Premiership News

Ferdinand withdraws appeal against ban

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:16:37 GMT

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has withdrawn his appeal against the additional one-match suspension he incurred for a "frivolous" challenge to a violent conduct charge brought against him by the Football Association.

The case was due to be heard on Friday and last week Sir Alex Ferguson indicated a desire to contest the penalty.

However, in the light of Ferdinand being appointed as England captain it was felt the 31-year-old should accept his punishment.

Click here for more Manchester United news and gossip

Ancelotti no regrets over backing disgraced Chelsea skipper Terry

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:15:54 GMT

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has defended his decision to keep John Terry as captain of Chelsea.

Terry, who is alleged to have had an affair with the former girlfriend of Wayne Bridge, lost his England captaincy on Friday.

But the Italian has backed Terry to continue as captain of the west London club.

Ancelotti said in an interview to Italian newspaper La Repubblica: "(Terry) has maintained the captaincy because it's not my role to monitor the private life of my players, unless this affects their performances.

"For myself and for the club, he is a great captain, a serious professional, a leader and a player who has great closeness to this club, because he grew up in the Chelsea Academy."

Click here for more Chelsea news and gossip

Wenger blames media for Ballack jibes

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:15:14 GMT

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has blamed the press for Michael Ballack's criticism of his team following the Gunners 2-0 loss to Chelsea.

In the aftermath of the game at Stamford Bridge, Wenger congratulated Chelsea on their efficiency, but said "we didn't get a demonstration of football".

Ballack responded by claiming Wenger "always says things like this when he loses to find an excuse."

The Frenchman said: "I was full of compliment and praise for Chelsea after the game.

"I find it completely unfair from the press that you take one word from my press conference to turn it.

"You did that at Villa, you did that at Chelsea. If you look at the intent of my press conference it was positive to the opponent.

"If you want, we can have a press conference and I can say nothing, don't worry.

"As for (Ballack's comments), I am long enough in England to know that the team who wins can say what they want. They are right.

"It is my job to take a distance from that and analyse the game in a calm way with a cool head and to analyse what is right."

Wenger added: "I have to live with all the conclusions that Chelsea are a much better side, but I believe what I believe."

Despite all of the criticism as his team continue their quest for a first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup, Wenger will remain steadfast to his beliefs.

The Gunners boss declared: "There is only one way to play football - that is to win games and be efficient. The best way to win the games is the way which is most adapted to the qualities of your players and the philosophy of your club. That is what we try to be faithful to.

"You have to accept that when you lose games, the way you play is always questioned - what becomes a fantastic quality when you win, becomes a fantastic mistake when you lose. It is like that.

"We still have to believe in the way we do things, in the way we play and to show that strength."

Click here for more Arsenal news and comment from Arsene Wenger

Portsmouth remain positive over tax talks

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:14:24 GMT

Portsmouth sources insist talks between the club and the Inland Revenue are still ongoing, according to Sky Sports News.

News broke earlier on Tuesday that Pompey's bid to halt a winding-up order from HMRC had stalled.

But a spokesperson for the Premier League outfit has assured fans that they are hopeful of coming to an agreement before Wednesday's deadline.

The South Coast strugglers owe the tax authorities a figure in the region of £7.5million but they have been striving to come to a compromise - believed to be a lump sum of £1.8million.

A compromise needs to be reached before Wednesday's high court meeting - where the threat of administration or liquidation is at large for the Premier League's basement team.

Redknapp: Tottenham aren't a long ball team

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:12:56 GMT

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has rubbished claims his side rely on the long ball and Peter Crouch's height.

The Spurs boss, responding to suggestions his side favour long balls, said: "That's rubbish. Absolute nonsense. We pass the ball to death and hit Crouchy in the right areas.

"They got labelled a long-ball team by Arsenal, maybe a couple of their players wanted to pass the buck to us but I wouldn't know what a long-ball team was.

"If you can hit a 50-yard pass, it's better than a 10-yard pass or a backwards one. It's about creating strikes on goals, if it's 50 yards then it's a great ball. It's about quality."

Crouch is Redknapp's preferred partner for Jermain Defoe and has played in 10 of Spurs' last 12 games.

"Every time we hit Crouchy against Villa he knocked the ball down and we had chances to score," Redknapp said. "If you are going to have Peter Crouch in your team you have to use him, you can't expect him to run up channels or to come short. That's not his game.

"He is an option when teams fill up the midfield and you can't pass through them. We have that great option to miss out the midfield, hit him and pick things up around the box.

"That is what makes us a much better team - we have options and don't have to keep passing.

"You can pass all day. We've seen that recently from teams. People say they are playing fantastic football but they are not winning games.

"We are playing fantastic football but also have an option with Crouchy as well, which is good."

Click here for more Tottenham news and gossip

Zola slams West Ham owners over timing of wage cuts

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:12:06 GMT

Gianfranco Zola has hit back at West Ham's new owners over their plans to slash the wages at Upton Park, reports the Daily Mail.

It is understood that the manager, players and other staff will be asked to take a 25 per cent cut to reduce the club's £60million wage bill.

Co-owner David Sullivan revealed the plans on Tuesday morning but they have not gone down well with Zola, who is fighting to keep the Hammers in the Barclays Premier League.

"I think the article should have been done at another time, not just before a match like tomorrow," he said. 'It would have been better to say that at another time and maybe talk to us before talking to a newspaper. That is my feeling."

Zola, who earns £1.9m a year, revealed he had not spoken to the owners, nor had he been consulted about the issue. "Personally I can say I am not here for the money.

"Last year when I signed a contract I didn't even know how much I was going to earn. I had a plan and a project and I liked what I was going to do.

"I didn't know what I was going to earn and then after a while the club called me in about a new contract. It's not about money. It is about working for something positive. I aways enjoy working for this club. The money was something that came after."

When asked if the owners speak to the press too much, Zola added: "It doesn't interest me. They can talk to the press as much as they want.

'When an article comes like that before a big match like tomorrow I'm not happy about that because I don't think it is any good for the whole team. The match is all that matters to me and the players."

Friedel unconcerned with Golden Glove award

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:11:27 GMT

Golden glove contender Brad Friedel is more concerned with keeping Aston Villa’s Premier League points total moving than keeping clean sheets, reports the Birmingham Mail.

Friedel is level with Chelsea’s Petr Cech in the battle for the most shutouts, with both boasting a total of 11 so far this season.

“The real sense of pride is winning football matches,” said Friedel. “The stats of it doesn’t come into play so much for us. We want to win football matches.

“When you can’t win a football match then you don’t want to lose it. You have to take the next best thing and at Tottenham we got the next best thing.”

And the former Liverpool and Blackburn stopper believes the entire team deserve credit for Villa’s defensive meanness.

“Clean sheets are collective,” added Friedel. “It’s not down to goalkeepers. It’s collective defending.

“Just look at the amount of times in the first half at Tottenham that we stopped service at source.

“We’ve got people like John Carew, Emile Heskey and Gabby Agbonlahor helping to do that and it sometimes goes unnoticed at times during the game.

“But myself and the back four, we definitely take notice because it’s one less time you have to deal with 6ft 9in Peter Crouch and one less time you have Jermain Defoe getting the second ball off him.

“We appreciate it when strikers and midfielders stop it at source and we have something instilled in our team where everybody is willing to do that.”

West Ham's Cole still has World Cup ambitions

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:10:47 GMT

Carlton Cole is still aiming on securing a place in England's World Cup squad.

The West Ham striker has recently returned to action after two months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

"England and the World Cup is my main dream and I would love to get back into the squad," Cole told the Evening Standard.

"I know Mr Capello has been speaking regularly with the medical staff here to assess how things are going and that is a good sign because he cares about my fitness.

"Hopefully, by the time the next squad is announced, I will be back to where I want to be and scoring goals. If I am doing that hopefully I will stay in his thoughts."

For more World Cup news, go to www.worldcup.tribalfootball.com

Blackpool trio axed for nightclub visit

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:09:47 GMT

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has confirmed three players have been dropped for the game against Sheffield Wednesday following a night out at the weekend.

Barry Bannan, Neal Eardley and Ishmel Demontagnac have been axed from Holloway's squad after being spotted at a nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning following Blackpool's 2-1 home defeat by Leicester City on Saturday.

"You can't hide a thing in Blackpool and I'm very, very disappointed in them," said Holloway

"I've dropped them from the squad as I want to send out a message that I won't have that.

"Do they think the time that they got in is acceptable especially when they had training or treatment on Sunday morning?

"We are professionals and going out in the town after a defeat is not a professional thing to do."

Agger hails Liverpool's defiant attitude

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:09:11 GMT

Defender Daniel Agger believes Liverpool will need to show the same kind of attitude displayed in Saturday's Merseyside derby victory if they are to end their decade-long winless run at Arsenal.

The Reds travel to London on Wednesday looking for their first Barclays Premier League win at the home of the Gunners since February 2000.

Agger believes the determination exemplified in the 1-0 win against Everton at Anfield, when the side played the best part of an hour with 10 men after Sotirios Kyrgiakos' dismissal, will help to break their disappointing run on Arsenal territory.

"We just have to go for the three points in each game," said the Denmark international. "We need to have a good result against Arsenal, that is the most important game right now.

"Arsenal are a good team but every game in this league is tough so we need to go in with the same attitude as against Everton.

"Everyone in the team knows we have the right attitude."

Click here for more Liverpool news and gossip

Morecambe announce name of new stadium

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:54 GMT

Morecambe have named their new £12-million multipurpose stadium development the Globe Arena, which is set to be completed in July this year.

The announcement comes after the club secured a five-year sponsorship deal with Globe Construction, the company responsible for building the new venue in the Westgate area of the town.

The Shrimps, who have also revealed a new club crest, will move from Christie Park to their new ground from next season.

Chairman Peter McGuigan said: "We are delighted to announce that our new development will be named the Globe Arena. It is a historic day for both Morecambe Football Club and Globe Construction and the beginning of what we believe will be a very successful partnership between us.

"The new development, when completed, will offer not only a fantastic stadium worthy of our status as a Football League club but also act as a high-quality sporting and social venue for the local community.

"Additionally, we hope to attract the business community from both a local and national base to our outstanding conference facilities. We are an ambitious football club and the opening of the Globe Arena in July this year will give us the financial stability necessary to ensure the long-term well-being of Morecambe Football Club."

West Ham co-owner fears financial consequence of relegation

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:16 GMT

David Sullivan fears the worst if West Ham are relegated from the Barclays Premier League.

The Hammers were bought by former Birmingham owners Sullivan and David Gold last month with reported debts of around £100million.

As the new regime discovers the full scale of the Hammers' financial position, Sullivan is concerned for the club's future if Gianfranco Zola's side fail to beat the drop.

"It'll be Armageddon if we go down. It'll be worse than what's gone on at Newcastle," Sullivan said in The Sun.

"I can't believe the contracts I've inherited. Every position is overpaid, whether in administration or on the playing side.

"Everyone at the club will be asked to take a salary cut in the summer.

"The club is in a mess and we all have to pull together. If we go down I can't even consider the situation."

Accrington boss Coleman linked with Bradford vacancy

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:06:39 GMT

Accrington Stanley have denied reports linking manager John Coleman with a move to managerless League Two rivals Bradford.

Early reports had suggested that Coleman, who is yet to sign a new contract at the Lancashire club, was one of the leading contenders for the role vacated by Stuart McCall on Monday.

Chief Executive Robert Heys said: "We have had no official approach from Bradford for the services of John Coleman.

"We are on a fantastic run so it comes as no surprise to us that he is being linked with a possible move away from the club.

"However, I would like to think that John would like to continue and bring to fruition Stanley's promotion hopes this season. We are on such a good run and it would be a devastating blow to us if he were to leave."

Palace offered for sale in Financial Times

Ian Ferris — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:06:05 GMT

The administrators in charge of Crystal Palace have taken out an advert in Tuesday's Financial Times in a bid to sell the Championship club.

The P&A Partnership are offering buyers the chance to own "a long-established south London club" who are "currently enjoying success in the FA Cup".

Owner Simon Jordan has been trying to sell since July 2008, but the Eagles slid into administration a fortnight ago with debts upwards of £30million and have been deducted 10 points by the Football League.

The advert reads: "The sale of the football club and its associated assets presents an opportunity to acquire a long-established south London club (founded in 1905) currently playing in the Championship division of the Football League and currently enjoying success in the FA Cup (next match against Aston Villa in the fifth round)."

Gerrard on Arsenal: Liverpool must repeat what Chelsea, Man Utd did to them

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:02 GMT

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says they must do to Arsenal what Chelsea and Manchester United have already achieved.

After a run of five wins and two draws in their last seven league games, Liverpool would close to within two points of the Gunners with victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Gerrard told talkSPORT: "I'm sure Arsenal will be a bit of a wounded animal on Wednesday night.

"But we've certainly got to do what Manchester United and Chelsea have done to them, which is try and give them very little space and hit them on the counter attack. Everyone knows that if you give Arsenal time and space they will absolutely crucify you.

"It's a massive game for us and the target on Wednesday night is to try and get a result where we can push on and try and get third place. Obviously at the end of the season our target is a top-four finish, but if Arsenal give us any sniff of catching them then we want to grab it and hopefully that will be on Wednesday night."

Man Utd hero McQueen: I told Middlesbrough to sign Smalling

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:59:17 GMT

Former Manchester United defender Gordon McQueen is delighted to see the club sign Fulham centre-half Chris Smalling.

The England Under-21 defender is back at Craven Cottage until the summer and will become a Reds player for next season.

McQueen knows all about Smalling's qualities - he recommended him to Middlesbrough when scouting for the Riverside club.

"Chris went to Middlesbrough and had agreed to sign when Fulham came in late and he decided he'd be homesick on Teesside," the Scot told the Manchester Evening News.

"He's got a bit to learn and is one for the future. He is a tremendous prospect. He is very much in the Rio Ferdinand mould.

"He has all the attributes to make it to the very, very top because he is mobile, quick and athletic."

Cristian Riveros agent reveals Wigan, Sunderland offers

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:58:46 GMT

Cruz Azul star Cristian Riveros has offers from Sunderland and Wigan Athletic for the summer.

Riveros, 27, will leave Cruz Azul after rejecting a new contract with the Mexican side.

The midfielder's agent is heading to Europe to negotiate with interested teams in a bid to resolve his future before the World Cup finals get underway.

His representative Jose Maria Gonzalez commented: "We already have proposals from clubs like Sunderland and Wigan."

Arsenal chief Gazidis writes to Barcelona to warn them off Cesc

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:50:50 GMT

Arsenal are determined to fight off Barcelona's pursuit of their club captain Cesc Fabregas.

The Mirror says Spanish giants Barcelona are ready to launch a £40m bid for Fabregas this summer and believe they may be able to lure him away unless Arsenal win some silverware this season.

But Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has already written to Barcelona to demand the Spanish giants stop their very public campaign to try to sign Fabregas.

Gazidis wanted to know why stories keep appearing in the Spanish press and for the club’s executives to stop making statements about the Arsenal captain.

Barcelona did try to reassure Arsenal that they were not “tapping-up" Fabregas and gave the Gunners other assurances that they were not acting illegally, but it is clear that they are desperate to sign the midfield ace.

Ex-Man City No2 Bowen: Robinho could not cut it

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:49:17 GMT

Former Manchester City assistant coach Mark Bowen says Robinho was up to competing in the Premiership.

Robinho, 26, arrived at Eastlands for a record British transfer fee of £32.4m in 2008 but faded after a bright start.

"He took a lot of stick, but he did massively underperform, especially away from home," said Bowen.

"I just thought that, physically, he wasn't really up to the challenges of the Premier League."

Robinho left Manchester City in January, rejoining his first club Santos on loan for six months, and Bowen, who left Eastlands along with sacked former manager Mark Hughes in December, believes he will prosper in a more familiar environment.

"There is no doubting that if and when he went to another league, or back to Brazil, it would be a different style of football and it would suit him better," said Bowen.

"We always felt he could possibly blossom and get used to the Premier League but he wasn't really up to the week in week out challenges."

Video Special: Arsenal boss Wenger tribute to Man City’s Vieira

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:44:31 GMT

Patrick Vieira is in line to make his home debut for Manchester City tonight against Bolton Wanderers.

We've managed to catch a few words with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger about Vieira's return to the Premiership. The Frenchman says the Gunners legend is sure to be a success, if he can stay fit.

Check out what Wenger has to say below:

Phelan: Man Utd proud Ferdinand to be England captain

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:43:59 GMT

Manchester United management are delighted Rio Ferdinand is taking the England captaincy.

Ferdinand will succeed Chelsea skipper John Terry after his demotion last Friday.

United No2 Mike Phelan said: “We are pleased of course to have a Manchester United captain of England. There have been a few in the past and Rio is just an extension to that so we’re pleased. He just needs to get fit now and get back into the team.

“I think he has the qualities. He’s been at the top level for many, many years, he’s got the experience, the quality’s there - we’ve never doubted the quality that Rio’s got - and now his leadership credentials come out into the open so we’re pleased for him but we need him to play for Manchester United first.”

Arsenal boss Wenger insists he tried to buy in January

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:42:42 GMT

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he tried to strengthen his squad in January.

Wenger hit back at claims that he did not try and add to his squad in January, with many Arsenal fans calling for a striker to be signed.

"We tried to sign players, but it didn't work and we have to accept that," Wenger said.

"We have lost players and unfortunately we have three strikers out and the way the fixtures are, you lose one player and you lose three big games, but I believe we promised to fight to the last game of the season.

"There were positives in the last game and we will fight to the last second of the season. But again everyone is negative with Arsenal and we have to live with that and prove them wrong."

Chelsea boss Ancelotti had Terry welling up

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:42:06 GMT

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti had John Terry in tears yesterday.

The Daly Star says Terry was devastated after Fabio Capello sacked him as England captain, but Ancelotti has given him a huge vote of confidence.

From now on, the Italian will refuse to call Terry by name, insisting he will only ever refer to him as ‘Captain’.

A club insider said: “Carlo pulled him to one side on Sunday and John wasn’t quite sure what was coming.

“But when he said he would only ever call him ‘Captain’ in the dressing room or even in Press conferences, it left John stunned.

“His eyes welled up after he was told this because it was hard for him to lose the England captaincy.”

Arsenal boss Wenger coy over Chamakh comments

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:41:31 GMT

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was coy this morning over reports of a deal being close for Bordeaux's Bosman prospect Marouane Chamakh.

Chamakh admitted over the weekend that he wanted to sign for Arsenal, seemingly shunning a switch to Premier League rivals Liverpool.

"I believe he is talking to many clubs which he is entitled to do, we are just focussing on the [Liverpool] game," Wenger said.

"He is free to sign wherever he wants."

Arsenal captain Cesc house-hunting in Barcelona

tribalfootball.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:40:59 GMT

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is house-hunting in Barcelona, it is claimed.

Sport says Cesc has begun seeking a new house in the heart of Barcelona. The midfielder says he's enjoyed his time living in London, but is planning for the future, which includes buying a new home in Barcelona.

It's also reported today that Cesc is unwilling to accept Arsenal's new £30 million long-term contract offer and would take a move to Barca on less than the £120,000-a-week deal the Gunners are tabling him.