5 Large (UK) Football Club Sponsorship Deals Spanning a Decade

Who's Behind These Football Club Sponsorship Deals?

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. For EFB, 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.

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? Listed below (in alphabetical order) are sample case studies giving recognition to some key businesses and driving forces behind club sponsorship deals within the English football arena.

Summary of (UK) FC Club Sponsorships: 

Navigate (UK) FC sponsorship deals that interest you within the article using the anchor tag links provided here:

Alpari (UK) & West Ham United FC - [Undisclosed]

Emirates Airline & Arsenal - £90m approx over 15 years

Etihad Airways & Manchester City - £400m approx over 10 years

Nike & Manchester United - £303m approx (Net) over 13 years

Samsung Electronics & Chelsea - £90m approx over 10 years

#1 Alpari (UK) Limited & West Ham United (WHUFC)

Official Sponsorship Details:

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 'understated' 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:

“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.”

Cited src: http://www.alpari.co.uk/en/about_alpari/press/release/37.html

Cited src: http://www.whufc.com/articles/20110719/alpari-uk-and-west-ham-united_2236884_2395660

Read more news from Google results: Alpari (UK) and West Ham "sponsorship"

Company Description:

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 (present in over 50 countries and employing over 630 people). 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.

Misc Information: Alpari (UK) Limited also have a 5 year sponsorship in the World Match Racing Tour ~ http://www.wmrt.com

(UK) Headquarters: Alpari (UK) Ltd, 201 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3AB, UK
Website: http://www.alpari.co.uk

#2 Emirates Airline & Arsenal

Official Sponsorship Details:

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.

Read more news from Google results: Emirates Airline & Arsenal "sponsorship"

Company Description:

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...Antarctica?

Misc Information:

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.

(UK) Ticket Office: First Floor, Gloucester Park, 95 Cromwell Road, London SW7 4DL, UK
Website: http://www.emirates.com/uk

#3 Etihad Airways & Manchester City

Official Sponsorship Details:

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: "The deal at Manchester City stretches credulity to the limit." 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.

Company Description:

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.

Misc Information:

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.

London (UK) Administrative Office: 200 Hammersmith Road, W6 7DL, London, United Kingdom, UK
Website: http:/www.etihadairways.com

#4 Nike & Manchester United

Official Sponsorship Details:

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.

Company Description:

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).

Misc Information:

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: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nike_sponsorships. 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).

London Address: Nike Id Studio 14-16 Neal Street, Covent Garden London, WC2H 9LY, UK
Website: http://www.nike.com

#5 Samsung Electronics & Chelsea

Official Sponsorship Details:

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 Mr SH Shin (President & CEO of Smasung Electronics Europe) stated: "it (the partnership) has raised our premium brand awareness, which has in turn helped significantly increase our sales and market share..." and to quote his attitude towards key business areas in the UK "...our turnover has more than doubled in the last five years".
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.

Company Description:

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'.

Misc Information:

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.

(UK) Headquarters: Samsung House, 1000 Hillswood Drive, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0PS, UK
Website: http://www.samsung.com/UK

Where to Find Sponsorship Deals:

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: http://www.uksponsorship.com/spt1.htm - a place where sponsors and sports associations negotiate and interact.


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.
Alternatively you can strtategically query search engines for such sponsorships using specific terms like: sponsor | sponsorship "proposal request form" [+ your chosen sporting field] (click link to view search result).

History of Football Sponsorship Deals in the UK

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_football_sponsorship

A vast topic to be covered in another post - perhaps a timeline infographic would be more suitable in this instance?

"Never Say Die" Rooney Inspires Man United Fightback

England 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.
     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 football boots 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.
     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.

FA Stand Firm Over Kompany Red Card

Manchester 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.

     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.

Best Football Jokes and Banter for Manchester City Fans

Warning: Man United fans who don't want to know the score please look away now! :-P

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...

It was a tough night for United - their defence was at sixes and Evans

United have been beaten 6-1 - but don't worry there's still 2 sets to play for

I was asked on Sunday morning "when do Man United kick off?" - I replied "about every 5 minutes"

Whats the difference between David De Gea and a black cab driver? - The cabby only lets 5 in

Recent supports suggest Fergie is in some bother with her majesty - apparently something to do with a "sick swan"

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.

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 :-)

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 1000 reasons to hate man united for some further inspiration!

DISCLAIMER: Please note not all contributions on the above are family friendly (although many are very funny) and I do not control the content of this site.

Feel free to comment further on these below and share any other Manchester derby jokes you may have right here at EFB - but please keep your football banter clean!

Chin up Fergie.....

Fergie 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:

"I've said all along that would happen" Fergie explained to Inside United.

"They are a good team and they were always going to be there or thereabouts.

"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.

"We just have to make sure we are ready for City when we meet them."

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.

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.

Fergie: No Fear of Barca - But We Would be Better with Brechin

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.

      

     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.

     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.

Ferguson Turns Up Heat on Ancelotti Ahead of Quarter Final Clash

Manchester 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.

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.

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.

Fergie Reverts to Siege Mentality as United Battle on 3 Fronts

In 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.

     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.

Big Sam Backtracks on “Managing Worlds Top Clubs” Claims

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has today backtracked on his somewhat outrageous claims made earlier this week that he would be fit to manage any of the worlds top clubs and “would win the double or the league every time”. Big Sam has however claimed that his somewhat amusing comments had been purely meant as a tongue in cheek way of expressing his personal desire and driving ambition to improve as a manager and ultimately drive his managerial career to the highest levels in world football.

Blackburn have enjoyed a solid start to the new Premier League season under Allardyce and remain unbeaten so far, but his claims that his combative and often direct “long ball” style of football under which his teams tend to operate would be welcome at the likes of Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United has been a source of great banter and debate by English football fans and the media alike this week. However, as ever Big Sam remains unperturbed and will look to drive his Blackburn side forward when they face Aston Villa in tonight’s League Cup 3rd round clash at Villa Park.

English Premier League Set for Big Kick Off in 2010/2011 Season Opener

This afternoon the 20 English Premier League clubs across the length and breadth of the country are in the process of making their final preparations for the opening day fixtures of the 2010/2011 English Premier League season. The first round of Premier League fixtures are set to take place this weekend, and it seems that 2 of the newly promoted teams are set for a baptism of fire with tough away games on the cards.

Last years Championship winners Newcastle United travel to Old Trafford for a testing opener against Manchester United (set to take place Monday night), while current Premier League Champions Chelsea will welcome West Brom to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. However, arguably the most exciting fixture of the Premier League’s first round is Arsenals visit to Anfield to take on Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool side. Both teams will be looking for a serious title challenge this season after both finished last year without a trophy in spite of multi million pounds squads.

Scholes Nods Vital Winner in Pulsating Manchester Derby

Evergreen Paul Scholes capped a fantastic individual display with a vital winner in a pulsating Manchester Derby. The midfielder was perfectly placed to power home a Patrice Evra cross for his sixth goal of the current campaign, heading into the bottom corner beyond the despairing dive of Shay Given deep into the third minute of time added on. The 35 year old once again proved his wealth of experience is vital to United with a display combining both quality of passing and tenacious desire. The former England star showed strength in the tackle and a desire to win back possession for his side that belied his years - and having just signed another 1 year contract extension, the Salford born star is seemingly set to go from strength to strength for Manchester United. United had created the better chances during the first half of an intriguing encounter with Giggs and Rooney both going close, yet in spite of a frenetic final 10 minutes the game was looking set for a draw until Scholes was on hand to snatch the 3 points for United. Scholes’ winner may yet prove even more important in the broader context of the Premier League as Chelsea’s defeat to London rivals Tottenham later that afternoon has cut the Blues lead to just 1 point, meaning that the title race is now wide open again.

Premier League Stars Face Ultimate Test of Fitness as Season Crunch Time Approaches

The Premier League title race in 2010 is the closest in years, with 3 of English football’s leading teams all still in with a strong shout of claiming the biggest prize in English domestic football. Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal face a fight to the wire to see who will claim the Premier League crown, and as the games come thick and fast as season approaches crunch time, fitness levels of the club’s top stars are certain to play a key part in deciding who will take the season’s big prize. Although the majority of the Premier League’s leading sides now have extensive squads and player rosters at their disposal, maintaining the fitness levels of key players is paramount at this critical stage in proceedings – and their daily fitness regimes play a critical part in maintaining their optimum performance levels week in week out. As well as drills on the training ground with their fellow squad members, premier league players also face gruelling fitness programmes in the gym – completing aerobic workouts on the treadmill, exercise bike and commercial cross trainer amongst others - as they seek to gain a competitive edge over their league rivals. At this level the smallest margins can often decide the final results of matches – with Manchester United in particular famed for their goals at the final stages of games as their superior fitness levels and concentration come into play over some of the leagues less established opposition. Likewise, much has been made in the English tabloids of the “maturity” of Chelsea’s squad in comparison to their title rivals – with players such as Michael Ballack seemingly reaching the latter stages of their career. With key aspects such as this in mind, it seems very possible that the fittest team may indeed be the one that goes on to claim this season’s title.

Ronaldo Straight Out Of The Blocks In Spain With Real Debut Strike

World football's hottest property Christiano Ronaldo got off to a flying start for his new club with a debut goal on the opening day of La Liga. Real Madrid's most high profile "Galactico" acquisition of the summer scored from the spot in a 3 - 2 opening day thriller against Deportivo to make a dream start to his football career at his self confessed dream club. Their remains incredible levels of expectation on the shoulders of the former Manchester United player and world player of the year after his incredible £80 million move from Old Trafford to the Bernabeu. But his opening day goal means he has now hit the ground running and opened his account with the Spanish giants. As soccer stars go, Ronaldo surely heads the list on the grandest of all stages, and Real fans will surely have much more to come from the multi talented Portuguese forward. They will certainly expect to win La Liga this season and their are also major expectations in the Spanish capital that the Champions League trophy will also make a return after a 7 year absense that has pained their passionate fan base.

Man United Move in for Free Agent Owen

Latest reports in the English sporting press suggest that Manchester United now look set to complete a surprise move for former Newcastle and Liverpool striker Michael Owen. The diminutive striker's contract with The Magpies expired this summer and with the club unable to support his huge wage demands following their relegation into the English Championship, Owen left the club at the end of last season.



Several Premier League clubs have been chasing the services of the talismanic forward but it seems that the champions are to complete a shock deal that would see the talismanic foward move to Old Trafford to bolster Alec Ferguson's forward line after the loss of Christiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez in the past few weeks. Owen's goal scoring record remains exemplary (including 40 goals in 89 games for England) but his ongoing injury problems have blighted his form and limited appearences in the last 2 years. However, it seems that United are ready to gamble on Owen who may see the move as a chance to get back into the plans of England coach Fabio Capello who has thus far overlooked owen during his reighn in charge of the Three Lions.

City Favourites in Race for Tevez Following United Announcement

It has emerged in the British sporting Press today that Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez has become the second big name to leave the Premier League champions in recent weeks - following Christiano Ronaldo’s record move to Spanish giants Real Madrid recently.

Following Manchester United’s official statement today that Carlos Tevez is now certain to leave the club, there is now growing speculation as to which of the high profile Premier League clubs chasing the striker will eventually land the mercurial talents of the dogged South American star. Title rivals Chelsea and Liverpool have reportedly been in the frame as they look to strengthen their squads for next season. However, in a move that will surely infuriate Man United fans the world over, it seems that Manchester City are now emerging as favourites to sign the player. Indeed, it seems that Carlos Tevez may now be set for the blue half of Manchester as he seeks pastures new in his already controversial career in English Football. City certainly have the financial clout to meet the Argentines huge wage demands - and having already acquired the services of both high profile signings Gareth Barry and Roque Santa Cruz in recent weeks, they may seem an attractive proposition for Tevez.

Liverpool Shock United to Re-ignite Title Hopes

Liverpool re-ignited their slim title hopes with a thumping victory against the Premier League leaders at Old Trafford. United had taken the lead inside 20 minutes when Liverpool keeper Jose Reina had rashly rushed out from his line to meet the advancing Ji Sung Park - but only succeeded in felling the South Korean inside the area. United's Christiano Ronaldo smashed home the resulting spot kick and the title race was beginning to look dead and buried. But the visitors bounced back later in the first half when the lively Fernando Torres seized on a dreadful error from the usually solid Nemanja Vidic, before calmly placing the ball into the corner of the net beyond Van Der Sar. Torres was then involved in Liverpool's second just before half time. The Spanish striker slid the ball behind the united backline looking for Steven Gerrard but as the Liverpool captain bombed forward he was clearly taken down by United's Patrice Evra. Gerrard then dispatched the penalty to give the visitors a shock lead. Alex Ferguson tried to shake things up after the break, unleashing Berbatov, Scholes and Giggs with around 20 minutes to go but not long after their arrival Liverpool scored their third. Nemanja Vidic dragged down Gerrard on the edge of the box and being the last line of defense was duly shown a straight red card. Fabio Aurelio curled in the resulting free kick to send the traveling fans into raptures. United continued to chase the game but looked shell shocked - particularly when substitute Andrea Dossena lifted in Liverpool's 4th late in the game.

United Claim Carling Cup After Penalty Drama

Manchester United remained on course for an incredible quintuple with a penalty shoot out victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley. With the world club championship safely in the trophy cabinet and the Premiership title all but secured after Liverpools defeat at Middlesborough, the Red Devils held their nerve to beat the current holders Spurs after a goalless draw at Wembley. United put out a weakened line up but kept their composure in the shoot out after misses from Jamie O' Hara and David Bentley wrapped up yet another trophy for the Champions elect. United scored all four of their penalties to claim a 4 - 1 victory in the shoot out.

English Clubs Enjoy A Great Week in Champions League

After another great week of champions league action, all 4 English clubs involved in Europe's top club competition enjoyed a successful week. The best result undoubtedly belonged to Liverool, who without injured talisman Steven Gerrard still managed to claim an excellent 1-0 win in Madrid - including the all important away goal. Elsewhere, in spite of a dominant performance away from home, Manchester United had to settle for a creditable goalless draw against Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan side - but should still be favourites to progress with the second leg of the tie still to follow at Old Trafford. New Chelsea manager Guss Hiddink was delighted to claim a 1-0 victory at home against Italian giants Juventus through Drogba's early scuffed volley - but with the blues' solid defense you would expect them to hold firm in the away leg to go through. Arsenal's position is perhaps the most fragile of all the English clubs, in spite of a 1-0 win through Robin Van Persie's penalty. There away form and unpredictability this season may yet prove to be their downfall.

Pressures of Management Prove too much for Keane

It is clear that only subject has dominated the headlines across the English footballing press this week: Roy Keane's abrupt departure from Sunderland. Last night, the Irishman walked out on his 2 year tenure at The Stadium of Light under a cloud of uncertainty on his future in football management. Keane was unquestionably an unwavering, defiant and bullish character as a player. Both on and off the field his aggressive and often controversial leadership qualities have never been in doubt and these have to the outside world at least, been personality traits that he has transferred directly into his management style. However, it is clear that all is not right with the great Irishman's mental state at this moment in time. Keane is and always has been a winner and is therefore used to winning, but the current run of successive defeats suffered by the Black Cats has clearly put Keane in an unfamiliar and discomforting mental position. Even his former mentor Sir Alex Ferguson has come forward this week to question whether his former captain at Manchester United will ever return to the day-to-day pressures associated with top flight football management. However, if anyone can recover from such a setback and come back stronger than ever - it is surely Roy Keane.