tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31944287539926882024-03-13T17:20:51.004+00:00English Football Banter: Latest Football News, Quotes, Chat, DebateJoin in with the banter and find all the latest news, chat and debate from the English Premiership and Football League.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-86657509960873512062013-01-28T11:01:00.001+00:002013-01-28T11:01:21.091+00:00Man City VS York City: Buying Kits and Swapping Strips<br />
Many clubs release more than one strip per season, so football fans who want to support their team will have a choice when looking to buy their kit. However this season Man City’s kit – available to purchase from <a href="http://www.sportsanddesign.com/">www.sportsanddesign.com</a> – includes three team shirts and two souvenir jerseys, more than any other club. They’ve come under fire from supporters who would have to shell out over £200 to afford all five pieces, with even the secretary of the team’s supporters club referring to third strips as ‘<a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-city-blasted-for-selling-five-1545575">unnecessary</a>’.<br />
<br />
This is a stark contrast to second league club York City, who have announced that their fans will be able to get a hold of new club shirts simply by returning their old ones. It’s a gesture which will go a long way with York City supporters, whose kit has become outdated following a rebranding of the football club by sponsors Benenden Healthcare.<br />
<br />
<b>Mid-Season Strip Swap Unheard Of</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The gesture has touched York City fans but probably wouldn’t have been possible for a larger club whose sponsorship deals, contracts and regulations would have made such a move financially impossible.<br />
<br />
All of York City’s returned shirts will be donated to charities, with half of the profits to go towards projects helping deprived children in the UK and the other half go towards working with children in Africa.<br />
<br />
A mid-season swap of this nature is practically unheard of in football, however, so the club’s offer – which includes free reprinting of names and numbers, and no additional postage charges – means fans will surely jump at the chance to acquire a new shirt whilst contributing to a worthwhile cause. The initiative has the full backing of York City’s patron the Archbishop of York, who was the first person to swap his shirt.<br />
<br />
<b>Donate Your Kit to Kits4Causes</b><br />
<br />
There’s a long tradition of clubs using kits to help out charities and York City has taken the matter of charity fundraising into its own hands, however for supporters of other clubs who wish to donate their kits there is a charity which has been set up for this exact purpose.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kits4causes.org/">Kits4Causes</a> collects donated kits – including everything from shirts and shorts to training gear and balls – which it uses to support charities which work with disadvantaged youngsters around the world.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-11472474242364481822012-04-30T09:47:00.000+01:002012-04-30T12:09:28.714+01:005 Large (UK) Football Club Sponsorship Deals Spanning a Decade<h1>
Who's Behind These Football Club Sponsorship Deals?</h1>
<br />
<strong>English Football Banter, as always, is pivotal in keeping you abreast of the latest football news, topics and debates. In this
edition we take a step back and dive into the mud and grit to give recognition to some impressive UK sponsorship deals spanning a
decade.</strong> For <a href="http://englishfootballbanter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Visit the EFB Homepage for Daily Football News and Banter">EFB</a>, it's a time to reflect and give credit to sponsorship deals that have acted as supporting pillars in aiding FC
clubs and the sport to thrive in recent years; deals that helped shape English football into what it is today.<br />
<br />
As a plethora of sponsorships get penned in this game on a perpetual basis, it's often too easy to become ignorant of the businesses
that aid and fund the sport..
Just what exactly are some of the entites sponsoring club football teams? Where are they located? What do they do and what role do they
play? <em><strong>Listed below (in alphabetical order)</strong> are sample case studies giving recognition to some key businesses and
driving forces behind club sponsorship deals within the English football arena.</em><br />
<em><br /></em><br />
<h3>
Summary of (UK) FC Club Sponsorships: </h3>
<em>Navigate (UK) FC sponsorship deals that interest you within the article using the anchor tag links provided here:</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<li><a href="http://englishfootballbanter.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/5-large-uk-football-club-sponsorship.html#alpari" target="_blank" title="Visit information about Alpari (UK) Limited - www.alpari.co.uk - The London based Forex company behind the 3 year sponsorship of Westham United"><strong>Alpari (UK) & West Ham United FC - <em>[Undisclosed]</em></strong></a><br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://englishfootballbanter.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/5-large-uk-football-club-sponsorship.html#emirates" title="Read further information about the Emirates sponsorship deal with Aresenal FC"><strong>Emirates Airline &
Arsenal - £90m approx over 15 years</strong></a><br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://englishfootballbanter.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/5-large-uk-football-club-sponsorship.html#EtihadAirways" title="See what everyone got out of the partnership agreement with Etihad Airways and Manchester City
FC"><strong>Etihad Airways & Manchester City - £400m approx over 10 years</strong></a><br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://englishfootballbanter.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/5-large-uk-football-club-sponsorship.html#Nike" title="Read what this global sportswear manufaturers signed and sealed with Manchester United FC"><strong>Nike &
Manchester United - £303m approx (Net) over 13 years</strong></a><br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://englishfootballbanter.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/5-large-uk-football-club-sponsorship.html#SamsungElectronics" title="Read what partnered this digital media and hi-tech gadget manufacturer with north London's Chelsea"><strong>Samsung Electronics & Chelsea - £90m approx over 10 years</strong></a></li>
<br />
<h2>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3194428753992688" id="alpari" name="alpari"></a> #1 Alpari (UK) Limited & West Ham United (WHUFC)<br />
</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lC9HO7albD0/T55QWn7jvYI/AAAAAAAAAGE/EX-WJCVx1X0/s1600/alpari-uk-whufc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Alpari (UK) Limited (Forex Brokers) and WestHam United FC (WHUFC) Brand Logos" border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lC9HO7albD0/T55QWn7jvYI/AAAAAAAAAGE/EX-WJCVx1X0/s400/alpari-uk-whufc.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Official Sponsorship Details:</strong></h3>
There's much speculation involved regarding Alpari (UK) Limited's involvement with WHUFC. Monetary details remain undisclosed to the
public, but it has been rather modestly <em>'understated' </em>as a major Partnership agreement. The 3 year deal was signed in July 2011 and
lasts up until 2013. A timely sponsorship that seems a necessity under the current climate of WHUFC's stadium bid to host the Olympic games
and a cash boost to its status due to the revenue loss suffered shortly after relegation..Suffice to say, the grounds 'West Stand' has since
become the 'Alpari Stand'. Alpari's brand appears in match day programmes and the company has been given rights to promote 'money can't buy'
events at the stadium as a part of its branding campaign. The Communications Director for WHUFC (Barry Webber) had this to say:
<br />
<br />
<em><strong>“We are delighted to sign this partnership agreement with Alpari (UK). It will have a significant and positive impact on the
club, and the deal demonstrates that West Ham United remains an attractive proposition to prospective partners, especially in the key world
of business and finance.”</strong></em><br />
<br />
<li><span class="style3"><em>Cited src: http://www.alpari.co.uk/en/about_alpari/press/release/37.html</em></span></li>
<li class="style3"><em> Cited src: http://www.whufc.com/articles/20110719/alpari-uk-and-west-ham-united_2236884_2395660</em></li>
<li class="style3"><a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1DVCB_enGB368GB368&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=Alpari+(UK)+and+West+Ham+%22sponsorship%22" target="_blank">Read more news from Google results: Alpari (UK) and West Ham "sponsorship</a>"</li>
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Company Description:</strong></h3>
Alpari (UK) Limited are a global foreign exchange ("Forex ", "FX") broker founded back in 1998, currently operating
in London's financial distict of Bishopsgate directly in the buzz that is the City of London. Classed as a seperate entity to the other
worldwide Alpari companies<em> (present in over 50 countries and employing over 630 people)</em>. The London based company offers financial
services and utilities such as Forex brokerage, financial spreads and CFD trading platforms to independent financial traders and
investors.<br />
<br />
<strong>Misc Information: </strong>Alpari (UK) Limited also have a 5 year sponsorship in the World Match Racing Tour ~
http://www.wmrt.com<br />
<br />
<strong>(UK) Headquarters:</strong> Alpari (UK) Ltd, 201 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3AB, UK <br />
<strong>Website</strong>:<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.alpari.co.uk/" target="_blank" title="Visit the Homepage of Alpari (UK) Limited (UK Forex
/ FX brokers)">http://www.alpari.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
#2 Emirates Airline & Arsenal</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGHUYKOCkMY/T55Qtyxaa1I/AAAAAAAAAGM/WBG8OT5T_aA/s1600/emirates-arsenal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fly Emirates and Arsenal Logos" border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGHUYKOCkMY/T55Qtyxaa1I/AAAAAAAAAGM/WBG8OT5T_aA/s400/emirates-arsenal.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Official Sponsorship Details:</strong></h3>
This partnership between Emirates Airline and the gunners landed way back in 2006. At the time it was the largest of its kind with a
record breaking whopping 15 year deal. The deal is set to expire in 2021 and Emirates has been quoted as saying that is hopes to renew the
partnership agreement with Arsenal Football Club upon expiry. Publicised figures document that the sponsorship is valued at $160m / £90m GBP
over the course of the 15 year agreement. The airline acquired naming rights to the 60,000 seat home grounds in North London and also gained
considerable brand awareness outside of the grounds. The 'Emirates' naming rights were estimated at a value of £2.8m for every year in the10
year consectuive period of extension (£28m in entirety). £48m of the deal is estimated to have been distributed towards shirt sponsorship.
Emirates truly brandished its airlines identity here as a powerful driving force to a humongous audience. Research suggests that Arsenal's
worldwide fan base comprises of over 27 million supporters. <br />
<br />
<span class="style3"><strong><a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1DVCB_enGB368GB368&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=Alpari+(UK)+and+West+Ham+%22sponsorship%22" target="_blank" title="Read further Google results that dicsuss this partnership and more">Read more news from Google
results: Emirates Airline & Arsenal "sponsorship"</a></strong></span><br />
<span class="style3"><br /></span><br />
<h3>
<strong>Company Description:</strong><br />
</h3>
Emirates is considered to be the largest airline in the middle east with 22 years of consecutive profits. Emirates has won awards for
its services including "Airline of the Year" in 2011.. Based at Dubai International Airport and having administrative offices all
over the world; the company operates at an average rate of 2,500 flights every single week to over 120 citiies in 70 different countries in
pretty much every continent besides...well...<em>Antarctica?</em><br />
<em><br /></em><br />
<h3>
<strong>Misc Information:</strong></h3>
Emirates have a consistent and impressive portfolio of football sponsorships comprising of
FIFA 2007-2014, AC Milan, Asian Football Confederation, as well as the US Open Series in Tennis and more.<strong><br />
<br />
(UK) Ticket Office: </strong>First Floor, Gloucester Park, 95 Cromwell Road, London SW7 4DL, UK<br />
<strong>Website</strong>: <a href="http://www.emirates.com/uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Visit the Homepage of Emirates Airlines (Based in
Dubai)"> http://www.emirates.com/uk</a><br />
<br />
<h2 itemprop="name">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3194428753992688" id="EtihadAirways" name="EtihadAirways"></a> #3 Etihad Airways & Manchester City</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ChPcXqSICk/T55RBdXKzlI/AAAAAAAAAGU/JpfcP68rzuw/s1600/etihad-mancity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Etihad and Manchester City Logos" border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ChPcXqSICk/T55RBdXKzlI/AAAAAAAAAGU/JpfcP68rzuw/s400/etihad-mancity.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Official Sponsorship Details:</strong></h3>
Stirring up the football scene in July 2011 was Manchester City's ground shattering record 10 year deal for £400m with airline Etihad
Airways. This event was crowned the largest single sponsorship deal signed off in sport full stop! Hence the heat it gained along the
way...Tim Payton the Trust spokesman is recorded to have stated: <em>"The deal at Manchester City stretches credulity to the
limit."</em> There is no doubt that this deal attracted immense waves of speculation, in both positive and negative spheres - to the
point that UEFA were pressured to question the fairness of this 10 year sponsorship deal even after Manchester City consulted with the
federation to ensure that the deal stuck to all the regulations that governed sponsorships. To say that this deal simply dwarfed the
previous record set by JP Morgan Chase' is an understatement.A vast area surrounding the stadium is renamed 'the Ethiad Campus' that
engulfs the training grounds, sports science centre and City Square fans' village. New and major developments are still under negotiation
whilst planning applications are under scrutiny.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Company Description:</strong></h3>
National airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways began commercial aviation
services on route to Beirut in early November 2003. Renowned for putting in a bid for the largest aircraft purchase in the history of
aviation totalling a mahoosive $8 million contract for 24 x air buses,4 x A380-800s and 4 x Boeing 777-300ER's. The company has grown
immensely and now services cargo and passenger flights to over 82 destinations from its HQ operation in Abu Dhabi.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Misc
Information:</strong></h3>
The airline has forged partnerships with Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association in February last year and has
sponsorship deals with GAA Photos and in Formula 1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This coporation seems keen to identify strong allegions in
the sporting world and encourages associations to file applications via the online sponsorship form:
http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/etihad/global/en/aboutetihad/oursponsorships/Pages/eSponsorship.aspx.
<br />
<br />
<strong>London (UK) Administrative Office: </strong>200 Hammersmith Road, W6 7DL, London, United Kingdom, UK<br />
<strong>Website</strong>: http:/www.etihadairways.com<br />
<br />
<h2>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3194428753992688" id="Nike" name="Nike"></a>#4 Nike & Manchester United</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa3DyIlurnA/T55RLZBWeWI/AAAAAAAAAGc/VkLWJJuM2CY/s1600/nike-manchester-utd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nike and Manchester United Logos" border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa3DyIlurnA/T55RLZBWeWI/AAAAAAAAAGc/VkLWJJuM2CY/s400/nike-manchester-utd.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Official Sponsorship Details:</strong></h3>
The Nike & Manchester United union was another hefty record breaking sponsorship back in 2002 with Man U netting a colossal £303m
from the sportswear manufacturers, Man United were keeping up with the Jones' very well spreading the duration of this advertising deal over
a 13 year period. Nike became the official kit suppliers and as the team's offical sponsor retain global rights to Manchester United's
merchandise and retail operations. United was expected to receive 50% of Nike's net profits generated from the licensing of the club's
merchandise - under the condition that they remained key players in the top half of the Premiership.Already a global brand it seems Nike
can't get enough giving an estimated £23.3m a year. Nike's deal whacked Vodafone out of the equation entirely with a whopping 310% increase
in sponsorship a year over the previous £30m 4 year contract that expired in August 2002.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Company Description:</strong></h3>
Let's face it - we all know about this sports wear legend and powerhouse. In fact it's hard to avoid their branding. Here's a little
factoid about the company: It might surprise you to know however that Nike was previously known as BRS (Blue Ribbon Sports) and was
originally founded by Philip Knight and Bill Bowerman 48 years ago. Bill coached Philip in athletics on the track at the University of
oregon. Nike began trading and distributing on behalf of Onitsuka Tiger (a Japanese shoe maker).<br />
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Misc Information:</strong></h3>
The list of Nike sponsorships are so vast that it's only feasible to list a few examples in this post - for more information refer to:
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nike_sponsorships" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nike_sponsorships</a>.
Recent UK sponsorship deals include the new sponsorship agreement with Everton (A well negotiated kit sponsorship in close union with
'Kitbag' worth £10m over 3 years).<br />
<br />
<strong>London Address: </strong>Nike Id Studio 14-16 Neal Street, Covent Garden London, WC2H 9LY, UK<br />
<strong>Website</strong>:<strong></strong> http://www.nike.com<br />
<br />
<h2>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3194428753992688" id="SamsungElectronics" name="SamsungElectronics"></a>#5 Samsung Electronics & Chelsea</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0r4t3qQYhDY/T55RRq2SSoI/AAAAAAAAAGk/PYP4byPvDXQ/s1600/samsung-chelsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Samsung and Chelsea Logos" border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0r4t3qQYhDY/T55RRq2SSoI/AAAAAAAAAGk/PYP4byPvDXQ/s400/samsung-chelsea.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<strong>Official Sponsorship Details:</strong></h3>
The year is 2008 and Samsung Electronics extends and renews their multi million pound agreement (first signed in 2005) with London's very
own Chelsea (owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich). Again this sponsorship deal was valued at $160m over a 10 year partnership up
until 2018. The renewed agreement has had significant impact on the Samsung Electronics brand as <em>Mr SH Shin</em> (President & CEO of
Smasung Electronics Europe) stated: <em>"it </em>(the partnership)<em> has raised our premium brand awareness, which has in turn helped
significantly increase our sales and market share...</em>" and to quote his attitude towards key business areas in the UK
"<em>...our turnover has more than doubled in the last five years</em>".<br />
There is no doubt that this sponsorship deal has been and continues to be a vested mutual affair all round. Chelsea FC lapped up a 400%
increase in its global fan base since the sponsorship began in 2005 through its past successes on the pitch. This investment has enabled
significant growth throughout the whole squad.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Company Description:</strong></h3>
Samsung Electronics Europe; a subsidary flagship to the Samsung Group, are maufacturers and industry leaders in hi-tech electronics
markets throughout Europe and the world. Dedicated in inventing and creating ground breaking products amidst the digital revolution the
company has been in operation for over 70 years. Samsung are true pioneers of the digital age. Recent successes include the launch of
OMNIA 7 (the first Windows 7 phone) and 'Winners of 5 European EISA Awards'.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Misc Information:</strong></h3>
Samsung is a bonfide sponsor of the Olympic Games through to 2016, other sports related sponsorships include title sponsorship for
'Honda UK's British Superbike team' for the 2012 season, and a 3 year deal with sports personality Maria Sharapova (the worlds top paid
female athlete) which began (1st April 2012) this month.<br />
<strong><br />
(UK) Headquarters</strong>: Samsung House,
1000 Hillswood Drive,
Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0PS, UK<br />
<strong>Website</strong>: <a href="http://www.samsung.com/UK" target="_blank" title="Visit the Homepage of Samsung Electronics (Hi-Tech product manufacturer
and Global market leader">http://www.samsung.com/UK</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
Where to Find Sponsorship Deals:</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>
Need to source sponsorship deals or build relations with companies? Need to find suitable partners to sponsor? Have a look at this
online database of UK sponsorship opportunities: <a href="http://www.uksponsorship.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_self" title="View the
Latest Sponsorships Requested in the Sporting World at http://www.uksponsorship.com/spt1.htm">http://www.uksponsorship.com/spt1.htm</a> - a
place where sponsors and sports associations negotiate and interact.</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
Clubs and sporting associations can get the visibility they need to receive sponsorship enquiries by getting listed on the aforementioned
website.
Companies and Coporations interested in increasing brand awareness via a wide spread audience can get feeds of the latest applicants
directly via RSS for the latest in UK sports sponsorship opportunities.<br />
Alternatively you can strtategically query search engines for such sponsorships using specific terms like: <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?num=100&hl=en&rlz=1C1DVCB_enGB368GB368&q=sponsor+|+sponsorship+%22proposal+request+form%22&oq=sponsor+|+sponsorship+%22proposal+request+form%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=1&gs_nf=1&gs_l=serp.3...65576.78710.0.78834.36.36.1.0.0.0.322.2706.31j3j0j1.35.0.gsihc.1.0Rnq_nU7igY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sponsor | sponsorship "proposal request form"</a>
<em>[+ your chosen sporting field] (click link to view search result)</em>.<br />
<br />
<h2>
History of Football Sponsorship Deals in the UK</h2>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_football_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Link to Wiki entry listing a
comprehensive and exhaustive list of sponsorships in English football
history">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_football_sponsorship</a><br />
<br />
A vast topic to be covered in another post - perhaps a timeline infographic would be more suitable in this instance?Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-88316967575318241372012-02-24T16:17:00.001+00:002012-02-24T16:19:00.276+00:00Former Gunner Adebayor Fit To Return To Haunt ArsenalFormer Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor is set to face a late fitness test with the Spurs medical staff this weekend - but should still be able to shake off the ill effects of a recent knee injury in a bid to return to the Tottenham lineup to face bitter North London rivals Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday. The Togo striker has been in excellent form for Harry Redknapp's side this season following his loan move from Manchester City - notching up 10 goals and as many assists in 22 Premier League appearances this season as Tottenham have mounted a surprise title challenge. Former Arsenal hero Adebayor turned villain for Gunners fans following his big money move to Manchester City - and relations with their former hitman hit fever pitch when the striker <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2009/09/adebayor_mars_man_city_win.html">ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of them</a> following his goal at Eastlands back in September 2009.<br />
While Redknapp will hope Adebayor can again return to haunt Arsene Wenger's side, and fulfill every Tottenham fan's dreams by helping them to win and gain local bragging rights in the <a href="http://blog.hotelclub.com/infographic/football-derbies/index.html#4">North London Derby</a>, the wider footballing and financial implications of the game are much bigger for both clubs as they battle to secure Champions League qualification next season. Tottenham - currently 3rd in the Premier League - sit some 10 points ahead of their rivals who remain 4th in the standings, while Arsenal look to hold off the challenge of the recently faltering Chelsea to ensure they qualify for club football's biggest event.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-65234756614911554442012-02-16T18:46:00.000+00:002012-02-16T18:46:01.079+00:00Could Milan Mauling be the Final Nail in Wenger's Coffin?Arsenal face a near impossible task in their bid to advance in the 2012 UEFA Champions League following their humiliation at the hands of Italian giants AC Milan last night. Outclassed in every department against experienced European opposition, an agitated Arsene Wenger condemned and lamented his side's performance - conceding that Arsenal failed to acquit themselves during any stage of the tie and were adequately punished by their superior opposition.<br />
Wenger has already faced away day humiliation earlier this season having seen his side torn apart 8-2 at Old Trafford in August, but this defeat in many ways emphasised his team's shortcomings to an even greater extent than that memorable afternoon in Manchester - in spite of a marginally less outlandish looking scoreline.<br />
Arsenal's defensive frailties - so often an Achilles heel of the team as a whole under Wenger - were highlighted throughout the fixture and continuously exploited by Milan, while even in attack The Gunners were unusually ineffective against what proved to be stereotypically well drilled and highly organized Italian opposition. Even Robin Van Persie - so often a prolific goal scorer, the “Go To” player and to some extent, a beacon of hope for Arsenal in a fast fading this season - proved woefully ineffective, and was replaced by an aging Thierry Henry at the half way point. The substitution was not to have any bearing on the result however, and left the French forward (with what will surely now be his last appearance for the club at which he excelled on countless occasions) with a final Arsenal sendoff he would surely rather forget.<br />
The English sporting press this morning were unsparingly scathing of the Arsenal manager – with The Daily Telegraph dubbing last night's performance a "watershed filled with tears" for Arsene Wenger - for so long now regarded as a continually successful, pioneering and forward thinking figure in the English game. However, unless Arsenal can rally quickly for their now all important FA cup tie against a resurgent Sunderland side this weekend, Wenger- for so long a staunch defender of his football philosophy of developing youth and promoting attacking flair (sometimes critics would argue at the expense of winning trophies) - must surely now face up to the almost inconceivable prospect of leaving his post at the end of the current campaign as Arsenal look to reassess and rebuild.<br />
<div><br />
</div>Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-11346341103197584592012-02-06T20:21:00.000+00:002012-02-06T20:21:16.284+00:00"Never Say Die" Rooney Inspires Man United FightbackEngland striker Wayne Rooney scored 2 penalties and produced an inspiring second half display as Manchester United fought back from a seemingly hopeless position at Stanford Bridge. Trailing by a single goal at half time, even the most die hard of United supporters must have thought all was lost when a disastrous start to the second half saw early goals from Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata (who buried a stunning volley) and a deflected set piece header from centre back David Luiz treble the home side's advantage in a sequence of events that all Chelsea fan's must surely have believed would put the game to bed as a contest.<br />
However, Rooney was to once again prove the driving force for the reds with a determined performance of both grit and technique in equal quantity - picking up the man of the match award and proving that there would be no greater <a href="http://www.sportsdirect.com/mens/mens-football-boots">football boots</a> for manager Sir Alex Ferguson to try and fill should the Liverpool born forward pick up an injury during United's end of season title run in.<br />
Following the final whistle Chelsea fans vented there frustration at seeing yet another opportunity to make up ground on the Premier League front runners pass them by, whilst in contrast a beaming Rooney suggested in his post match interview that the response from his team was typical of his club's attitude and approach - even when all seems lost. The game was to prove a fantastic advert for English football, and a great indication of Manchester United's team spirit and unerring desire to succeed in their pursuit of yet another Premier League title.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-72880453436821001942012-01-25T19:06:00.001+00:002012-01-25T19:07:56.061+00:00Gerrard Issues Rallying Call to Faltering Reds<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX268328095" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX268328095" paraid="345332031" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: normal !important;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="Paragraph SCX268328095" paraid="345332031" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: normal !important;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has called on his team to raise their game as his club pursue victory in their League Cup campaign and continue to cling on to their fast fading hopes of Champions League qualification. Gerrard's side have struggled in recent games in spite of heavy investment in the squad by manager Kenny Dalglish at the start of the current campaign - and even a recent return to fitness and form of the talismanic Gerrard has not been enough to stop the club sliding to 7th in the Premier League table. </span></div><div class="Paragraph SCX268328095" paraid="345332031" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: normal !important;"><br />
</div><div class="Paragraph SCX268328095" paraid="345332031" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: normal !important;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Liverpool face title favorites and league leaders Manchester City in tonight's League Cup semi final clash - a team they already trail by 19 points in the league - and Gerrard has demanded an improved performance from the whole squad if they are to overcome Mancini's Blues at Anfield this evening. The 3 - 1 defeat at Premier League strugglers Bolton in their last game saw the reds slump to what Dalglish referred to as poorest performance since his return to the helm of the club to which he has contributed so much during a magnificent career, but Gerrard has commanded his club pick themselves up and move on from such a bad result to reach a Wembley Cup Final.</span></div></div>Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-83535700521079461232012-01-16T18:46:00.000+00:002012-01-16T18:46:50.756+00:00Gary Cahill Completes Chelsea Switch for £7 MillionWest London giants Chelsea have finally completed the signing of England centre back Gary Cahill from fellow Premier League side Bolton Wanderers after a protracted transfer negotiation with the player over personal terms. Having completed a medical examination at the weekend, Cahill now joins Chelsea's star studded squad as they look to get their title challenge back on track - and at just 26 may be viewed by the club as a long term replacement for fellow England defender John Terry at Stamford Bridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01437/garycahill_1437493a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01437/garycahill_1437493a.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> The transfer fee paid for Cahill is thought to be in the region of £7 million, thereby presenting arguably good value for both Bolton and Chelsea - particularly with the player's contract rapidly expiring at the Reebok stadium and the Lancashire club therefore fearful of losing him for nothing in the summer.<br />
For Bolton boss Owen Coyle however, losing such a key player in their battle for Premier League survival must surely be a bitter blow, although it is thought that Cahill's transfer fee will be made available to him in order to recruit replacements for his struggling squad during the current January transfer window.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-9256449807115992342012-01-11T08:38:00.000+00:002012-01-11T08:38:00.570+00:00FA Stand Firm Over Kompany Red CardManchester City captain Vincent Kompany has failed in his attempts to have the 4 match suspension he received following his red card against local rivals Manchester United rescinded. Kompany was given a straight red in the early stages of his team's FA cup 3rd round clash with United for a 2 footed sliding tackle - although replays seemed to show he did win the ball cleanly in the challenge. Following the game's conclusion the challenge divided opinions between players and pundits alike regarding the legitimacy of the decision. However, the FA have backed referee Chris Foy's original decision and as such Kompany must now serve a 4 match suspension with immediate effect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.epltalk.com/media/2012/01/vincent-kompany-nani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://www.epltalk.com/media/2012/01/vincent-kompany-nani.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> This issue is likely to leave City boss Roberto Mancini with a defensive headache for his side's forthcoming clash with Liverpool - with fellow centre back Kolo Toure currently away on international duty with the Ivory Coast and his squad also hit by several injuries. This has led for Mancini to call for further investment in the team - a statement that has drawn strong criticism in many quarters given the vast amount of money he has already spent on players under his tenure at City.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-3426852898478059032011-12-07T08:42:00.001+00:002011-12-07T08:44:26.883+00:00Suarez Hand Gesture to be Investigated by FAThe on field conduct of controversial Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is once again set to be scrutinised by the FA following an incident involving the player during Monday night's Premier League match against Fulham. The Uruguayan striker appeared to "flip the bird" at the home fans following his side's lackluster 1 - 0 defeat at Craven Cottage - a match in which 10 man Liverpool failed to extend their excellent away run in the league.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/Luis-gesture415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/Luis-gesture415.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Suarez is already in hot water with the FA having been charged for allegedly making racist remarks towards Manchester United's Patrice Evra (a charge the player and his club denies) but the FA have confirmed they are now looking into last nights incedent in more detail but are waiting to receive the referees match report before taking stronger actions.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-44723077006986939872011-11-24T20:00:00.001+00:002014-12-02T08:36:34.757+00:00Saturday Soccer - There's Nothing Quite Like ItYou have to love Saturday mornings. Having a lie in, cooking a fry up, sticking on the telly and getting amongst all the hype and build up of the next round of games in the Premiership and Football League - then off on the train, to the pub for a few with your mates and then scuttling to the ground to watch your beloved local team get a good stuffing by some super rich oil baron owned team that puts your first 11 to shame. For me and thousands of others across the world, this is football - and there's nothing quite like it.<br />
<div>
In my opinion, the build up and banter with your mates you enjoy every weekend is as much a part of the big day as the match itself - winding them up, having a joke and voicing your know-it-all opinions on who's going to come home with the points up and down the country. If you enjoy football banter as much as I do you'll probably also enjoy a little flutter now and again - and with sites like Luxbet soccer betting has never been so easy - whether you team play in The EPL, The Bundesliga, Seria A or the Australian A-League. </div>
<div>
There's no better feeling than proving your mates wrong and winning yourself a few beer tokens to spend on Saturday night after the game - and lets face it EVERYONE wants the bragging rights to be their own. Football is a social game and enjoying the banter that goes with it is what makes it so special.<br />
<div>
</div>
</div>
Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-57002684139581573612011-10-25T21:37:00.001+01:002011-10-25T21:51:10.459+01:00Best Football Jokes and Banter for Manchester City Fans<b>Warning: Man United fans who don't want to know the score please look away now! :-P</b><br />
<br />
After what has been surely already been nothing short of an incredible week in the life of all the Manchester City fans out there following your superb 1-6 win at Old Trafford on Sunday, as we move towards day 3 of the working week you may now sadly be running short of new and exciting ways of ribbing all your United supporting work colleagues - now that all the viral email jokes have already done the rounds. Well worry not, help is at hand as here are some more belters I have received here at EFB, consolidated nicely into one place that should help you to keep the fires of fun burning in your workplace. Sincere apologies to the red half of Manchester...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">It was a tough night for United - their defence was at sixes and Evans</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">United have been beaten 6-1 - but don't worry there's still 2 sets to play for</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">I was asked on Sunday morning "when do Man United kick off?" - I replied "about every 5 minutes"</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Whats the difference between David De Gea and a black cab driver? - The cabby only lets 5 in</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Recent supports suggest Fergie is in some bother with her majesty - apparently something to do with a "sick swan" </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">The Glazer family were said to be keen to get the true Man United fan experience on derby day - they were on their way back to London 20 minutes before the final whistle.</blockquote><br />
I'm sure you will agree these are some funny jokes for Man City fans that should provide some inspiration for further hours of torment :-)<br />
<br />
However, if you want to make sure you can remain the truly "noisy neighbour" of the office or schoolyard for many long weeks to come (or at least until they get their own back and win the title ;-) ) why not check out the blog <a href="http://1000reasonstohatemanunited.tumblr.com/" rel="nofollow">1000 reasons to hate man united</a> for some further inspiration! <br />
<br />
<b>DISCLAIMER</b>: Please note not all contributions on the above are family friendly (although many are very funny) and <u>I do not control the content of this site</u>.<br />
<br />
Feel free to comment further on these below and share any other Manchester derby jokes you may have right here at EFB - <u>but please keep your football banter clean! </u><br />
<br />
<i>Chin up Fergie.....</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sportsignings.com/images/products/products/MANCHESTER%20UTD/OTHER/sad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sportsignings.com/images/products/products/MANCHESTER%20UTD/OTHER/sad2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-43632019914648620292011-10-11T19:34:00.000+01:002011-10-11T19:34:36.283+01:00Hammers Confirm Olympic Move Still In Their PlansChampionship giants West Ham United have confirmed they are still very much interested in a move to the London Olympic Stadium following the completion of next year's Olympic Games. The Hammers had originally won the bid to take over the ground as part of the legacy of the games, but with legal challenges from London rivals Spurs and Leyton Orient looming it was instead decided that the stadium would remain in public ownership as a valued asset and be leased out instead - with some circles of the British press reportedly claiming the rental of the ground would cost a fee in the region of £2 million per year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2007/11/olympicstadium_450x337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2007/11/olympicstadium_450x337.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
But West Ham vice chairmen Karren Brady insists her club will still look to move from their current home at Upton Park to the new London Olympic Stadium - which will have a reduced capacity of around 60,000 following its post Olympic modifications but would still represent a significant potential for the club to increase revenue from gate receipts, should they return to the Premier League. Meanwhile Barry Hearn who is Chairman of Football League rivals Orient has also confirmed they remain interested in challenging West Ham for the lease deal and would accordingly participate in the new bidding process for the lease of the ground.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-88972057605647585972011-10-05T08:31:00.000+01:002011-10-05T08:31:57.273+01:00Fergie Not Surprised By Flying Form Of "Noisy Neighbours"Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he is not surprised by the strong start to the season made by local rivals Manchester City. The blue half of Manchester have assembled a talented squad at vast expense over the last couple of years and have matched united point for point so far this season with 6 wins and only 1 draw from their opening 7 Premier League fixtures. Only goal difference now separates these English football heavyweights heading into this weekend's international break but Fergie admits the performances seen so far from the so called "noisy neighbours" have not shocked him: <br />
<br />
<blockquote>"I've said all along that would happen" Fergie explained to Inside United.<br />
<br />
"They are a good team and they were always going to be there or thereabouts.<br />
<br />
"Sergio Aguero was bound to do well, coming into the Premier League, because he is such a goal threat around the penalty box. David Silva is also a very good player.<br />
<br />
"We just have to make sure we are ready for City when we meet them."</blockquote><br />
City striker Aguero has certainly already gone a long way towards proving his doubters wrong who had claimed he could not adapt to English football. The Argentine has been making an instant impact for The Blues - having already smashed 8 Premier League goals this season. Meanwhile winger Silva - also cited by Ferguson as a key player for city - has looked to continue his impressive form from last season with some silky and creative displays that have made him a vital part of City's goal threat.<br />
<br />
The two bitter Manchester rivals are set to meet each other at Old Trafford on the 23rd of October in what promises to be the most eagerly awaited Manchester derby in years. Stakes are always high for fans of both the red and blue sides of Manchester on such occasions, but with City now emerging as genuine title contenders the fixture will surely take on an even greater significance in the wider context of this season's Premier League title race.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-19231801087034578762011-09-18T11:50:00.000+01:002011-09-18T11:50:45.335+01:00Kean Silences Critics as Fragile Gunners Continue to MisfireBlackburn manager Steve Kean yesterday hit back at his critics who had claimed his days at the Rovers helm were numbered with a stunning 4-3 victory over Arsenal at Ewood Park. Rovers came out on top of a thrilling yet often shambolic encounter in which Arsene Wenger’s side again capitulated in defence against their stronger, more rugged opposition - scoring 2 own goals in the process. Around 200 fans had protested against Kean before the match as his side had struggled so far in the season and started the day bottom of the table. However, the shock result will give the defiant Kean at least some breathing space after he once again insisted he has the full backing of owners Venky’s. Jubilant Kean could not hide his delight at the final whistle as the result saw them leapfrog their opposition in the table. However, bookmakers still see the victory as nothing more than a stay of execution.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://youth.frometownfc.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/rss-poster/cache/82869__55429434_stevekean170911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://youth.frometownfc.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/rss-poster/cache/82869__55429434_stevekean170911.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>In contrast to Kean, Wenger again cut a forlorn figure following the match as he faces the unlikely prospect – dependant on today’s results admittedly - of being in the bottom 3 in the Premier League having already lost 3 of their 5 league games and with only 1 victory on the board against newcomers Swansea City. Wenger confessed his side currently looked “fragile” and that they were suffering a crisis of confidence following their 8-2 schooling at Old Trafford. Having lost key personnel in the form of Fabregas and Nasri the Frenchman must now be feeling the pressure more than ever as his club seek an ever elusive major trophy.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-91828345557364845582011-07-11T19:16:00.000+01:002011-07-11T19:16:09.451+01:00Potters Bag Defender Woodgate on 1 Year DealStoke City have secured the services of former Leeds, Newcastle, Tottenham, Real Madrid and England centre back Johnathan Woodgate on a 1 year “pay-as-you-play” deal. The centre back - who’s promising career has remained dogged by persistent injuries - will also have the option of extending his contract by a year should he make a sufficient number of appearances for Stoke during the 2011/2012 football season. <br />
<br />
Enjoying arguably the best spell of his career at his first club Leeds United where he reached the Champions League semi-final in 2001, Woodgate has more recently found it extremely difficult to settle as a first team regular at his most recent club Tottenham Hotspur. Having again struggled to find regular and consistent spells of match fitness over the last 3 seasons, Woodgate was considered surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane, prompting manager Harry Redknapp to allow Woodgate to leave the club following the expiry of his contract. <br />
<br />
With several clubs reportedly showing interest in the much travelled central defender, Stoke manager Tony Pulis said he was “delighted” that Woodgate had chosen to commit to Stoke City, and will move to the Staffordshire club as a free agent.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-37652928756099600332011-07-10T17:23:00.000+01:002011-07-10T17:23:23.827+01:00Spurs Maintain Hard-Line Stance Over Modric TransferSpurs are set to continue their hard-line stance against rival clubs as they continue to pursue the signing of their midfield star Luka Modric – in spite on the insistence of the player that Tottenham chairman Levy has now reneged on an agreement made with the Croatian.<br />
<br />
Modric insists he struck up a verbal deal with his club’s chairman in Dubrovnik during the summer of 2010 that would allow him to leave White Hart Lane, should a higher profile club come in for his services and the North Londoners could agree a suitable fee. Modric insists that this was a key reasoning behind him extending his contract with the club, and that by refusing to open negotions about his future, he alleges that Levy has gone back on his word.<br />
<br />
What is clear however at this stage, is that Levy has publically insisted the club’s prize asset is currently not for sale at any price, having already beaten away a £22 million pound bid from London rivals Chelsea – a bid which Spurs manager Harry Redknapp was quoted as describing as as “ridiculous”.<br />
<br />
Although Modric had earlier this week refrained from handing in a formal transfer request, he has openly revealed this weekend that Levy has essentially presented him with the option of carrying on playing for Tottenham or becoming a non-participating spectator at White Hart Lane, as the club refuse to entertain any offers for the player from Premier League rivals or from overseas.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-29902583984497888572011-05-06T19:10:00.001+01:002011-05-06T19:12:06.868+01:00Fergie: No Fear of Barca - But We Would be Better with Brechin<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">A couple of nights ago as Manchester United achieved with the greatest possible ease the result even the most sceptical football follower could not have denied - a 4 - 1 victory in front of their own fans allowing a second string 11 to cruise their way past an over achieving Schalke side - most football fans across the world had long since shifted their thoughts to the mouth watering prospect of the Champions League final that awaits us - long before the final whistle was blown at Old Trafford. Wednesday night's semi final second leg fixture was almost a formality for United - who had built such a dominant platform from their 2 - 0 first leg victory away from home that they could afford to rest the majority of their first team with one eye on the weekend's critical league clash with Chelsea. However, as Alex Ferguson's men strode into yet another final they surely know the ultimate test of their footballing credentials still lies ahead - a clash of the titans at Wembley stadium against the imperious Barcelona.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://topnews.in/files/Lione-Messi_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://topnews.in/files/Lione-Messi_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Whatever the "Special One" and his Real Madrid counterparts may have to say on the subject, few could deny Pep Guardiola's team boast majestic talent, and have fully deserved their reputation as the best club side in the world. And now the world awaits the Champions League final every neutral dreams of. In the press conference following United's victory, Ferguson had staunchly defended his team's Champions League credentials - claiming that while they had the ultimate respect for Barcelona as a fantastic side in terrific form, they would enter the tie without fear of the Spanish giants. However with the sublime talent of Messi in their ranks, even the great Glaswegian must surely fear a recurrence of their 2009 final defeat against the Catalan club - a night in which his side were left chasing shadows.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://uang-uang.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ferguson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://uang-uang.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ferguson.jpg" width="236" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> When asked who he would like to have faced in the final and as to whether his team were out to avenge their 2 - 0 champions league final in Rome some 2 years ago, Fergie joked that a meeting with Scottish minnows Brechin City would have been preferable over the Spanish masters. Whether he opts for a combination of Anderson, Fletcher or Carrick in the centre of the park he will know they have to somehow stop Barca's playmakers Xavi and Iniesta from dominating possession and controlling the match as they have done so on so many occasions for both club and country over the last few years. With both sides boasting attacking full backs, the game may be open down the wings and could lead to an exciting fixture full of goals. Ferguson will hope however he can draw on the experience of solid centre back pairing Ferdinand and Vidic as well as ever-green keeper Edwin Van Der Sar to try and keep Barcelona at bay.</span></div>Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-8366443062291409742011-04-12T14:50:00.001+01:002011-04-12T14:51:21.627+01:00Ferguson Turns Up Heat on Ancelotti Ahead of Quarter Final ClashManchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has turned up the heat on rival Carlo Ancelotti, claiming Chelsea have become obsessed with the pursuit of European club football's biggest prize. The taunt comes ahead of tonight's critical Champions League quarter final second leg clash at Old Trafford, with United taking a 1 - 0 advantage into the game courtesy of an excellent goal from Wayne Rooney.<br />
<br />
While Ferguson's claims are no doubt an example of the great manager's mind games in the build up to such a key fixture, it must be noted that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made no secret of his desire to succeed in Europe - having pumped millions of pounds into the London club. However, it remains a trophy that has so far eluded the Blues, in spite of progressing to the knockout stages with extreme regularity in recent seasons.<br />
<br />
In spite of the pressure building upon his broad shoulders, Ancelotti has however stated that he feels his job is not under threat - even if his side fail to turnover tonight's deficit and face elimination from the Champions League. The Italian was keen to point out that he has a year remaining on his current contract, and having received huge backing from the chairman in the form of the purchases of Fernando Torres and David Luiz in the January transfer window it seems unlikely that he will meet an immediate demise. However, defeat tonight would test Abramovich's patience further - with Guus Hiddink being touted as a possible replacement at the end of the season.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-45001461687005549932011-03-21T08:40:00.000+00:002011-03-21T08:40:41.911+00:00The Beautiful Game Made Better With Money?What do Beckham, Ronaldo, Tevez and Messi all have in common? The hottest women by their sides? The top teams in the world fighting for not only their skills but also their brand? More money than the mere mortal can ever imagine? Tick, tick and triple tick. <br />
<br />
While there are many footballers out there who are admired, some are still yet to shine. Some have not been tainted by the wealth and keep the game close in their hearts, others have seen their finances grow incredibly as they themselves become a household name. <br />
<br />
These success stories are borne out of some incredibly smart financial decisions (though there have been some howlers along the way, as can be <a href="http://www.money.co.uk/misc/biggest-financial-winners-and-losers-in-football.htm">seen here</a>). In terms of the players' personal fortunes, the current rich list is nothing short of astounding:<br />
<br />
10) Steven Gerrard, Liverpool and England - £11.1 million <br />
9) Frank Lampard, Chelsea and England - £11.9 million<br />
8) Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Barcelona and Sweden - £12.4 million<br />
7) Carlos Tevez, Manchester City and Argentina - £12.6 million <br />
6) Ronaldinho, AC Milan and Brazil - £14.2 million <br />
5) Thierry Henry, New York Red Bulls and France - £14.8 million <br />
4) Kaka, Real Madrid and Brazil - £15.4 million <br />
3) Christiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal - £24.8 million <br />
2) David Beckham, LA Galaxy and England - £25 million<br />
1) Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina - £27.2 million<br />
<br />
In Messi’s season 2009/2010 he scored 47 goals, at just 23 years old he has made history for Barcelona in becoming the top goal scorer in European competitions. Not only are Barcelona fans impressed at the skills of Messi, but football fans throughout the world are anticipating just who will become the top scorer of the Spanish League in 2011, Messi or Ronaldo. At 27 goals each the competition is fierce. <br />
<br />
Their skills are quite frankly out of this world and millions would risk everything to watch them live for five minutes. However, should they really be paid millions to play a game many people throughout the world love and spend their Sunday’s having a fun kick about on the field? <br />
<br />
Perhaps, perhaps not. But one thing we all know is that Messi may be paid a fair wedge, but he certainly has unbelievable tekkers.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-2622495658938477122011-03-13T11:16:00.000+00:002011-03-13T11:16:00.669+00:00Fergie Reverts to Siege Mentality as United Battle on 3 FrontsIn a week where Arsenal's dream of a historic quadruple has faded into near nothingness while Manchester United's hopes of bagging a terrific treble continue to burn brightly, Sir Alex Ferguson has sought to adopt an an all too familiar siege mentality in relation to recent media criticism and jibes he has received from rival managers of his attitude towards match officials. The wily old United boss - who has been charged by the FA over his remarks about referee Martin Atkinson following his side's defeat at Stamford Bridge - was in typically defiant mood as he rebuked comments made by Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish and former England boss Graham Taylor who had both spoken out against Fergie in recent televison interviews and the written press about Ferguson's rants.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newsbiscuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Alex-Ferguson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.newsbiscuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Alex-Ferguson.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Ferguson was quoted as saying that people had "short memories" in reference to Dalglish's recent comments about the referee following his side's defeat to United earlier this season and also Taylor's now infamous tirade at the linesmen in an England qualifier when he claimed the referee had just got him the sack. The "nobody likes us we don't care" attitude of Sir Alex is certainly nothing new, and is one that he has used to deflect the media and public pressure and expectation away from his playing squad on a nunber of occasions as his side have faced the growing scrutiny and speculation that surrounds the Premier League title run in. No doubt at the end of the season (as he has on so many occassions), Ferguson will have the last laugh as his side continue to creep closer towards what would be a historic title win.Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-88618975779632846592011-03-10T18:48:00.000+00:002011-03-10T18:48:07.600+00:00Footballers Using Cycling Sessions to Boost Fitness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">As the English football season heads towards another exciting and intriguing finale, the top clubs from the Premiership and particularly in the Football League are finding their squads becoming increasingly stretched as key playing staff are lost through injury and suspension as their clubs press for trophies and promotion on a multitude of fronts. For lower league squads in particular who are often constrained by limited budgets and smaller playing squads, the loss of key players through injury can have a devastating impact on the overall success of their season. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span> </span><span> </span>For these key reasons it is perhaps not surprising that clubs across England place paramount importance on the fitness regimes of their players - ensuring that all year round they are fit and ready to give 110% in fighting for their team and its cause - be it trophies, promotion or the battle against relegation. This focus on fitness is undeniably one of the key reasons that has made the English Premier League in particular, arguably the highest level of club football in the world today and as such is able to attract top professional players from around the globe.<span> </span>Professional players will go through set regimes on the training ground with their squads each week, taking part in various drills and exercises - but away from the training pitch top players will put in numerous hours in the gym and taking part in other training activities to maintain there fitness during the critical final period of the football season.<span> </span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> One such activity the can be very effective for footballers seeking to boost their aerobic fitness both during the season and in the period between seasons is cycling. Whether you are a keen amateur or one of the worlds top professional players, including regular bike rides in your training plans can be great for boosting your fitness.<span> </span>In order to make the most of your cycling sessions, ensure you use the best equipment you can afford. Top level equipment such as <a href="http://www.roadbikewheel.co.uk/mavic/">mavic wheels</a> are always a great way that can help pros and amateurs alike reach their personal peak performance levels when on a road bike session.</span></div>Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-35322821907787712452011-02-21T13:47:00.000+00:002011-02-21T13:47:23.980+00:00Game Snowed Off? Pass Time Playing Soccer Games OnlineWith the latest bout of bad weather once again hitting the fixture list up and down the country over the weekend many unfortunate football fans from the lower leagues (and particularly north of the border) have once again been hit by the devastating prospect of facing up to a painful and boring weekend without being able to watch their beloved teams in action. Faced with prospect of no live <a href="http://www.myplayyard.com/soccer-games">soccer games</a>, dads and kids across the land come up against the nightmare prospect of being forced to go shopping with the wife/girlfriend/mother, or equally uninspiring tasks such as cleaning the car/their bedroom. It goes without saying; these are things that football fans must seek to avoid at all costs! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.inmagine.com/img/imagestate/v3031/v3031010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://images.inmagine.com/img/imagestate/v3031/v3031010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Without football, this is what your Saturdays would be like.</div><br />
Luckily if you want to beat the fixture postponement blues and get your regular fix of football during bad weather you can enjoy these online football games from the comfort of your own bedroom (they are also of great amusement for anyone stuck in a boring office). Younger football fans may also enjoy these <a href="http://www.myplayyard.com/">games for kids</a> to help keep the snowy blues away or pass away one of those boring Sunday afternoons. With a whole 3 days to wait from the weekend until the next round of Tuesday night football fixtures you’ll need something to keep you occupied, so try these games online to break up the mundane existence of life without football. Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-73568050984841368362011-02-19T09:31:00.001+00:002011-02-19T09:32:06.931+00:009 Year Unbeaten Home Record Makes Mourinho Truly SpecialThis weekend marks another incredible landmark in the sparkling career of Jose Mourinho. The self dubbed “special one” can celebrate an incredible 9 years unbeaten at home in league football – a record that stretches across 4 countries and 4 of the world’s top football clubs: Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and his current club Real Madrid. The Portuguese manager has not exactly been starved of success, records, trophies and accolades over the last few years – but to go the best part of a decade without succumbing to defeat in front of your own fans is something that even he must surely have not realistically expected. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bild.de/BILD/news/bild-english/PICTURES/sport/2010/04/2010-04-29-barcelona-inter-second-leg-jose-mourinho-run/barca-inter-jose-mourinho__15954398__MBQF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="http://www.bild.de/BILD/news/bild-english/PICTURES/sport/2010/04/2010-04-29-barcelona-inter-second-leg-jose-mourinho-run/barca-inter-jose-mourinho__15954398__MBQF.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><strong>Mourinho’s Magical Home Record: -</strong><br />
<br />
<ul><li>FC Porto – Played 38, Won 36, Drawn 2, Lost 0 </li>
<li>Chelsea – Played 60, Won 46, Drawn 14, Lost 0</li>
<li>Inter Milan – Played 38, Won 29, Drawn 9, Lost 0</li>
<li>Real Madrid – Played 11, Won 11, Drawn 0, Lost 0</li>
</ul><div><br />
The last team to beat one of Mourinho’s sides was Beira Mar on the 22nd of February 2002 when Porto were beaten 3 – 2, but even then Jose’s team finished the game with only 9 men. The harshest critics would argue that Mourinho’s record is somewhat influenced by his counter attacking style and – particularly in his time at Chelsea and Inter – a strong focus on keeping clean sheets and shutting out the opposition. However, it is also a testament to the man’s unwavering desire and drive to succeed, to win trophies and prove to the footballing world that he is truly special. </div>Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-79774632800110307672011-01-30T12:46:00.000+00:002011-01-30T12:46:25.578+00:00United Battle Back to Overcome Saints Threat in CupA second string Manchester United side progressed to the 5th round of the FA cup after coming from behind against an exciting Southampton side. The Saints had taken a deserved lead late in the first half after Richard Chaplow blasted home an emphatic finish from inside the box past Manchester United debutant Anders <span id="footballTeamListRenderer_player_252177"><span class="">Lindegaard. Much has been made of the arrival of United's new keeper following the announcement by Edwin Van Der Sar that he will retire at the end of this season - but the Dane could do nothing to prevent Chaplow's emphatic finish. However, instinctive second half finishes by United forwards Owen and the lively Hernandez broke Saints hearts.</span></span><br />
<span id="footballTeamListRenderer_player_252177"><span class=""><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/26/article-1350636-0CD701FD000005DC-147_468x364.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/01/26/article-1350636-0CD701FD000005DC-147_468x364.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span id="footballTeamListRenderer_player_252177"><span class=""><br />
</span></span><br />
<span id="footballTeamListRenderer_player_252177"><span class=""> In the build up to the game there had been a great deal of hype surrounding Southampton's young star </span></span><span id="footballTeamListRenderer_player_445606"><span class="">Oxlade-Chamberlain who has already been making a big impact for the League 1 side this season - with Gunner manager Arsene Wenger publicly announcing his interest in the pacey prodigy earlier in the week and rumours having circulated that Arsenal had tabled a substantial £10 million bid for the Southampton starlet. The winger produced a competent if not spectacular display, but it was Southampton's team performance and patience that were rewarded to give the side a warranted lead at the break. United had offered little in a first half display that had relied heavily on the lung bursting runs of left full back Fabio Da Silva - although recalled Michael Owen had earlier unintentionally struck the bar with a looping cross. With all of the club's regular back 4 absent for the trip to Saint Mary's it was perhaps understandable that United would look jittery but a highly competent footballing display from Southampton had put them under some serious pressure.</span></span><br />
<span id="footballTeamListRenderer_player_445606"><span class=""> After issuing the hair drier treatment to his inexperienced lineup during the break, Alex Ferguson opted to bring out the cavalry for the second half The introduction of the evergreen Ryan Giggs and the pace and trickery of winger Nani just before the hour mark had a particularly noticeable impact on the flow of the tie. After 65 minutes Michael Owen did what he does best, finishing instinctively from close range following Obertin's cross. The former England star had been playing in a deeper role than was expected in the first half - but in spite of a quiet game proved he is still a fox in the box by drawing United level. </span></span><span id="footballTeamListRenderer_player_445606"><span class=""> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.totalfoot3.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/javier-hernandez-manchester-united-20101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://www.totalfoot3.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/javier-hernandez-manchester-united-20101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span id="footballTeamListRenderer_player_445606"><span class=""> With the goal you could immediately sense the direction of the tie had immediately turned and suddenly Southampton looked a shadow of the side they were in the first half. United could sense the weakness and began to up their game. And it was only 10 minutes later that Hernandez put the visitors into the lead. The "little pea" timed his run to perfection after being fed by a wonderfully weighted pass from Ryan Giggs and in spite of having seemingly lost his balance at the vital moment managed to slide the ball home into the bottom corner beyond </span></span><span id="footballTeamListRenderer_player_294790"><span class="">Bialkowski.</span></span><span id="footballTeamListRenderer_player_445606"><span class=""> </span></span><span id="footballTeamListRenderer_player_252177"><span class=""> </span></span>Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3194428753992688.post-14510021101143134722011-01-13T14:19:00.000+00:002011-01-13T14:19:20.595+00:00Blackpool Heap More Misery on Liverpool<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">The latest chapter in the ongoing terrifying saga of humiliation and mediocrity for Liverpool football club unfolded last night in front of a jubilant crowd at Bloomfield Road. The Seasiders – enjoying the first taste of top flight football in their history – completed an improbable double over their North Western counterparts to pile further misery on Kenny Dalglish and his beleaguered side, winning 2 – 1 in front of their home fans.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span></span>The match had started well for the visitors when Fernando Torres showed Liverpool fans what they had been missing in recent weeks – clinically smashing the ball home after being put in the clear by one of Liverpool’s hopes for the future; Martin Kelly. The full back has showed promise in recent games having stepped in for England international Glenn Johnson who’s form has seemingly deserted him in recent weeks and with the opening goal coming inside 3 minutes it looked as though Liverpool had perhaps started to turn a corner under new boss Kenny Dalglish.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/multimedia/dynamic/00374/kenny_374327t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/multimedia/dynamic/00374/kenny_374327t.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>However, after such a promising start, things went rapidly downhill for Liverpool. Shabby defending allowed Gary Taylor-Fletcher to level matters for the home side. Liverpool looked shell shocked and as the match wore on the confidence and self belief that had been instilled in their players from their early lead soon evaporated as they descended into the kind of abject performance they have subjected their fans to on numerous occasions away from Anfield this season.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span> </span>Liverpool’s misery was complete when more abysmal defending allowed <span>DJ Campbell to head hoe from close range in the 69<sup>th</sup> minute, with the result condemning the Merseysiders to a 5<sup>th</sup> successive away defeat – unthinkable for a club of such stature in English football. Even with an Anfield legend at the helm having replaced Roy Hodgson, it seems on the evidence of recent displays against Blackpool and Manchester United there is little to suggest that Liverpool will improve significantly on their lowly 13<sup>th</sup> position in the Premier League.</span></div>Shellerzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09456898211189663367noreply@blogger.com0