Arsenal's title hopes boosted by return of Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Alex Song

Arsene Wenger's title bid will be boosted by the return from injury of three crucial players this weekend.
Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Alex Song are all expected to return against Blackburn.

Abou Diaby remains a doubt, as does Robin van Persie, although Arsenal's medical staff are encouraged that the Dutch striker did not seriously damage his knee playing for his country on Tuesday.
Van Persie was replaced at half-time after taking a kick on the joint against Hungary but Holland coach Bert van Marwijk said he could be fit for Saturday 'with luck'.
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Rio Ferdinand should have demanded answers from Fabio Capello, says Bryan Robson

Bryan Robson has admitted if he had been in Rio Ferdinand's shoes he would have telephoned Fabio Capello to demand answers over why he had lost the England captaincy.

Robson captained his country on 63 occasions during his 90-cap career.

Dubbed 'Captain Marvel' by Sir Bobby Robson, the 54-year-old cannot imagine being stripped of the honour like Ferdinand, still less finding out through the media as Capello has been content for the Manchester United star to do.

'When you are a coach or a manager and you make big decisions, it is best to contact whoever has been disappointed and speak to them before it comes out in the media,' he said.

'I would have been on the phone to the manager asking what is going on about me being dropped as captain.'
Robson benefited from Ray Wilkins getting injured in 1982, in much the same way as John Terry has been reinstated due to Ferdinand's present absence with a calf problem.

'Ray broke his cheekbone and was out for so many games, for England and United, both managers made the decision they were going to leave me as captain,' he said.

'That was a big disappointment for Ray. But he was told by both managers before it came out into the media.

'I used to room with Ray. He is a good honest, sensible lad and took it in his stride.'
However, despite his reservations about the way Capello has handled the sorry saga, Robson feels the outcome has been correct.

'The England captaincy issue has got carried away a little bit,' he said. 'I said at the time, it was the wrong decision to take it away from John Terry. It was something away from football.

'He was captain of his country for playing football. That was his private life.

'Hopefully it is all in the past now. John Terry has been given the captaincy again, so everybody should get on with the job and let it settle down.

'Hopefully for the rest of the Euro 2012 qualifiers we will have a fully-fit team with the same captain. That is the most important thing.'
Robson was speaking at the Soccerex Conference, which opened in Manchester.

It was a welcome appearance from the former England skipper, who was forced to have an operation to remove a cancerous tumour from his throat earlier this month.

Robson must now undergo five sessions of radiotherapy but looks healthy and feels confident of making a full recovery.

'I would like to thank all the fans for their well-wishes,' he said. 'I am feeling fine in myself.

'The operation to take the tumour out was successful. All the specialists have been positive and said that I should make a 100 per cent recovery.

'That is all I wanted to hear. I will get on with the treatment and try to be as positive as I can be.'
In the meantime, Robson is continuing his twin roles as Thailand boss and Manchester United ambassador, offering him a platform from which to back Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that next month's FA Cup semi-finals should not be held at Wembley.

Ferguson has made the point that with all four competing clubs heading to London from the north-west, fans are having to incur unreasonable cost while both police and traffic services will be stretched on the same weekend as the London Marathon is being held and Arsenal play Liverpool in the Premier League.

The Football Association have held semi-finals at Wembley since 2008 as part of the stadium's revenue streams for repaying the huge cost of construction.

They also argue that with its 90,000 capacity, it is the only suitable venue for the Manchester derby between United and City on April 16 and the rare appearances of both Bolton and Stoke at this stage of the competition mean the second game 24 hours later will also be a sell-out.

However, Robson, who skippered United to three triumphs in the competition, disagrees.

'Sir Alex is right to point these things out because of everything that is going on in London,' he said.

'It will be a big problem for the police and there will be traffic issues as well. Maybe it would have been better playing at Villa Park, just to take a little bit of pressure away.'
In addition, there is the sporting element, with Robson believing the prize of reaching the final is diminished because last four encounters have taken place at the same ground.

'I have always thought the final is the one that is played at Wembley,' he said. 'The rest should be at a neutral ground. That is the prize for getting to the final.'

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Dean Ashton taking time to rediscover football love

Dean Ashton spent international weekend with his young family in their Norfolk idyll, kicking a football around with three-year-old son Ethan on the semi-circular lawn. There was no running, though, because Ashton no longer can.

He was three months short of his 23rd birthday when he was called into Steve McClaren’s first England squad for a friendly against Greece in August 2006. The day before his debut, a heavy tackle in training from team-mate Shaun Wright-Phillips shattered his left ankle and re-shaped his life.

In the changing room, pain, shock and fear took hold. Ashton cried uncontrollably because he knew the injury was severe. He played only 41 more games, including 45 minutes for England in Trinidad. He knew he was not the same player and his career was over at the age of 26. The same age Wayne Rooney will reach later this year; they used to talk about Ashton and Rooney as England’s next strike force.

In spite of the occasional punditry for Sky and a visit to his old club Norwich with family and friends, Ashton has pulled back from football because he had to. He needs to love the game again and for that to happen, the resentment over his fate has to subside.

‘I’m still bitter about the way football is for me personally, so I want to give myself plenty of time to feel comfortable with it again,’ he says with a refreshing candour.

‘It’s very difficult when you finish playing the game but all of the players you’ve been playing with carry on and players who are older than you are still playing.

‘I was in the same Under 21s team as James Milner, Darren Bent, Carlton Cole, Michael Dawson and Stewart Downing. They are all in the England squad now. That’s what is hard to watch because you feel you would have been there and involved in matches like the Wales game. That makes it very  difficult to handle.

‘I don’t feel bitter towards England. I don’t sit in my room depressed when England are on. And I have no grudge towards Shaun Wright-Phillips. It’s just that I’m not  comfortable yet with loving football. The worst thing I could do would be to rush back into football and really dislike it.

‘It’s pretty simple. I just wish I hadn’t broken my ankle. But I had a good 10 years in the game and the experience I had was fantastic. My best friends who were at the Crewe academy with me but who never quite made it soon remind me, “Hang on, we didn’t make it and we’ve got nine-to-five jobs. You’ve got to be grateful for what you had”.’

There may be no grudge towards Wright-Phillips but ask Ashton whether the Manchester City winger phoned him with a message of  sympathy or apology when his retirement was finally confirmed in December 2009 and the answer is a simple ‘No’.

Ashton prefers to keep his feelings on the matter private but you feel that if the boot which ended a fellow professional’s career had been on a different foot — Ashton’s foot, perhaps — a phone call would have been the minimum support offered.

Ashton also prefers to keep details of his financial severance from the game private, but it is safe to say he does not have to find work until he is ready. A five-year contract West Ham gave him in the summer of 2008, just a few months before his ankle gave out for good, helped.

‘I was lucky enough that I managed to play in the Premier League for a few years and that makes me more secure than a lot of players who retired through injury before the money came into the game.

‘I haven’t even thought about managing, let alone coaching at the moment, although the coaching side is something I want to do when I feel I’m really ready to do it.

‘You can’t be retired from 26 for the rest of your life. You need things to stimulate your mind. Although I’ve got young kids at the moment, eventually they will go to school and I will need to test my mind and keep my brain going. I’m not particularly busy but it’s lovely just to be spending time with the family and doing things I want to do. It’s nice to have free time. There are not many people in the country who get to spend time with their kids like I am at the moment.

‘The phone didn’t particularly ring a lot when I retired. I had the odd text message but not many deep and meaningful  conversations with people. However bad they feel for you, professional players almost want to block it out. They don’t want to think about what it must be like and to think that it might happen to them.’

You sense that the emotions at work, even within the articulate and intelligent Ashton, are complex and still a little raw. At least the pain has subsided from his left ankle and with it the heartache of fighting a daily battle which he knew deep down would be lost.

‘I was really glad to retire in the end because I had had enough of operations and recovery and  waking up every morning not being able to walk to the fridge. It was a weight off my shoulders when I did finish because it was just so difficult being in so much pain.

‘Now I can do normal things. I can walk, cycle, row, although I can’t do anything that involves running. My ankle doesn’t hurt but because it doesn’t move any more, there’s no flexion. I use my knee and foot a lot to compensate.

‘If I really had to run, then I could, but I would have a terrible limp and I would look really stupid. I played in a charity basketball match and it was a case that the ball and everyone went up one end while I just stood at the other end until they all came rushing back.

‘I can kick the ball absolutely fine with both feet and I can mess around with the kids, which is really nice because before I finished I wouldn’t have been able to do that. And I can play golf and walk the whole course.

‘Obviously in later life I’m going to have trouble with my knees, my foot, my hip, arthritis in the different areas which take more strain than they probably should do, but I had no choice but to have the operation. It was the best chance I had to have a normal life of walking and playing with the kids.’

Ashton’s retirement was also a blessing of sorts for his wife Gemma, who shared the mental anguish but who could do nothing to ease her husband’s pain through the ordeal.

She said: ‘It is really hard because you want to be able to help your husband but there is very little you can do. He has coped with it amazingly well. I don’t know anyone who could have coped with it as well as he has. I never saw him get upset.

‘It’s been a different journey for him to the one the fans have seen. I think he has known himself for a lot longer than they did that he would have to retire. When it came to it, he had already dealt with that in his head. It’s definitely a change from when he was playing to have him around all the time, but really nice too, especially because our children are young.’

Being removed from the crowds and the adulation does have one advantage for Ashton. It takes you away from intrusion and insinuation like the whispering campaign during his Norwich days that said that he was gay.

He is not, but he wants to see football move into a position where it becomes a non-issue, so that others do not have to endure similar treatment.

‘When I first came to Norwich, I was 21 and on my own. Jason Shackell, Ryan Jarvis and Ian Henderson were really nice to me, showing me around the city, going to the cinema or bowling. Me and Shacks just went for a meal one night. The next minute it is, “Ashton and Shackell are lovers”. I always wonder who has got the time or the thoughts to do something like that on the internet. But you can’t stop it so why worry about it?

‘We’re in such a modern world now that things like that shouldn’t matter any more. I know that football’s meant to be a real man’s game, as they say, but it shouldn’t be anybody else’s business.’

There are no reminders of  Ashton’s career on show in the living area of the family home, not his solitary England cap, nor his FA Cup runners-up medal from 2006, nor any photo of his peroxide blond hair atop a claret and blue West Ham shirt.

Even if there were, he would view them as third-party possessions, such is the detached perspective he now holds on life in the game.

‘Because I’ve gone from playing to not playing and not even being able to run, it’s almost like I never actually was a footballer, if that makes sense. 

‘It’s really strange but that’s because at the moment the last thing I could do is play football. And I haven’t played for nearly three years now.’

When he does return to football, the likeable Ashton will be an asset, but that time has not yet arrived.

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Fabio Capello hails new England: We're better than Germany

Fabio Capello believes England are capable of becoming as potent an attacking force as Germany to take next summer’s European Championship by storm.
The manager’s renewed confidence is such that he is now prepared to make comparisons with a German team that was hugely impressive at last summer’s World Cup, having benefited from an injection of youthful players such as Mesut Ozil.

‘I hope that people will talk about us like they did about  Germany,’ said Capello. ‘I hope so. These players are improving a lot and playing with confidence.’
Capello believes the emergence of players like 19-year-old Jack Wilshere, Andy Carroll, 22, and Joe Hart, 23 — and the development of a new 4-3-3 system — has produced a fresh-faced England team capable of matching the best in the world.

Germany’s new-look team put four goals past England and Argentina at South Africa 2010 before losing to eventual winners Spain in the semi-final.

But Capello’s optimism comes after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, which was followed by the thrilling performance on Tuesday against a Ghana side boasting eight of the players who so nearly progressed to the last four of the World Cup.

One player left confused by getting a call-up from Capello is Danny Welbeck, the Manchester United striker currently on loan at Sunderland.

Ghana have tried for two years to persuade Welbeck to pledge his future to the country of his parents’ birth, and the striker was booed by Black Stars fans when making his England debut as a late substitute during the 1-1 draw at Wembley on Tuesday.

When told by a Ghanaian journalist he could still change allegiance because the match was not competitive, Welbeck said: ‘I didn’t know. I’d definitely have a think about it.’

Sportsmail understands the  20-year-old would prefer an international career with England but said his debut ‘was bitter-sweet’.

He said: ‘(Sunderland and Ghana players) Asamoah Gyan and John Mensah have been in my ear, but I’ve represented England at every youth level up.’


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Roy Hodgson has nothing to prove to Liverpool, says Kenny Dalglish

Kenny Dalglish reckons Roy Hodgson has nothing to prove ahead of his Liverpool reunion.
Hodgson was a dismal failure at Anfield after replacing Rafa Benitez last summer. He lasted just six months before eventually leaving in January to be replaced by Kop idol Dalglish.
Hodgson, who took the reins at relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion just weeks after his Anfield exit, squares up to his former side for the first time at the Hawthorns on Saturday. He can expect a rough reception from the travelling fans, who never warmed to him.

Yet, Dalglish said: 'Roy hasn't got anything to prove to anybody. If you say he has extra motivation then you are doubting the man's integrity and implying he never had enough motivation before.

'It's Liverpool versus West Brom and we'll face a team that has been prepared by Roy. I don't have a problem with that. It'll be nice to see him again.

'Roy brings his own management style to the club and they have done well since he went in there. We are looking forward to the game and it will be nice to see Roy again.

'I have great respect for him as I said when I came in here and that isn't going to change now that we are playing against each other.
'So for me, the game is about Liverpool against West Brom and that's the way I'll go into it. I'll see an old friend of mine standing in the opposite dugout. 'Everyone knows he's an excellent coach so we know what to expect. We know how they will play so it's up to us to be better than them on the day.'
Meanwhile, Dalglish is hoping ?35million man Andy Carroll can now score his first goal for Liverpool after breaking his duck for England in midweek in the friendly draw with Ghana at Wembley.

He said: 'It is a great milestone for Andy to score his first goal, especially at Wembley.

'It is a great reward for his recuperation and it will give him a lift and kick him on further. I think everyone can be proud but obviously Andy will have been happy.'

Ask whether he would have a problem with Carroll, who has struggled with injuries this season, playing for England Under 21s at this summers European Championships, Dalglish added: 'We'll wait to see if he is picked first but I can't answer the question until it has happened so I can't see the point in discussing it.'
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Tottenham's Ledley King out for the season

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:58 PM on 31st March 2011

Tottenham captain Ledley King is to go under the knife yet again and looks set to miss the rest of the season.

The injury-prone defender was hoping to avoid a second groin operation of the year in order to play some part in Spurs' remaining games but it now appears Harry Redknapp will have to make do without another defender.

The latest injury means that Redknapp will only have Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong available at centre-back for Tuesday night's Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.

'We have lost Ledley King, it looks like he will have to have an operation that will finish his season, said Redknapp.

'He has had problems with his knee for a long time, but that doesn’t seem too bad - it’s just his groin.'

King - who had surgery on his troublesome groin only last month in Germany - joins Jonathan Woodgate (calf), Younes Kaboul and William Gallas (both knee) on the injury list.

Woodgate's career is reportedly in doubt after he limped out of a friendly with a Barnet XI with yet another injury, the 31-year-old has only played 277 games in a 14-season career.

Redknapp added: 'We started the year with six central defenders here. Now we have two.

'Jonathan Woodgate was making good progress but got a calf injury in a friendly against Barnet and Younes Kaboul is still out with a thigh strain.

'William Gallas has been for a scan on his knee today. He struggled at the weekend and we are now down to having just Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong.'

King, 30, has also had a career blighted by injury - he has only featured 61 times for Spurs in the last four seasons.

The news will hit Redknapp even harder given that William Gallas has barely trained in the last two weeks since picking up a mystery knee problem in the 0-0 draw with West Ham.

The Frenchman, who recently signed a two-year contract, is having a scan on Thursday and Spurs fans will be praying for some good news on the defensive front.

Aaron Lennon has also recovered from the hamstring injury which kept him out of England's recent squad but Redknapp is still sweating over the fitness of Welsh wing wizard Gareth Bale.

Bale pulled out of Wales' clash with England, also with a hamstring injury, but Redknapp hopes he will fit to face Real Madrid.

'Gareth worked with the fitness coaches and he looked OK this morning,' Redknapp said.

'Whether he is OK to play two games this weekend is doubtful.

'We will have a look at that tomorrow and decide which way to go with it.

'We are going to leave it late. We'd love to have him fit but if he isn't fit then we can't play him.'

The Spurs boss is confident that his side will be able to give Real a good match in Spain even if Bale does not play next week.

'We have other good players here who can play on the left,' Redknapp said.

'Niko Kranjcar has just gone off and had a couple of games for Croatia. Steven Pienaar is fit now too.'

The positive news for Redknapp is that Tom Huddlestone is set to return against Wigan from a long-term ankle injury and Aaron Lennon has recovered from the hamstring injury which forced him to pull out of the squad.

Redknapp said: 'Aaron is OK. He trained this morning. There isn't any problem with him.

'He met up with England and stayed with them for 10 days, felt his hamstring was tight and we didn't want to risk him going so he pulled out of the squad.'

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Yossi Benayoun set for Chelsea return

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:55 AM on 31st March 2011

Injury-plagued midfielder Yossi Benayoun is hoping to return within a fortnight to aid Chelsea's push for silverware.

Benayoun came on for the last 20 minutes of Israel's win over Georgia on Tuesday - his first competitive action since September.

The ex-Liverpool midfielder was originally ruled out with a calf problem before he picked up an achilles injury in October.

Benayoun, 30, has only appeared three times for Chelsea since his ?5.5million summer switch from Anfield, but he hopes to return in time for the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League quarter-final with Manchester United.

After the Georgia game, Benayoun said: 'I was just so happy when the coach told me I could get back on the pitch after so long out.

'I knew I couldn’t have played 90 minutes, but felt I could play for 20 or 30 at a high level.

'I can’t wait to start a game again.'

Benayoun has been back in training for a month but Carlo Ancelotti appears to be holding him back for the run-in.

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Ferguson defends 'fair comment'

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says managers should be free to discuss performances of officials, providing any criticism is justifiable.
Ferguson was given a five-match touchline ban and £30,000 fine by the Football Association in March for criticising referee Martin Atkinson.
The Scot told ESPN: "If you speak your mind it's a problem in the game. The FA are very strong in supporting referees.
"In a way I totally agree with that, but there's got to be fair comment."
Ferguson was found guilty of improper conduct after he expressed his anger at Atkinson's display in the 2-1 Premier League defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 1 March.
"You want a fair referee - or a strong referee, anyway - and we didn't get that," he said immediately after the match.
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I think the last few games we've had terrible decisions against us and you've just got to be careful you don't have paranoia about it

Sir Alex Ferguson
The 69-year-old was furious that defender David Luiz was not sent off for fouls on Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney after the Brazilian defender had already been booked. He was also angry about the decision to award Chelsea a penalty when Yuri Zhirkov fell under Chris Smalling's challenge.
Craig Moore, chairman of the FA commission that punished the Manchester United manager, wrote that Ferguson had "undermined the FA's Respect campaign" and added: "Respect for referees' integrity is essential for the integrity of football."
Despite his punishment, Ferguson has again risked the wrath of the FA by bemoaning the performance of officials in recent fixtures.
"I think the last few games we've had terrible decisions against us and you've just got to be careful you don't have paranoia about it," said Ferguson, who opted not to contest the FA's ruling.
The five-match touchline ban began with United's 1-0 win over Bolton at Old Trafford on 19 March.
Ferguson will also have to watch from the stands for the games against West Ham, Fulham and Everton, as well as the FA Cup semi-final meeting with Manchester City at Wembley on 16 April.
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Carroll is 'focused on his football' insists Dalglish

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has praised England for their handling of Andy Carroll and Glen Johnson but refused to be drawn into a row with coach Fabio Capello over his £35million striker.
Carroll scored his first international goal in the 1-1 friendly draw with Ghana on Tuesday.
However, much of the pre-match discussion concerned Capello's advice to the former Newcastle forward to concentrate on football and cut out potentially bad drinking habits and also his possible involvement in this summer's Under-21 European Championships.
Dalglish brushed aside any potential controversy by reaffirming his belief that the 22-year-old was fully focused on improving himself and his game.
"Is that not his job, football?" said the Scot.
"I would expect him to focus on it to get to where he is. He has done fantastically well.
"I think Andy Carroll is focused on his football."
And on the Under-21s issue he added: "We'll wait to see if he is picked first but I can't answer the question until it has happened so I can't see the point in discussing it."
The Reds boss thanked Capello for using Carroll and Johnson sensibly in midweek.
England's last friendly at Wembley in November against France saw Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard sidelined for a month having sustained a hamstring strain after playing longer than the club believed they had agreed he should.
That was under the tenure of former manager Roy Hodgson, who Liverpool will meet on Saturday when they come up against his new club West Brom, but there were no complaints from Dalglish.
"The way England treated our players was fantastic," he said.
"They gave Andy the hour knowing it wouldn't have been beneficial to play him any longer.
"They gave Glen 45 minutes because he has a slight problem with an Achilles.
"I thought they were very professional and respectful with the way they treated our players."
Dalglish also hoped Carroll's England goal would spur him on to his first for Liverpool since joining in January.
"It is a great milestone for Andy to score his first goal, especially at Wembley," said the 60-year-old.
"It is a great reward for his recuperation and it will give him a lift and kick him on further.
"I think everyone can be proud but obviously Andy will have been happy."
Dalglish: Gerrard could play against West Brom  
Joe Cole: Carroll is a new breed of Drog
Gerrard: Let Jack and Andy decide
Capello praises 'important' youngsters Carroll, Wilshere and Welbeck after Ghana draw  
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Neymar could snub Chelsea for Barcelona

By Christopher Davies Last updated at 12:26 PM on 31st March 2011
Neymar, 18, was the star of Brazil's 2-0 win over Scotland at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday. On Monday the Santos striker had dinner in London with superagent Pini Zahhavi who works closely with Chelsea but Neymar insisted: 'The possibility of a move to an English club was not discussed. 
In demand: Brazil starlet Neymar has attracted interest from across Europe
'The future belongs to God, but I have a contract with Santos. I am happy here and I want to stay at the club for now.
'But all the players would like to play for Barcelona, me included. It is an issue that we must treat it with care because I have a contract with Santos.'

Last year, Neymar renewed his contract with Santos, becoming one of the highest wage-earners in the Brazilian league with a transfer get-out clause of ?36million which is hardly likely to worry Chelsea.
Spot on: Neymar scored in Brazil's comfortable 2-0 win over Scotland at the Emirates on Sunday
Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro de Oliveira warned Neymar that he would struggle to adapt to English football.
Speaking on Wednesday, De Oliveira said: 'Playing in England is not the same as playing at (Santos' stadium) Vila Belmiro. It is much worse, because of the climate and the style of football, which he is unaccustomed to.

Snub: Neymar (right) has been warned against a move to the Premier League by Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro de Oliveira
'We have demonstrated that, as he has developed into a player who represents the best of Brazilian football - being audacious, skillful, effective, attacking - he is going to become a key figure in the history of Brazilian football.

'He is going to gain international recognition, and maybe get chosen as the best player in the world, playing in Brazil. This is something that hasn't happened since Pele's day, and he has a golden chance.'
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Rooney desperate to overtake Liverpool with 19th title

Wayne Rooney says it would be "brilliant" if Manchester United were to win a record 19th title.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side are on course to achieve that feat as they face West Ham on Saturday in pole position.
United are five points clear of Arsenal, who have a game in hand, while reigning champions Chelsea and Manchester City complete the top four.
England striker Rooney said: "I grew up an Everton fan so to be part of the team to overtake Liverpool's record would be brilliant. It would mean so much to us players as well as the fans.
"It is something I have been thinking about a lot. I know all the Everton fans want us to do it and hopefully we can.
"You look forward to every game at this stage and you've got to enjoy it, especially when you are in the running for a few trophies.
"It is exciting for the fans and it's exciting for the players knowing that you are just a few weeks away from possibly winning a major trophy or two."
United face Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final first leg next week and City in the FA Cup semi-final next month.
Rooney is convinced they will banish their local rivals and told Inside United: "I am confident we can beat them.
"I am desperate to win the competition, having lost two finals. We have a great chance of going all the way this year.
"It is a massive competition with a lot of history. I watched it religiously growing up and going so close twice has been hard to take."
Rooney believes it is a massive bonus to have Antonio Valencia fit for the run-in and said: "I am probably the happiest person in the team to see him back.
"Having Nani on one wing and Antonio on the other is fantastic because they each bring something different."
Fergie tells United: Stop the ref paranoia  
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Danny Welbeck happy with England debut despite boos from Ghana fans

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:33 PM on 30th March 2011

Danny Welbeck admitted that making his debut against the country of his parents' birth was a bittersweet moment.

The Sunderland striker, on loan from Manchester United, turned down the chance of playing for Ghana to instead pursue an international career with England and he was roundly booed by their fans as he entered the fray.

But while he maintains that the African nation will always hold a special place in his heart, the 20-year-old says he had always set his sights on turning out for England.<

'It was a bittersweet moment. I’ve got love for both countries but I can’t play for both,' he said.

Welbeck said that he understood why he was booed by the visiting fans but that he does not regret his decision.

He added: 'I kind of understand that (the boos) but I can’t make everyone happy.

'I’ve been playing for England at every single youth team level so it was a natural progression to move up to the seniors.

'I am obviously delighted with my progress.'

Asamoah Gyan, the scorer of Ghana's late equaliser, defended his Sunderland team-mate.

Of Ghana’s supporters, Gyan said: 'They do love him, but in football the fans sometimes frustrate you.

'I have talked to him but he made his decision and I do respect that.'

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Carlton Cole removes 'racist jokes' from Twitter made during England v Ghana match

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:30 PM on 30th March 2011

Carlton Cole has caused controversy on Twitter after making ill-advised immigration jokes about the Ghana fans at Wembley.

The West Ham striker posted several comments during England's 1-1 draw in the friendly match on Tuesday night - all of which he has now removed after he was inundated with criticism and complaints from a large section of his followers.

Firstly, Cole wrote: 'Immigration has surrounded the wembley premises! I knew it was a trap! Hahahaha'

The England international, who wasn't involved in the game, then posted: 'The only way to get out safely is to wear an england jersey and paint your face w/ the St. George's'flag!' 

Realising that his comments were causing offence, Cole tweeted: 'To my ghanian brothers dont take it so seriously, its just jokes! Youve played well! Done africa proud!'

Passionate: Ghana fans created a brilliant atmosphere at Wembley on Tuesday

However, his jokes didn't stop there as he followed it by writing: 'Next friendly is gonna be Poland then Albania, government think their sly! I see it a mile away! Haha'

Responding the complaints from fellow Twitter users, he then posted: 'Why are there so many sensitive people out there! it was a joke & its not even racist!'

There were around 20,000 Ghana fans at Wembley for the match, which was considered to be one of the most successful friendly games in years.

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Ashley sets Newcastle Europe goal

Newcastle last played in Europe during the 2006/07 season Newcastle owner Mike Ashley wants the club to be challenging for a European spot on a regular basis as part of his long-term strategy.

Ashley, who took over in 2007, watched the Magpies slide into the Championship two seasons ago before winning back promotion at the first attempt.

Managing director Derek Llambias said: "Mike knows where we should be in four or five years.

"We want to be challenging for Europe every season."

Newcastle last played in Europe during the 2006/2007 season, when they reached the last 16 of the Uefa Cup.

Details of Ashley's vision come on the day that Newcastle reported a loss after player trading of £17.1m for the year ending 30 June 2010.

However, the figures also revealed that the owner added a further £42m into the club in interest-free loans during the reporting period, taking the total he has loaned the club to £139.8m.

"Mike Ashley's money has kept this club buoyant," added Llambias.

"Quite honestly, Newcastle United would not be here without him, it is as simple as that.

"He has never taken a penny out of the football club, but he knows what he has to put in every year and he is keen to grow it."

BBC's Mike Henson on the stunning rise of Newcastle's Michael Richardson

View the original article here

10 Things you need to know about Wesley Sneijder - plus watch his best skills and goals

By Mirror Football in Football Spy

Published 14:06 30/03/11

It looks like we're going to be seeing a LOT of 'Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United' stories between now and the summer in the wake of the midfielder's recent 'come and get me' plea .

But what would Fergie be getting in the Dutch star? Here's all you need to know about the Inter Milan man...

1) Wesley Benjamin Sneijder was born in Utrecht, Holland, on 9 June 1984.

2) At the age of seven he joined the Ajax academy, where his older brother Jeffrey was already training. Jeffrey went on to play in the lower Dutch leagues. Younger brother Rodney is also at the youth academy - and big bro Wesley thinks he should learn his trade before landing a move to a bigger club, once shutting down Rodney's discussions with Real Madrid.

3) He signed as a pro with Ajax at 17, earning a full contract after impressing on trial. His first team debut came on 22 December 2002 in a 2-0 win over SBV Excelsior.

4) After 57 goals in 180 games, the Eredivisie title and two Cups, Sneijder was sold to Real Madrid for €27million in August 2007.

5) Sneijder took over David Beckham's number 23 shirt and got off to an impressive start, scoring the winner in his first La Liga match - the Madrid derby against Atletico - and then netting twice against Villarreal next time out. His first season brought nine goals and the La Liga title.

His second season at the Bernabeu, wearing the No. 10 shirt this time, ended in disappointment as Real lost their title to arch-rivals Barcelona and Sneijder was pushed out.

6) Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan were more than happy to snap him up for a bargain €15million and Sneijder was the midfield engine as the Special One cleaned up with an unprecedented Serie A, Coppa Italia, Champions League Treble.

7) Sneijder debuted with the Dutch Under-21 side in March 2003 aged 18 - but made his full Holland debut just over a month later against Portugal. His first goal for the Oranje came in a Euro 2004 qualifier against Moldova later that year.

8) The midfield star has been in the last four Dutch squads for major tournaments. A sub in 2004, he started all Holland's matches at the last World Cup. His impressive performances in Euro 2008 saw him named in the team of the tournament - something he could repeat this time around.

9) Sneijder married Ramona Streekstra in 2005 and they had a son, Jessey, the following year (look out for the tattoo on Sneijder's left arm, dedicated to his boy). But the marriage came to a messy end last year when he was caught snogging Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen, then the girlfriend of Dutch pop star Jan Smit, on CCTV at a petrol station.

He married the glamour model in March - and the WAG is rated as Holland's answer to Cheryl Cole, Victoria Beckham AND Jordan. Since getting together with Yolanthe he has converted to her Catholic faith, and was recently baptised in Italy.

9) His list of career honours to date puts most established clubs to shame. Wesley has won the Champions League, domestic titles in three countries (Holland in 2003-04, Spain in 2007-08 and Italy in 2009-2010), the equivalents of the FA Cup in both Holland (twice) and Italy, three Johan Cruijff-schaals (the Dutch version of the Community Shield), the Spanish and Italian Supercups and the 2010 Club World Cup. His personal awards and medals warrant a separate Top 10 of their own, but amid all the player and team of the year accolades, we'd wager the one Wesley surely prizes most highly is being named the Best Dutch Free Kick Taker of 2008. Yes, really.

10) As a player, Sneijder is a two-footed midfield general, though he has also played on the left wing. He takes a mean free kick and has become the dead-ball specialist in all the teams he has played at.

In the manner of Big Brother's Davina McCall, here are some of his best bits...

Blog

Football Banter 15:42 30/03/11 Presenting quality football videos from the interweb, daily at 3pm. Here's today's hat-trick. Read More+

Blog

Football Spy 14:20 30/03/11 Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Ajax star Jan Vertonghen. But what do we know about the big B... Read More+

Blog

Football Spy 14:06 30/03/11 It looks like we're going to be seeing a LOT of 'Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United' stories betwe... Read More+

Column

Simon Head 11:31 30/03/11 If you don't read the football blogs, you're missing out on some of the best writing on the net. We ... Read More+

Blog

Column

Steve Stammers 08:30 30/03/11 The arguments are there and, yes, they are pretty compelling. Get Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll on ... Read More+

Column

Steve Stammers 08:29 30/03/11 Bums will be squeaking up and down the country this Saturday. And nowhere will the fidgeting be more... Read More+

Blog

Mirror Football Blog 23:01 29/03/11 England drew 1-1 with Ghana at Wembley in one of the most entertaining friendlies in recent memory. ... Read More+

Blog

Betting Blog 23:00 29/03/11 Blackburn have trained their binoculars on Ruud van Nistelrooy but face stiff competition from both ... Read More+

Blog

Mirror Football Blog 23:00 29/03/11 At the World Cup tie that never happened, the racket was nearer Accra than Accrington. And as 21,000... Read More+

Column

Oliver Holt 22:58 29/03/11 A Manchester United fan asked me the other day if I would consider voting for Nani as Footballer of ... Read More+

Column

Oliver Holt 22:57 29/03/11 So, new FA figures show that, by the start of February, there had already been 330 assaults on match... Read More+

View the original article here

Everton boss David Moyes rues failure to sign a striker

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 3:38 PM on 30th March 2011

Everton manager David Moyes admits his failure to sign a frontline striker last summer has impacted on their season.

The Scot brought in Jermaine Beckford on a free transfer after he had helped Leeds earn promotion from League One but wanted someone with more experience to held ease the burden.

But he was not able to bring anyone else in and Everton have suffered as a result, with Tim Cahill having to be deployed as a centre-forward on occasions.

Costly mistake: Everton boss David Moyes admits the club have paid the price this season for failing to buy a top striker last summer

When Ayegbeni Yakubu and James Vaughan were loaned to Leicester and Crystal Palace respectively in January it increased the pressure on Louis Saha and Beckford.

The former, whose poor form prior to January saw him net just once in five months - in a Carling Cup victory over Huddersfield - has responded with nine goals since the turn of the year but injuries continue to be a problem for the Frenchman.

'I knew we were short of a centre-forward and maybe more than one,' Moyes told talkSPORT.

Too much too soon: Moyes says he has called on Jermaine Beckford more than he would have wanted to

'I got Jermaine Beckford, who had jumped two divisions, and I was saying 'Let's not put too much pressure on him, get him off the bench, play some games at the right moment and that's the ideal way to introduce him'.

'But we didn't get the centre-forward which we needed to go with the rest of the team.

'Our play was very good, we continued in the form with our football, but we didn't have the goalscorers to finish it off at the start of the year and that definitely had an effect on us.'

View the original article here

Euro 2012 hosts Poland have hooligan problem - UEFA

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:29 PM on 30th March 2011
UEFA have admitted Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland face a 'huge image problem' over their hooliganism.

Martin Kallen, UEFA's director of Euro 2012, said there are hooligan outbreaks at just about every league match in Poland, who are hosting the tournament with neighbours Ukraine, and 60 Polish fans were detained after throwing bottles, flares and benches at police during the friendly in Lithuania last week.

The Polish government have recently announced new laws to tackle football violence similar to legislation brought in by Germany for the 2006 World Cup.

 Flashpoint: Scenes like these are common at every ground in Poland
Kallen told the Soccerex conference in Manchester: 'On the hooligan side we are concerned but I know the Polish government is also concerned.

'They know they have a problem - they have a huge image problem. There are always hooligans around every match day in the league but the government is making the right steps for the future.

'What we saw at last Friday's match was not a very good picture to see that happening in a stadium. We and the Polish government are concerned. They are taking this seriously and will have changes in the next month.'

Kallen said he was not overly concerned about the tournament itself as the problem was more linked to club matches.

 Zero tolerance: Polish police will deal firmly with any trouble makers
He added: 'For the Euro different people will be coming to matches - there will be more families. The Euro is a party and in many areas there is more a problem on a daily basis for club matches.'

Marcin Herra, head of Poland 2012, insisted there would be 'zero tolerance' for hooligans.

'The minority cannot spoil the event for the majority,' he said. 'In Poland the new legislation allows us to work much more precisely against those hooligans.

'There will be zero tolerance to make sure that 500 people cannot spoil the event for one million people.'

Herra said the new laws allowed the police to speed up the process of arresting suspected hooligans and dealing with them in court.

Fans also have to be part of a central database in order to buy tickets with potential troublemakers prevented from doing so.

Meanwhile, Kallen admitted some promises made by the host countries about infrastructure developments would not be able to be kept - mainly regarding road improvements.

But Kallen added that there was no danger of either Ukraine or Poland not hosting the tournament next year.

He said: 'We have no other way. Each have to be ready in 2012.'
View the original article here

Gerard Houllier asks for fans' support in relegation battle

Gerard Houllier has called for Aston Villa fans to back their faltering team as they prepare to face eight games which 'are vital for our future.'

Houllier's management has come under intense pressure in recent weeks with many Villa fans calling for his dismissal with the club embroiled in a relegation battle.

Sportsmail reported last week that eight senior Villa players were upset with new rules laid down by Houllier and would be seeking to leave the club in the summer, but goalkeeper Brad Friedel - one of the potential mutineers - and Houllier's assistant Gary McAllister have since come out to deny the claims.


The Villa boss believes the club's fans, who called for him to be sacked after the home defeat by Wolves, have a big part to play in the battle to avoid relegation.

Villa are only one point ahead of the drop zone ahead of Saturday's clash with Everton at Goodison Park.

Houllier said: 'We know exactly where we stand and the difficulty of our task.

'You have to remain positive. You can't spend your time reflecting on what happened.

'We have eight games ahead of us now and never mind what has happened in the past.

 Underachieving: Ashley Young is one of a number of England players in Aston Villa's squad
'This is our league and the eight games ahead are vital for our future.

'Everybody is concerned because we are not dreamers.'

Villa have finished sixth in each of the past three seasons and are one of only seven clubs never to have been relegated from the Premier League.

Yet despite their Premier League pedigree and a squad including England stars Ashley Young, Darren Bent and Stewart Downing, relegation is a very real threat.

But Houllier is remaining defiant, he said: 'There is a new league starting up for us of eight games and the mood is positive.


'A lot of players are internationals so they have that experience and they know what pressure is.

'I also know their personalities and they want to do well for the fans and the club.'

Houllier added: 'I can really share the fans' frustration and anxiety.

'But their influence is so important for us, especially at this stage of the season.

'They are fantastic supporters and, with their support, they can be the 12th man every game.'
View the original article here

Rangers takeover bid moves closer

Craig Whyte launched a bid to take over Rangers in November One of the main obstacles to businessman Craig Whyte's takeover of Rangers appears to have been cleared.

Lloyds Bank are close to an agreement with Whyte over wiping out the Ibrox club's debt.

Agreement with the bank would mean that the only remaining hurdle for the venture capitalist is to conclude terms with currrent owner Sir David Murray.

Whyte has been weighing up a deal since November.

However, it is understood that the conclusion of any such deal would leave Murray responsible for any of Rangers' remaining tax liabilities.

Earlier this week it was understood the main sticking point to the deal related to certain financial demands by the bank.

But Lloyds rejected this notion, saying it "categorically denies the existence of any exit or 'redemption' fee".

Whyte, a Rangers fan who grew up in Motherwell, has targeted Thursday for the deal to be concluded, one in which London-based property developer Andrew Ellis would become a 25% partner.

Rangers are expected to announce on Thursday that the club's debt with Lloyds has been cut to about £21m from the £27.1m figure recorded in June.

Sources close to the deal had said the bank's desire for a payment of more than £1m was just one of the key stumbling blocks to the proposed deal.

The bank's statement continued: "Any potential takeover is a matter for Rangers Football Club and its shareholders.

"Suggestions that Lloyds Banking Group is blocking a deal to acquire the club are baseless and without foundation.

"We understand the concerns of Rangers' supporters, given recent media speculation.

"Lloyds Banking Group recognises the importance of Rangers FC to its supporters, shareholders and to the wider football industry in Scotland.

"We are committed to supporting the board of Rangers FC in their plan to ensure the financial stability of the club."

Craig Whyte made his money as a venture capitalist

Murray's shareholding of the club is around the 85% mark. He is thought to be looking for £6m for his shares, the same amount he paid for a controlling interest in the club in 1988.

He stepped down as chairman in August 2009 and relinquished his place on the board.

Ellis's RFC Holdings had tried to buy the club last year but that bid collapsed. Although he is involved with Whyte's bid, Ellis will not put any money in up front.

The financial machinations have left fans of the club "weary with it all", according to Rangers Supporters Trust spokesman Stephen Smith.

He said: "There have been various deadlines which have come and gone, the first being in December when there was talk of Walter Smith getting money for the January transfer window, with another being in February.

"But meanwhile, it seems the bank's restriction have been detrimental to our abilities on the pitch.

"We have had to go with five loan players in our squad, while fighting in all three domestic competitions and in Europe.

"Now we are down to one competition, the title race, and that might come down to fine margins.

"And if Rangers lose out then Rangers fans will not forgive the bank."

View the original article here

Andy Carroll is the new Didier Drogba, says Liverpool star Joe Cole

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:11 PM on 30th March 2011

Joe Cole has jumped on the Andy Carroll bandwagon and hailed his Liverpool team-mate as the new Didier Drogba - but reckons the England striker can be even better.

Praise was heaped upon Carroll, 22, after he celebrated his first international goal in only his second start during Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Ghana at Wembley.

And Cole has likened the ex-Newcastle star's influence to that of former Chelsea colleague Drogba, insisting the ?35million January recruit has a very bright career ahead of him at Anfield.

Beware of the new Drog: Joe Cole reckons Andy Carroll can be even better than Chelsea star Didier Drogba

'He’s very much like Didier Drogba,' said Cole, speaking to LFC Weekly.

'Andy’s 22 - we all know what a cracking player Didier is, but he wasn’t playing at this level at that age.

'There’s still a lot of developing for Andy to do so he can get better and better.'

Carroll was the toast of England on Tuesday night, less than 24 hours after England boss Fabio Capello had ordered him to keep off the ale in pursuit of excellence.

Carroll scored his first international goal to fire Capello's team into a first-half lead but Ghana levelled the friendly in stoppage time with a brilliant solo effort from Asamoah Gyan.

'I'm here and I'm ready to score goals if I'm picked,' said Carroll, who was winning only his second England cap and starting only his third game since 10 weeks out injured.

'It's great to be playing again,' he added.

Handy Andy: England boss fabio Capello was delighted with Carroll's strike against Ghana

Capello took the Liverpool centre-forward aside at the England camp to discuss the reputation he has quickly acquired as a hard-drinking party animal and the Italian was reluctant to shower praise on the striker, even after his goalscoring display.

'Carroll scored a goal but needs more time to improve,' said the England manager.

'He can improve a lot. He's a really important player and it's important for the striker to score a goal.

'I remember him before he suffered injury problems. He ran around a lot and would always fight. With the bigger players, it's impossible to improve really quickly, like Aaron Lennon and Jack Wilshere.'

Asked if Carroll would be allowed to celebrate his first England goal with a beer, Capello replied: 'This is a question for Kenny Dalglish.'

Red alert: Cole, who has struggled so far at Liverpool, is determined to become a hit on Merseyside

Cole, meanwhile, also saluted fellow Liverpool new boy Luis Suarez backing the Uruguay frontman to forge a fruitful attacking partnership with Carroll on Merseyside.

He added: 'Andy's a good lad and I think you’d have been hard pressed to have found two better signings in January than Andy and Luis Suarez.'

Cole has endured a frustrating season so far since he signed for the Reds on a free transfer from Chelsea last summer but the 29-year-old one-time England star insists he is feels honoured to be at the club and has vowed to return to his best.

'I’m privileged to play for Liverpool Football Club and privileged to be a professional footballer,' said Cole, who has been hampered by injuries this term.

Joe Cole insists he still feels privileged to be at Liverpool Football Club despite a debut season of mixed fortunes.

Top man: Cole has praised Dalglish's new No 2 Steve Clarke for his role in Liverpool's revival

'The best thing you can do as a player is make sure that you don’t take that for granted every day because it’s a great lifestyle. There is nothing you would want to change.

'It’s been a bit stop-start for me this season but football’s all about ups and downs and sometimes you just have to ride the rollercoaster. I just try to have a positive outlook and keep going.

'I’m enjoying my football at the moment and taking every day as it comes, making sure I work hard every day from the moment I come in to the moment I leave.'

While boss Kenny Dalglish has taken most of the plaudits for Liverpool's revival following the departure of Roy Hodgson in January, Cole believes the appointment of former Blues No 2 Steve Clarke has been equally key.

He added: 'I don’t think you’ll find a better coach around than Steve Clarke.

'The lads really enjoy training and I am coming into work with a big smile on my face every day. I think all the lads are happy and results have picked up.'

View the original article here

Liverpool look for naming partner

Liverpool 'on upward curve' says managing director Ian Ayre

Liverpool have ruled out renaming Anfield but have revealed they are trying to find a "naming partner" in the event they move to a new stadium.

The club's owners, Fenway Sports Group, are eager to increase capacity.

But they have not yet decided whether redeveloping the Reds' present home or building a new venue is the way to go.

"We are actively seeking a naming partner if we move to a new stadium but will definitely not consider renaming Anfield," said Reds chief Ian Ayre.

Liverpool's managing director was speaking to BBC Sport's Dan Roan in his first television interview since being appointed to the position last week.

He added: "I'm enjoying it. It's a great football club and there are a lot of positive things going on - a great new ownership structure and the team seems to be on the up.

"I've always felt it's the biggest and best football club in the world and there are good times ahead."

Even in the darkest hours we had around ownership and debt our business continued to grow
Ian Ayre
Liverpool managing director

Ayre was promoted from commercial director, a position he held under previous owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

The duo's reign became increasingly bitter and acrimonious because of the levels of debt they placed on the club and they were forced to sell for £300m in October 2010.

Ayre said the fact that the club had emerged from such a difficult period proved how strong it is.

"Even in the darkest hours we had around ownership and debt our business continued to grow," he commented.

"That shows Liverpool is bigger than any one person and it's a global football brand, which makes it slightly different from other clubs.

"It can survive those things and always will. That shows the strength of the team involved on the football and non-football sides. Now we're in a very positive phase."

Liverpool were one of the Premier League's biggest spenders during the January transfer window, splashing out in the region of £58m on Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Ayre said: "We all feel very positive about the business we did in January. We find ourselves with a better squad as a result, although there's still a lot to do.

"We are also confident we acted within our means during that process. It was great to see Andy [Carroll] get one on the board for England [in the 1-1 draw with Ghana on Tuesday] and hopefully it won't be too long before he does for Liverpool."

He said there was no news on whether caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish would be given a permanent deal or not.

"We'll all work to get to an outcome on that as quickly as possible," he said. "When we've got something to say our fans will be the first to hear about it."

View the original article here

Spurs in 2012 stadium legal fight

30 March 2011 Last updated at 16:12  West Ham's bid was preferred to the one from Spurs in the race to take over the Olympic Stadium after the games Tottenham Hotspur have demanded answers from Olympics chiefs ahead of possible court action over West Ham's successful bid for the 2012 stadium.
The Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) confirmed it had received written questions from lawyers for the north London club.
The OPLC has four weeks to respond, after which Tottenham could request a judicial review.
A spokesman for London's mayor defended the stadium bidding process.
Tottenham may seek to challenge the process the OPLC followed in making its decision to choose West Ham as its preferred bidder for the stadium.
An OPLC spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that a letter before action in relation to potential judicial review proceedings has been issued.
"The Olympic Park Legacy Company ran a very rigorous and transparent process in its selection of the recommended preferred bidder.
"We have been supported by independent experts in their field in terms of legal, financial, commercial and technical advice."
The spokeswoman added: "We have been consistent, fair, objective and entirely equal in our dealings with the bidders from start to finish.
"We are confident that if these judicial review proceedings are pursued, our approach will be entirely vindicated by the courts."
The UK government and the office of the mayor of London are joint owners of the OPLC and will both be involved in the court action.
'Number of concerns'
The office of London Mayor Boris Johnson confirmed he had received a letter confirming Tottenham's decision.
A City Hall spokesman said: "We are advised and believe that the decision to choose West Ham as the preferred bidder was properly taken."
Continue reading the main story

We have made real progress in the last few weeks to kick start the redevelopment at White Hart Lane. That is what fans want”

End Quote David Lammy MP Tottenham A statement released by Tottenham Hotspur said: "At this stage the club has not issued any proceedings against the OPLC or any other party in respect of the decision regarding the award of the Olympic Stadium.
"The club's lawyers have written letters to the OPLC, the Mayor of London, the Minister of Sport and the Secretary of State for Local Government and a separate letter to the London Borough of Newham raising a number of concerns with the processes which led to the award.
"The letters also requested - in the interests of transparency - for the provision of certain information concerning the processes, which the club considers that it is entitled to.
"Tottenham Hotspur will determine its next step as and when it receives a response to these letters."
Judicial reviews allow bodies to challenge decisions on grounds of illegality, irrationality and unfairness.
Reacting to the news, David Lammy, Member of Parliament for Tottenham, said: "I'm deeply disappointed that Spurs are still looking to move to Stratford.
"A judicial review is a costly and lengthy process that will only line the pockets of lawyers, leaving the club, its fans and the Tottenham community in limbo.
"We have made real progress in the last few weeks to kick start the redevelopment at White Hart Lane.
"That is what fans want, it is what Tottenham wants and it is what London wants."
View the original article here

Fergie tells United: Stop the ref paranoia

Sir Alex Ferguson has told his Manchester United players to avoid being “paranoid” about refereeing decisions.

United enter the defining period of the season with Ferguson serving a five-game domestic touchline ban for remarks made about official Martin Atkinson following a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.

And with United eyeing a Treble haul of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, Ferguson said it was vital he and his players did not develop a persecution complex when it comes to officials.

United take on Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final next Wednesday at Stamford Bridge - where United have not won since April 2002.

Asked what United needed to do to end that run, Ferguson pointed to perceived injustices, but warned against the danger of believing officials had an agenda against him and his players.

“In the last few games [at Chelsea] we’ve had terrible decisions against us,” said Ferguson.

“You’ve just got to be careful that you don’t have paranoia about it.

“Ability-wise, we’re a good team. We played exceptionally well at Chelsea the last game and we were very, very unlucky. We didn’t deserve to lose.”

Ferguson, who will serve the second game of his touchline ban at West Ham on Saturday, said he agreed with the FA’s stance in protecting referees from unnecessary abuse.

But the United boss claimed there had to be balance between supporting officials and allowing managers the freedom to speak their mind over contentious decisions and referees’ performances.

“If you speak your mind, it’s a problem in the game,” said Ferguson. “The FA is very strong in supporting the referees. In a way, I totally agree with that, but there has to be fair comment also. I think I try to do that.”

Ferguson’s olive branch to officials will be tested on Saturday when Lee Mason is the referee at Upton Park.

He incurred the wrath of Fergie earlier in the season when he failed to spot a handball by Birmingham striker Nikola Zigic in the build-up to a late Blues equaliser by Lee Bowyer.

With eight games to go in the title race, United hold a five-point lead over Arsenal, who have a game in hand.

But with Ferguson having predicted 82 points as the winning total, he knows United must improve their away record in their four games left on the road if they are to clinch the title.

“Away from home we have been disappointing but then you have to say that maybe this league is getting tougher than we think and the top teams are not getting it as easy as they did in the past,” he said.

“I think that emphasises the strength of the league rather than the weakness of it. The run-in is always going to be difficult. It doesn’t matter where we play, whether it’s away or at home.

“You saw it our last game against Bolton, we didn’t score until the last kick of the ball, but that’s typical of Manchester United. They have got that in their history, they’re a team that never gives in.

“We’re still in everything. We’re in the semi-final of the FA Cup, the quarter-finals of the Champions League and we’re top of the league so, statistically, we’re doing great.

“I would analyse it this way - I think we’ve done exceptionally well considering the injuries we’ve carried. We’ve had players out for long periods.

“We’ve had long-term injuries to Rio Ferdinand, young Rafael has had injuries, Wes Brown, all the defenders have carried injuries right through the season and the only one who has actually kept fit has been Chris Smalling, who has been outstanding.”

Ferguson also said he would not quit United even if they win a 19th title this season to eclipse Liverpool as the country’s most successful football force.

“No, no, I’m fit,” he said. “I think that retirement is for young people. They can do something.

“If you’ve got your fitness, you’ve not got a problem. If you have got your health, you don’t have a problem.

“The thing that would decide it for me is if those things deteriorated.”

View the original article here

Gerrard close to Liverpool return

Gerrard underwent surgery on a groin problem on March 10Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard hopes to be fit to return to action against West Brom on Saturday after being out since the start of March.

Gerrard has missed three games since undergoing surgery on a groin injuury sustained in the 3-1 win over Manchester United on 6 March.

"I'm hoping to be in full training on Thursday and available for selection for the weekend," he said.

"It's up to Kenny [Dalglish] whether he thinks I'm ready or not."

Liverpool are sixth in the Premier League table, four points behind Tottenham, who have a game in hand, but Gerrard believes they can still snatch a European place next season, with Dalglish's inspirational qualities being a significant factor.

"Our league form since Kenny came in is the best in the league so it's really positive," Gerrard told talkSPORT.

"He is a players' manager. Players like playing for him because he talks to them, he's honest with them.

"We're hoping Kenny can bring the glory days back. We know there's a lot of hard work to do yet but there has been an improvement.

"We're just going to try to win the rest of our games and try to finish as high as we can.

"The aim for us is to try to sneak back into Europe come the end of the season."

Gerrard also said the Reds' new-look front pairing of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez could prove decisive.

"We believe now that we've got the most feared strikeforce in the league," he said.

"One thing that's important to remember with Andy is that he's superb on the floor.

"If we are in a difficult game or we are chasing a game we can be more direct but the good thing is, because we can mix it up, we can play either way now.

"We can play in behind, we can play long and with Suarez running off him. It gives us a whole new dimension."

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Chelsea's David Luiz urges Roman Abramovich to bag Neymar

By Ashley Gray and Matt Fortune
Last updated at 12:05 PM on 29th March 2011

David Luiz has urged Chelsea to break the bank again and add Neymar to the growing Brazilian contingent at Stamford Bridge.

The ?39million-rated Santos forward enhanced his reputation by scoring both goals as the South Americans beat Scotland 2-0 at the Emirates on Sunday.

Neymar, 19, already earns the equivalent of ?3million net from Santos, his home-town club, but they realise they have a valuable commodity on their hands.

Superstar: Brazil's Neymar announced himself to the world with two goals against Scotland

Neymar remained in London with his agent Wagner Ribeiro on Monday and spent time with Pini Zahavi, who played a key role in Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea takeover and has the mandate to sell the young Brazilian in England.

Abramovich spent more than ?70m in the January transfer window on Fernando Torres and Luiz, who admits he would welcome another Brazilian joining him, Alex and Ramires at the club.

‘I would love it if Neymar came to Chelsea,’ said Luiz, who has enjoyed an excellent start to his career in  England. ‘He is going to be one of the best players in  the world.’

Cultured: Neymar's exquisite first goal showed a class and composure way beyond his years

Full name: Neymar da Silva Santos Junior

Born: February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes (near Santos).

Position: Forward.

Height: 5ft 8?in.

Weight: 10st 1lb.

Santos record
Debut v Haldane (Mar 7, 2009)
116 appearances, 59 goals
32 yellow cards, 1 red card

Team honours: Paulista (Sao Paulo State Championship); Copa do Brasil 2010.

Individual honours: Paulista Player of the Year 2010; Paulista Newcomer of the Year 2009; Paulista Team of the Year 2010; Copa do Brasil top scorer 2010.

Brazil record: debut v USA (Aug 10, 2010) - scored in a 2-0 win. Three caps, three goals.

Did you know? On April 15, 2010, Neymar scored five goals in the 8-1 drubbing of Guarani in the Copa do Brasil.

Neymar turned down the chance to join the  Barclays Premier League champions last summer and instead trebled his money by agreeing a new five-year deal at Santos.

The ?40,000-a-week deal included promises by the club to raise his profile across Europe and increased the buy-out clause in his contract to  ?39m. Chelsea are thought to be sticking at ?30m.

The diminutive forward has averaged a goal every other game for Santos since making his debut as a  17-year-old and one a game in three appearances for Brazil since winning his first cap against the United States in August. It was during Brazil’s stay in America that Sportsmail revealed Santos’s plans to report Chelsea to FIFA over their pursuit of the wonder kid - a claim denied by the English club.

Ownership issues raised doubts about the ease of a transfer, with Santos having a 55 per cent share in the player and private investors a 45 per cent share.

However, despite the complexity of the deal, Chelsea have continued to monitor the situation, and Abramovich sent his personal talent spotter Piet de Visser to the South American Under 20 Championship last month to watch Neymar in action. He was not disappointed as Brazil won the tournament and Neymar was the top scorer with nine goals.

Inevitable comparisons with Pele have followed him from an early age, with the Brazilian media labelling him O Novo Rei (The New King).

Prize asset: Santos worked tirelessly to tie Neymar to a new deal in order to push his price up

Real Madrid, Manchester United and both Milan clubs have made approaches at different stages of his career. West Ham also made a ?12m bid last summer, ?5m less than Chelsea offered several days later.

 

Neymar’s pace and footwork is reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil team-mate Robinho. Like both, he can operate wide in an attacking three or up front. However, there are doubts over whether he has the physical or mental toughness for the Premier League.

Neymar is conscious that Robinho failed to deliver on his talent - and sizeable transfer fee - at Manchester City and doubts linger in his mind. Speaking after the win over Scotland, he said: ‘The (Emirates) stadium is great; the pitch is, too. The (English) weather I don’t like all that much, but I could get used to it.’

That was after a match played on a beautiful March afternoon, a million miles away from a trip to Stoke in December.

Tumbling down: Neymar frustrated at times on Sunday, falling under little pressure from the Scots

He would come with baggage, too. Last April he apologised to Santos, along with Robinho and team-mate Paulo Henrique Ganso, for refusing to take part in an Easter event at a charity care home for cerebral palsy sufferers. The players refused to get off the bus, citing religious conflicts of conscience.

Neymar was also fined and suspended following a clash with then manager Dorival Junior over who should take a penalty in a league game last September - an  episode which ultimately cost the boss his job.

In October, Neymar almost came to blows on the training ground with senior Santos player Marcel  having taken exception to a practical joke directed at team-mate Ze Eduardo and, after Sunday’s game, Neymar alleged he had been racially abused by sections of the crowd, claims he later admitted he would not follow up with an official complaint.

Yet Chelsea remain committed to signing one of the brightest prospects in world football.

Silky shoes: Several of the Scotland players, including Charlie Adam, admitted they couldn't handle the talented teenager

Neymar showed both sides of his game on Sunday, with some delightfully deft touches and  dazzling footwork but also a propensity to go to ground at the slightest sign of physical contact.

Zahavi said: ‘We were all very happy with his performance at the Emirates.’

Blackpool’s Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam is in no doubt what the Brazilian could bring to English football.

‘You can’t judge the player just now because he’s not even played in the Premier League,’ said Adam. ‘But the quality he’s got, he would light up the Premier League.’

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Millennium accepts pitch concern

The Millennium Stadium pitch ahead of Saturday's Wales-England clash Millennium Stadium manager Gerry Toms insists he will take on board the concerns of Wales' players after they complained about the pitch.

Wales lost 2-0 to England in Saturday's 2012 Euro qualifier and then blamed the pitch in part for the defeat.

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey highlighted worries about it being ''dry'' but England did not complain.

"I do understand that there are some concerns and issues raised by the Welsh management," said Toms.

Wales manager Gary Speed has admitted since Saturday's Group G qualifying defeat that he will seek talks with Toms and Millennium Stadium bosses to have assurances that the Cardiff pitch is "playable" in forthcoming matches.

Speed wants the 70,000-capacity stadium to host Welsh football games but demands the pitch is suitable to play a passing style of play.

"We had nothing from England but that's by the by," added Toms. "We'll listen to what they [Wales] have to say.

"Funnily enough Gary Speed was in on the Monday before the game because we asked him specifically to come in and look at the pitch and ask us if there was anything particularly he wanted done."

After the game, Arsenal midfielder Ramsey said: "It's no excuse but the pitch didn't help as well, it was a bit dry on the surface and we couldn't get any pace in our attacks."

And Williams added: "The pitch didn't help."

Reacting to the Ramsey and Williams' comments Toms apologised following the criticism.

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I'm sorry it didn't meet expectations but I'm sure the ground staff did the best they could

Millennium Stadium manager Gerry Toms on the stadium pitch

"I'm sorry it didn't meet expectations but I'm sure the ground staff did the best they could," he said.

It is not the first time since the Cardiff stadium opened in 1999 that there have been problems with the surface.

The pitch had to be replaced in 2009 because of fly infestation which causes damage to root growth.

And back in 2005 the pitch needed repairing ahead of a Wales v Hungary football match after it had cut up during a Six Nations clash between Wales and England.

Rugby League's Millennium Magic opening weekend and two Six Nations rugby union internationals have been played on the surface, which is grown elsewhere before being moved into the stadium on pallets.

"We have had our wrestles and tussles with the pitch system in the stadium," admitted Toms.

"It's not just football played on that pitch.

"We played seven games of rugby league, we've played two games of international Test rugby therefore it's not going to be the same as a Premier League football pitch where just football is played."

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No mutiny at Villa - McAllister

McAllister joined Villa in September 2010

Aston Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister has rubbished suggestions there is a mutiny taking place at the struggling Premier League club.

Players were reportedly unhappy at new rules allegedly brought in by manager Gerard Houllier, including the banning of mobile phones.

"I don't think there's any mutiny here," McAllister told BBC Sport.

"There's been little arguments here and there but nothing outside the realms of what happens at most clubs."

Villa have won only six of their past 25 Premier League games, leaving them one point above the bottom three.

Some fans called for Houllier's head after the 1-0 home defeat by Wolves, but he has since received a vote of confidence from chief executive Paul Faulkner, who said the club's best chance of staying up is with the Frenchman in charge.

On Sunday, goalkeeper Brad Friedel also said rumours of a player revolt were "laughable".

Friedel added: "Supporters need to know there is nothing in this story."

Meanwhile, McAllister denied suggestions Houllier had made draconian changes to the club rule book and dismissed rumours that players were unable to speak to chairman Randy Lerner without Houllier's permission.

"The facts are most football clubs have a rule book which is set by the PFA [Professional Footballers' Association] and apart from little tweaks here and there, it's a standard rule book," said McAllister.

"Mobile phones aren't switched on inside the building and Gerard had this rule when I was a player at Liverpool.

"It's to encourage people to speak to each other rather than be texting and phoning. But when they get to the car park, it's fine.

"And I've never worked under a chairman who's more accommodating. I've probably spoken to him more than I've spoken to any other chairman."

McAllister added that the staff and players' "passion and feel for the club" will see them avoid relegation, despite many of Villa's players being unfamiliar with relegation battles.

"I've seen some of the players talking about pride, playing for the fans, playing for the jersey - they know we're in a bit of trouble and we need to produce," he said.

"I agree some players in other teams are a little bit more hardened. But I don't think it's going to be a problem because players' pride and quality will lift them above it.

"We've got enough quality and goals in the team and we all believe we'll be good enough to come out the other side."

McAllister also denied suggestions that Houllier, his former boss at Liverpool, was losing his appetite for the task.

"Gerard Houllier is a proven manager - I'm working under somebody who's had to make big decisions, won things," said the Scot.

"I don't think he does anything by half measures. One of the things he said to me when he asked me to join him is that there's an opportunity to get a project going.

"It's a club that's got most things in place - the training ground, the stadium, the fans, a squad that's done well in the past - and he's here to try to take it to the next level, to pick up a trophy."

Villa's next game is a Premier League fixture away against Everton on Saturday.

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Roy Hodgson deserved better from Liverpool, claims Steven Gerrard

By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 11:03 AM on 29th March 2011

Steven Gerrard insists Liverpool can't blame former manager Roy Hodgson for their worst start to a top-flight campaign in more than half-a-century.

Hodgson was sacked in January after a string of poor results, including a home defeat to newly-promoted Blackpool, and a shock exit from the League Cup at the hands of League Two minnows Northampton Town at Anfield.

Taking the blame: Gerrard says Liverpool under-performed during Hodgson's reign

But Gerrard, whose side travel to face Hodgson's new team West Brom this Saturday, says the players must take the flak for their nightmare start to the campaign 

'He's [Hodgson] such a good guy and a fantastic coach - it just didn't work out for him at Liverpool. The players didn't perform consistently for him,' Gerrard said.

Time's up: Hodgson was sacked by Liverpool in January but has now joined West Brom

'We, as players, maybe have to take responsibility. It's not acceptable for Liverpool to be outside the European positions and you can't just point the finger at the manager - we have to look at ourselves.

While Kenny Dalglish has returned to Anfield to replace Hodgson, the Liverpool board snubbed the Kop hero in the summer in favour of a move for the former Fulham boss.

And Gerrard believes that was a contributing factor to Hodgson's downfall at Liverpool.

'I think it's more that they idolise Kenny, and when a decision was made that Rafa was going to leave the two front-runners were Dalglish or Hodgson - and the fans absolutely love Kenny,' the Liverpool captain said.

'Every time there were a couple of bad results or maybe the tactics were slightly wrong or we went a goal behind, the fans were getting on the manager's back.'

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Beer and Loathing: But Capello is right about Carroll and England's missing men

Okay. Let's go through the list.

Select a captain after all the other viable candidates left have been sent home: Check

Hand the Geordie centre-forward a start and then slag him off for drinking too much: Check

Mandatory confusion over language barrier and insult the brain capacity of your entire squad: Check

Indulge in a round of tit for tat with the Special One, a battle you can never win: Check

Risk upsetting the visitors by turning the game into an audition rather than a match: Check

Fair play, Fabio. You've ticked just about all the boxes.

But before the blame game begins in earnest, maybe we should look with a slightly wider perspective on Fabio Capello's latest verbal offerings. And perhaps conclude he wasn't entirely in the wrong.

First up, for me, is the decision to send home the Champions League quintet of John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Michael Dawson.

Some have accused Capello of both pandering to the big clubs and making a mockery of this evening's game with Ghana, of a sign of weakness.

In fact, it is proof positive that Capello is convinced he will be England boss all the way through to the end of his contract next summer. This was about putting credit in the bank, so he can withdraw it when it is needed.

Capello is aware that the stresses and strains of the season will tell now more than ever, as tired limbs are pushed into the matches that decide silverware.

He was bitten by the Steven Gerrard injury in the last minutes of the friendly with France and, once bitten, it makes sense to be twice shy.

Capello has one remaining wish for this season. That is that all his available players - Rooney having taken himself out of that equation - turn up for the game with Switzerland on June 4, that none of them are pushed towards the operating table for minor procedures at the behest of their clubs until after they have finished national service.

If the way to ensure that happening is to give ground now, before a friendly with Ghana, then so be it.

Making Gareth Barry captain was the easy decision - he is the most experienced player left and that is how Italian clubs decide the skipper.

Capello has had to perform more of a juggling act over whether Scott Parker or Jack Wilshere will start.

The England boss would prefer to go for the West Ham midfielder, rather than the Arsenal youngster, and Parker himself wants to play despite the calf problem that needed a scan yesterday.

But Capello understands that Parker will ALWAYS say he is fit to play for England. He would if he had a leg missing. And he also knows that the Hammers would be less likely to avoid the drop if Parker was crocked this evening and missed even three games of their run-in.

Of course, leaving Parker on the bench and playing Wilshere runs the risk of opening a rift with Arsenal but the young Gunner is more robust and in top shape.

Next to the man Stuart Pearce wants to accompany Wilshere into his under-21 squad this summer - Andy Carroll.

Pressed on the Liverpool striker's refuelling techniques, Capello smiled more than warned sternly over the perils of alcohol.

"Look, he's young, really young," said Capello. "His behaviour now is really, really important. Really important. He needs to be careful at every moment. When you play with he England national team, at every moment you are the focus of the fans, the newspapers, the photographers, the people that live around him.

"Yes. I spoke with him. Privately. Privately, please, privately.

"Sure, I would talk to him about drinking but I think not only Andy likes to drink beer. Not only Andy."

Then, when it was suggested that Carroll might have a "particular passion" for lager, that brought the response: "He needs to improve, to drink less."

Not, surely, a reason for Liverpool to condemn the England boss, but a calm assessment of what is right and proper. Ask Arsene Wenger, Harry Redknapp, or any other top manager.

Capello was, true, evidently irked by Jose Mourinho's claims that he, the Special One, was actually first choice for the role, a claim dismissed by those in the know at the FA who pointed out that the Italian was actually the first choice back in 2006, before Luis Felipe Scolari embarrassed Brian Barwick and Co.

But what seemed the most damning was his view that he needs "maximum 100 words" of English to communicate with his players.

There were murmurs of discontent when some players were informed but Capello does believe in simple instructions, about pressing high up, positional intelligence, pace on the counter, and he did not mean he only USED 100 words with his players.

We will discover tonight if his players are listening to any of them, a big chance for Carroll, James Milner, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines.

After all the madness of the past fortnight, though, what the Wembley fans do need to witness is a side that is as committed as they are. It is not much to ask, is it?

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