Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has laughed off reports that he was considering walking out on the Premier League new boys.
Holloway was reported to be considering his future at Bloomfield Road just weeks after guiding the Seasiders into the top-flight after failing to agree terms on a new contract.
"Anyone that thinks I would walk out on the club must be mad," he told the Blackpool Gazette.
"For people to think that I would walk out without saying anything and that (chairman) Karl (Oyston) and I would fall out badly is quite ridiculous.
"My intention is to lead Blackpool in the Premier League next season and that's the chairman's intention too.
"It's gone on for a few weeks, but we are pretty close to sorting it out I think. We are still in talks.
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"I hear all sorts of other things about me walking out and I don't know where they come from."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
From ‘zero to hero’ is a common expression that has been used to describe a lot of footballers and it is certainly a tag that can be given to Kevin-Prince Boateng.
The newly capped Ghanaian midfielder was playing reserve team football for Tottenham two years ago, after failing to make the grade at White Hart Line. Now he is one of the darlings of his country after Ghana reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup. His middle name Prince, adorns the back of his shirt for Ghana and that couldn’t be more fitting of how his country regards him after his fantastic World Cup.
He was arguably Ghana’s best player of the tournament and his displays often ran the midfield, his exploits included a stunning goal against the USA in the second round which helped to take them through. Boateng proved to be one of the revelations of the World Cup and the same can be said for his club Portsmouth, who despite their woeful season Boateng managed to come out of it with some credit. He gave his all for the team and he scored the winning goal at Wembley that incredibly took Portsmouth to the final of the FA Cup against Chelsea. In the final however he was guilty of missing a penalty for Portsmouth when the scores were 0-0 and that possibly could have won them the game had he been able to convert it. The FA Cup final also had some implications on the World Cup as Boateng injured Michael Ballack, which ruled him out of the World Cup finals for the nation of Boateng’s birth Germany. As a result his half-brother, Jerome Boateng who is a German international petulantly decided that he no longer wished to speak to Kevin-Prince any more.
Kevin-Prince Boateng didn’t play for Ghana until the week the World Cup was due to commence as he played in Ghana’s 1-0 friendly victory against Latvia at Stadium:mk in England. Boateng started every single game for Ghana in the World Cup, and it’s incredible how such a lynch-pin for team didn’t play a single game for Ghana until just before the start of the tournament. When Boateng moved to Tottenham in 2007 he was highly regarded as a promising youngster, but shortly after his arrival he looked off the pace and not suited to the Premier League. Arguably he didn’t get a fair crack of the whip at Spurs as he only managed 14 appearances for the club. He thrived at Portsmouth this year and after their relegation and money troubles as well as the fact that he had such a good World Cup, means that there is no doubt that he will move on.
It seems as though a move to Italy is in the offing with Genoa and Lazio being linked, and the latest reports claim that the clubs may reach a co-ownership agreement for his services. Whoever does land Boateng this summer will have a talented player at their disposal who has shown that hard work can take you far in football, and it’s nice to see a player who was written off countless times go and make a name for himself and Kevin-Prince Boateng certainly looks like he will be rewarded for his efforts.
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Click on image below to see the SPANISH babes at the World Cup
For the second season in a row, Swansea have had their manager poached from under their noses. 12 months ago Wigan swooped for Roberto Martinez for whom the lure of the Premier League proved too much, and now this summer fellow Championship club Leicester have secured the services of Paulo Sousa. The loss of Sousa is not as bad as that of Martinez a year ago, with the proviso that Chairman Huw Jenkins made a quality replacement, but does the arrival of new gaffer Brendan Rodgers fit that brief?
The summer period hasn’t exactly proved to be a good time for the Swans in recent years. The departure of Martinez and top scorer Jason Scotland a year ago looked on paper as though it would be disastrous, and I for one was surprised at how well Swansea fared in the Championship, just missing out on the playoffs once more. Just when the Liberty Stadium club are looking to strengthen, yet again their manager walks out on them and Swansea have to rebuild once more.
It’s never a good sign when a new manager comes in and says he’s determined to win over the doubters, fighting what could well be a losing battle right from the start. Brendan Rodgers has to do just that, and it’s no wonder given his managerial CV to date. Seven months at Watford was followed by six months at Reading, before he was sacked due to the club flirting with relegation, which resulted in a dramatic upturn in fortunes for the Championship club. So the pressure will be on Rodgers right from the get go, but will it be an environment he can thrive in?
Nicknamed the Special One because he worked under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, the real Special One has always believed in Rodgers. “I like everything in him, he is ambitious and does not see football very differently from myself” Mourinho has previously said. Thus should his time at Reading just be viewed as a blip? A time when he was building a young team and who knows, maybe he would have got them to the right end of the table if given time.
I’ve no doubt that the Swansea faithful will fully get behind the Northern Irishman but will not tolerate a similar start to the one he had at Reading. The 37-year-old has a tough task ahead of him, and will firstly have to fight off Premiership interest in key players such as Darren Pratley and Ashley Williams, before looking to strengthen for the upcoming Championship campaign. Having failed at Reading, is there any reason why the fortunes of Brendan Rodgers will be different at Swansea? I’m not overly confident.
Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
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In an age where footballers are as equally recognised for their obscene pay packets, fast cars and playboy lifestyles, as for their actual ability on the football pitch, it’s good to know that there are some players who still uphold the long-established and time-honoured traditions on which the game was built. Fernando Torres’ decision to stay at Liverpool this season, made with a minimum amount of fuss and objection, was a victory for the purists of the game and for class, tradition and good old fashioned loyalty.
It comes as no surprise that a player of Torres’ class and quality on the pitch is as equally so off it. Torres upholds the game’s morals of hard work and fair play every time he crosses the white line and appreciates the privileged position he is in by getting paid a handsome sum for kicking around a football. You do not see Torres diving around the pitch looking for free kicks or penalties, or play-acting to deceive referees. You also get a humbleness and humility from Torres and not the arrogance and egotism often seen with similarly gifted players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba.
The Spanish striker could have easily requested a move this summer following three years of underachievement and broken promises at Anfield but has decided to stay and help the club turn a corner under new manager Roy Hodgson. As seen with Javier Mascherano’s refusal to even return Hodgson’s phone calls over the summer to discuss his future and Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas shamelessly trying to engineer a move to Barcelona, some footballers show a distinct lack of regard for the club that employs them and pays their wages. Torres chose to keep a dignified silence amid speculation regarding a transfer before returning to the club to clarify reports and publicly commit his future to Liverpool.
Torres is now entering the prime of his career and has still yet to win a major trophy at club level. With Chelsea and Barcelona, as well as the ambitious Man City, all reportedly keen on the Liverpool No.9, the Spaniard would have been tempted to pack his bags and leave. Liverpool are a side that finished 7th last season and are faced with the prospect of Europa League football this season. The club’s inability to find new investment this summer and finally start work on a new stadium would have also all been crosses in the ‘against’ column as Torres was figuring out his future. However Torres must now sense new investment is close and will be confident he can fire The Reds up the table this season.
Torres’ decision to stay will further enhance is glowing reputation on Merseyside in the eyes of his adoring public who worship him following his remarkable 56 goals in 79 league games for the club. Torres now has to prove his fitness on the pitch following a season disrupted by injury last year. Should he do so, then Torres can continue to light up the Premier League in a red shirt for years to come. While Liverpool are now optimistic heading into the new season under the stewardship of manager Roy Hodgson, Torres’ decision to stay could prove pivotal to the club’s future successes.
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Why Hodgson deserved a damn sight better
Should Liverpool cash in on Lucas?
Roy’s ‘future vision’ gives Liverpool every chance
Robin van Persie has often beautified the Premier League with his elegant style, Arsenal fans have become accustomed to his expert finishing, assists a plenty and a penchant for free-kicks but his contributions are often with frustrating irregularity – injuries have dictated it.
The Dutchman missed most of last season with an ankle ligament problem and having started just one game so far, the heart sinking familiarity of déjà vu will again stalk the Arsenal star.
It looks likely he will miss the first two Champions League games and a huge clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with an ankle injury sustained in the 2-1 victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park and whilst it constitutes a blow for Arsenal, it will also be a personal setback for the player himself as he enters the prime of his career.
He has every right to feel cursed as he embarks upon a second consecutive season hampered by injury. Since day one of his time in England, similar lay-offs have circumscribed the sheer class which he possesses and perhaps he would have hoped, on the back of a World Cup final appearance, that he could display such ability in the absence of injury.
They say stats don’t lie and with only 93 Premier League starts in six seasons at the Emirates, Arsenal fans will start to question whether their lack of trophies is down to the loss of their top marksmen as much as it is their goalkeeping troubles. It is now no longer conjecture that Van Persie is prone to long spelt on the side-lines and stories of a stunning free-kick or a beautifully crafted assist are now inferior to those detailing his absence.
It is also conceivable that he is now a luxury player at the Emirates and that unless he proves his fitness Arsenal may be wise to cut their losses and look to find another striker.
If Wenger’s side harbour any ambition of ending a trophy deprived few years then they must go into battle with “RVP” as the focal point of their attack. Instead, with Nicklas Bendtner injured, they must now contemplate new signing Mauroane Chamakh as the only tangible alternative to lead the line in the preferred 4-2-3-1 system.
I for one sincerely hope that the talented forward comes back stronger than ever and disproves the concept that the dark clouds have chased the sunshine we saw during his Premier League berth away. His ability has been blemished by a whole heap of misfortune.
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New Bulgaria coach Lothar Matthaus wants Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov to end his international retirement.
Berbatov, 29, retired from international football in May following Bulgaria's disappointing qualifying campaign for the World Cup finals.
He scored 48 goals in 77 appearances for the Tricolors but ended his international career following criticism of both himself and the national team.
Since his decision Matthaus has replaced Stanimir Stoilov as coach and the former Germany international has revealed that talks with Berbatov are his number one priority.
"I plan to start talks with Berbatov," said Matthaus.
"He is still welcome in the Bulgarian national team. As a Bulgarian player he should be proud to play for his country."
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Berbatov is currently playing the best football of his United career after going some way to silence his doubters with a stunning hat-trick in last weekend's 3-2 Premier League victory over Liverpool.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Wednesday’s High Court ruling against Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who were attempting to block the sale of the club, was a major boost for the whole Anfield community.
Had the aptly named Mr Justice Floyd ruled in favour of the Americans, it would have been a fatal blow for the 18-time league champions who were left staring down the barrel, with the threat of administration and a possible nine point deduction looming.
The club’s long-suffering supporters, who have been campaigning tirelessly for the despised American duo to sell up, look to have finally got their way. Mr Floyd’s decision will allow chairman Martin Broughton and his fellow board members to complete the club’s sale process over the next few days. And despite Hicks and Gillett’s best efforts, it looks like their days at the club are finally numbered.
Given the lack of respect the American owners have shown for Liverpool over the last three-and-a-half-years, it comes as no surprise that they were prepared to jeopardise the club’s future in the courts. They risked the club entering into administration and suffering a nine point deduction in an attempt to avoid making a heavy loss on their disastrous Merseyside investment. Had Hicks and Gillett managed to hang onto the club this week, then the threat of insolvency could have become a harsh and true reality.
The duo (Kop Holdings)were due to either refinance or pay back their £240m debt to the Royal Bank of Scotland on October 15, something which neither partner had the capital to do. This could have led to RBS taking control of Liverpool, placing the club’s parent company, Kop Holdings, into administration. Portsmouth became the first ever Premier League side to enter administration last March and were immediately hit with a nine point deduction as punishment. The same critical sentence could have also been forced on Liverpool.
After just one league win and six points from the opening seven games, a nine point deduction would have left the Reds with a perilous -3 points and nine adrift from the Premier League safety zone. While this difference could be made up over the course of a season, it would have ultimately been a disaster for a Liverpool side which finished second just two seasons ago. Key players would have almost certainly abandoned ship in January and it could have left the club stuck in the doldrums for another two decades.
Yet perhaps the most worrying aspect of a possible deduction would have been Red Sox owner John W.Henry and New England Sports Ventures’ insistence on walking away from the deal had the club fallen into administration. This would have left the club’s owner search back at square one and unprotected against bids from more investors in the shape of Hicks and Gillett.
Although, there is one more twist in the tale. Singapore businessman Peter Lim, who narrowly missed out to Henry in the first round of negotiations, has lodged an increased £320m offer for the club. Broughton and his colleagues will now decide between the two bids, with NESV still in pole position to clinch a deal. Chairman Broughton, mobbed by fans outside court on hearing the decision, admitted that he was elated with the outcome after warning last week about the serious impact administration would have had on the club.
“Going into administration needs to be avoided at all costs, as the negative impact would be catastrophic,” he said.
“Setting aside the nine-point deduction, it would have an impact on Liverpool’s value and be wide open to predators, whereas we have what we believe is the right new owner to take the club forward.”
The club will look to move up the table now that administration has been avoided and a new owner will give Liverpool the impetus and stability needed to go forward and rebuild from the foundations. Prospective new owner Henry was delighted by the decision, telling his Twitter audience:
“Well done Martin, Christian & Ian. Well done RBS. Well done supporters!”
A win in the Merseyside Derby for Liverpool on Sunday would top off the perfect week for a club which had been on the brink.
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Many great footballers have graced the Premier League over the years. Since the league started back in 1992 English football has been revolutionised and the standard of football in this country has been transformed. The Premier League has been renowned for being lit up by many great foreigners who have brought skill and flair to the English game, but there have been plenty of great British players too who have wowed Premier League crowds for many years.
If you had the supreme fantasy football task of picking your Ultimate Premier League XI who would make the grade? You may find that you are selecting a player from any of the Premier League champions over the years including Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea and Arsene Wenger’s unbeaten Arsenal team of the late 1990s, or players who have helped carry certain clubs and become cult heroes. From prolific strikers to solid defenders, we are looking to create a team mixing strength with speed, skill with determination. Flick through the EIGHT nominees that have been pre-selected and give us your choice in the comments below.
The next TWO jerseys that needs filling is the Central Defence – click on the shirt below to see those in contention to fill it.
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SELECT YOUR TWO CHOSEN CENTRE HALVES IN THE COMMENTS BELOW
Click here to see – Who takes the Goalkeeping shirt in the Ultimate Premier League XI?
Gareth Bale seems to be everywhere at the moment. After stellar performances this season, particularly against Inter Milan, where he came up against UEFA club defender of the year, Maicon. Bale’s manager, Harry Redknapp noted;
“No disrespect to the right-back but he’s given him the most torrid time you could ever wish to see.”
Even Maicon’s manager, Rafa Benitez got in on the act claiming;
“When we lost the ball Bale was quicker in the space and it was tough to contain him. If I drive a Volvo against a Ferrari on a straight, I lose. The Volvo is a good car because it’s our sponsor, but the Ferrari races faster.”
While hard-work and an abundance of natural talent have propelled Bale to superstardom, with seemingly any amount of money not being enough for the services of the 21 year-old, could the secret to Bale’s imperious athleticism also be attributed to some black tape strapped down his thigh? Kevin Anderson, head of Kinesio UK, the company that makes the £40 a-roll tape, certainly thinks so;
“It is a new way of treating injuries, but can aid people to play better too… Even if a player has a niggle or is tiring, they are able to continue at their optimum level because they don’t feel the pain.”
According to the Kinesio website;
“The Kinesio Taping Method is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while allowing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion.”
Bale has been sporting the tape throughout the season so far and he’s not the only sports star to use Kinesio tape, with basketball’s Boston Celtics using it on their players, and 7 time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong also swearing by it.
Bale’s leg tape brings to mind other strange footballing fads in the name of the science of performance. Who can forget Robbie Fowler’s ‘nasal strip’ used by some athletes to enhance their air intake; claims which were later refuted by scientists. Or Patrick Vieira’s mysterious patch of gloop on his shirt, which was reportedly Vicks VapoRub to allow him to breathe more clearly.
Whether Kinesio tape is just another sporting fad or a scientific miracle is yet to be seen, but with the scintillating form Gareth Bale has been showing this season, whether it works or not, I can’t see him ditching it!
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Click on image below to see a gallery of Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest lady
After a quite frankly pathetic showing at Wembley on Wednesday night against France, England have a lot of soul-searching to do. I was slightly aggrieved that England even pulled one goal back against a French side who, for much of the game looked as if they were playing a different sport. What was perhaps more disturbing was the amount of young faces in a side that were completely outclassed, and it left me wondering, was will become of England, not at the Euros in 2012, but at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014?
There is undoubted talent in the English ranks in the guise of players like Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll, and they need to be utilised effectively if England are going to succeed once the last of the ‘golden generation’ have hung up their international boots, as the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have most probably only got one more major tournament left in them. So now must surely be time to at least have one eye on our national side’s future?
If that is what the dreadful performance against France was all about, then I can just about stomach it, because after all, most great sides have to go through their teething stage, especially at international level, and through giving young players the experience on the biggest stage, Capello may well be doing the right thing. However, something tells me that wasn’t what was on his mind in the selection for the team last night.
The problem is; the future of England and the future of Capello are not bound together. He probably thinks of England’s future post-2012 about as much as England fans contemplate what Capello is going to do after his contract runs out, because even if England win Euro 2012, the most likely outcome is that Capello will still leave. The selection of youth at Wembley on Wednesday night was born more out of necessity than of a desire to give fledgling English talent a chance to gel together, and this is worrying.
After the debacle of South Africa, if we don’t begin to make provisions for life after Capello and after Euro 2012, the world cup in Brazil may go the same way… if we make it there.
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