. Two bids for the stadium to be purchased have been rejected, the latest for £4.5 million and a new training facility, by the ground, has been given the go ahead by the council and work has started on that. The Cherries have gone on to lose just 4 of their last 22 league games and sit just outside the play off positions.
Rolling onto the January transfer window of 2012 and the Cherries fans were hoping to hold onto star players as it is a natural feeling. Marc Pugh had apparent interest from Championship clubs, but this year was going to be like no other in recent decades. The month saw no less than 7 permanent signings to bolster the squad, as opposed to the side decimated just last year, including the signing of Matt Tubbs from Crawley for a club record fee. Also Marc Pugh was still at the club, no star assets were sold. Unfortunately at times it was like a child in a candy store with bids going in for numerous players, but this was a new feeling for a lot of Cherries fans. It is much better feeling being linked to players coming in rather than lots of clubs linked to your players. Some met with optimism and some met with caution as to how much the club were spending. We are all too aware of how it can go horribly wrong.
Sometimes you have to take a step backwards in order to progress and AFC Bournemouth have enhanced their squad for a potential promotion push this campaign. The challenge is now set. Can they repeat last season’s great achievement and finish in the top 6, maybe even going one better and see them promoted to the second tier of English football for only the second time ever, after spending 3 seasons there under a certain Harry Redknapp.
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If it is not achieved this season, will fans expectations soar and will they be demanding a top 2 finish next season? What a difference 12 months can make, but it looks like it could be an exciting period for the south coast outfit.