Capital One Cup final 2013: Fabrice Muamba to present trophy to Wembley winners

Posted on February 23, 2013 by adminsports

Guest of honour Muamba will hand Capital One Cup to winners at Wembley, almost a year after he suffered a heart attack

PUBLISHED:

10:08 GMT, 23 February 2013

UPDATED:

10:08 GMT, 23 February 2013

Fabrice Muamba will present the Capital One Cup to the winning captain in Sunday's Wembley final between Swansea and Bradford.

The retired 24-year-old will be the sponsor's guest of honour for the day and will also watch the game from the Royal Box, as well as being introduced to the squads before the game.

The former England Under-21 international was playing for Bolton in an FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham last March when he suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed.

Guest of honour: Fabrice Muamba will be in the Royal Box at Wembley to hand the trophy to the Capital One Cup winners

The midfielder's heart stopped beating for 78 minutes but because of the prompt treatment he received on the pitch he defied the odds to survive and make an incredible recovery.

Although he hoped to resume his career, he was advised against it by doctors and retired from the sport in August.

Retired: Former Bolton star Muamba was forced to quit football after he suffered a heart attack on the pitch at Whit Hart Lane against Tottenham in the FA Cup last March

Retired: Former Bolton star Muamba was forced to quit football after he suffered a heart attack on the pitch at Whit Hart Lane against Tottenham in the FA Cup last March (below)

Retired: Former Bolton star Muamba was forced to quit football after he suffered a heart attack on the pitch at Whit Hart Lane against Tottenham in the FA Cup last March

Capital One will also be making a
donation to the Hearts and Goals campaign, which is involved with aiming
to raise awareness and give communities across the country access to
defibrillators, as well as CPR and defibrillator training.

Muamba, who is involved with the charity, said: 'It's been such an exciting tournament this year and it will be a great honour to be presenting the trophy to the winners. I know it will be a very special atmosphere on Sunday.'

Lewis Holtby to join Tottenham now from Schalke

Posted on January 28, 2013 by adminsports

Holtby to complete Spurs medical after 1.5m fee is agreed to sign Schalke star NOW

By
John Edwards

PUBLISHED:

11:53 GMT, 28 January 2013

UPDATED:

12:01 GMT, 28 January 2013

Lewis Holtby is heading to White Hart Lane in the next 24 hours after Tottenham finally agreed a deal to sign him now, rather than at the end of the season.

The Germany midfielder is flying over to London to complete the deal, after Tottenham gave way over Schalke’s 1.5million asking price and also agreed to play a money-spinning friendly with the Bundesliga club at a date to be announced later this year.

On the move: Lewis Holtby (right) will join Tottenham in this transfer window

First again…

Sportsmail broke the story that Tottenham wanted to sign Lewis Holtby this month – read more

Sportsmail revealed earlier this month how an injury to Sandro had forced Tottenham to reconsider their plans over Holtby, who was due to join them as a free agent in the summer, and approach Schalke with a cut-price bid to sign him during the current transfer window.

Their initial offer was rejected, as Schalke set their valuation at 1.5m and underlined their determination to stick to it by selecting the attacking midfielder for their return to Bundesliga action, after a mid-winter break, against Hannover.

Early bird: Holtby had originally been due to arrive in the summer

But with Sandro ruled out for the rest of the season after being injured against QPR, and manager Andre Villas-Boas underlining the need for reinforcements, Tottenham have relented over the fee and agreed to Schalke’s demands.

Gareth Bale will not leave Tottenham in January, says Andre Villas-Boas

Posted on December 29, 2012 by adminsports

Bale's going nowhere! Villas-Boas digs heels in over winger as Real step up chase

UPDATED:

12:49 GMT, 29 December 2012

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas says Gareth Bale will not be leaving White Hart Lane for Real Madrid in January.

Bale, who scored an imperious hat-trick in Tottenham’s Boxing Day win over Aston Villa, has been the subject of interest from the Spanish champions, with Jose Mourinho’s side wanting the Spurs winger for 33million.

But Villas-Boas insists Bale will not be sold for any price in the upcoming transfer window, and believes the 23-year-old will remain in north London.

Going nowhere: Andre Villas-Boas claims Gareth bale will not be sold in January

‘I have no concerns at all about the possibility of Bale going in January,’ Villas-Boas told The Sun.

‘It’s very difficult because in England there are no release clauses and a player of this dimension has a market value that is not obtainable to most of the clubs.’

The Portuguese coach also said it is unlikely Tottenham will make a move for anyone in the January transfer window, effectively ruling out any move for wantaway Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

He added: ‘It’s very unlikely we will do anything in the window.'

Earlier this week, Spanish newspaper Marca claimed a bid for 40million euros was in place from Real for Bale and that Mourinho will not rest until his top transfer target has been secured.

Villas-Boas had already dismissed the chances of landing Bale following Luka Modric to Madrid last week, and insisted it was 'completely impossible' that the lightning-quick midfielder would be allowed to leave any time soon.

That will not deter Mourinho, who is willing to wait until the end of the season to add Bale's pace
and finishing to Real's attack.

As
a measure of Real's determination to take the 23-year old to the
Spanish capital, Marca recently revealed that 56million had been set
aside to cover the overall package required to make the deal a reality.

Bale
has also been linked with Real’s rivals Barcelona, and Spurs team-mate
Sandro believes he is more than capable enough to play in a Brazil
line-up – despite being Welsh.

'He is good enough to play for Brazil, and it is a shame he was born in Wales,' said the Tottenham midfielder.

Strength to strength: Bale netted a hat-trick against Aston Villa on Boxing Day

Determined: Jose Mourinho wants to add bale's pace to his Real Madrid side

‘I’ve played with a lot of good players but Bale is one of the very best. He is so good. It’s easy to talk to him because he is a great player and a great guy as well.

‘He has everything. He is comfortable with the ball, he’s quick and he’s clever. He’s also strong too. Now he’s a dad he’s in a good place personally too. He’s got more responsibility and that has made a difference on the pitch.’

Follow in his footsteps Luka Modric left Tottenham for Real in the summer

Andre Villas-Boas says Lyon draw is good Champions League preparation

Posted on December 21, 2012 by adminsports

Villas-Boas hopes Lyon draw will prepare his players for Champions League

UPDATED:

22:30 GMT, 20 December 2012

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is relishing the task of taking on Lyon in a Europa League tie he hopes will prove to be a dress rehearsal for the Champions League football he is determined to bring back to White Hart Lane.

Far from being disappointed with drawing a side with plenty of experience of Europe’s top competition, Villas-Boas views the meeting with Lyon as an ideal opportunity to test his team’s Champions League credentials.

‘Lyon is a tremendous opportunity for us,’ said Villas-Boas.

Enthusiastic: Andre Villas-Boas is happy Spurs are going up against Lyon

‘It is a tremendous opportunity to see a wonderful Europa League fixture being played; they are like Champions League fixtures.

'The fact that we play Lyon, who are used to being in the Champions League, it’s an important reference for us.

‘If we want to set our targets for Champions League qualification, this is the kind of team we will face: teams with a winning mentality, full of quality.’

Tottenham are currently fourth in the Barclays Premier League but with just seven points separating them from Liverpool in 12th, Villas-Boas is aware his side must build on their recent run of form which has seen them win four of their last five league encounters.

‘It depends on a consistent run from now on,’ said Villas-Boas of Tottenham’s hopes of staying in the top four. ‘All of the teams that normally are within Champions League qualification have found that consistency.

‘We understand that we could be in a better position but still we are within what was expected of us for this part of the season. If we are able to keep this level of form we can finish fourth.’

Aiming high: Villas-Boas wants his players to reach the Champions League again

David Moyes: I broke my rule to re-sign Steven Pienaar for Everton

Posted on December 8, 2012 by adminsports

I broke my rule to re-sign Pienaar for Everton, says Moyes

UPDATED:

22:59 GMT, 7 December 2012

David Moyes has urged Steven Pienaar to rekindle Everton's push for the top four after admitting re-signing the South African went against all his beliefs.

Pienaar's return to Goodison Park from Tottenham, initially on loan in January, provided the spark for the good form Everton have enjoyed this year and he will have a key role to play at Goodison Park on Sunday when the two sides meet.

Key man: Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar

While Moyes is thrilled that Pienaar is helping make Everton tick, he was less happy in the summer when it came to completing his 4.5million move from White Hart Lane. At the back of the Everton manager's mind was a small fear that Pienaar, 30, would not recapture the form of his first spell.

'I had a worry when it was first mooted about him coming back,' said Moyes. 'But he has been inspirational to how we have played. He has helped the team and he has helped the crowd as well. He has certainly improved us and made us better.

Everton boss David Moyes

Call: Everton boss David Moyes

'I was worried about it second time around. At Everton we have always tried to do good deals and tried to buy at the right age or certainly at the right price. We had to buy Steven back for more than we sold him and he was a year older.

'It's been a great deal for us and we've been delighted to have him and I've done many a worse deal. But at the time it just felt as if it wasn't lying well with me.'

Joao Moutinho watched by Tottenham boss Andre-Villas Boas

Posted on December 6, 2012 by adminsports

Tottenham ready to move for Moutinho as AVB runs rule over Porto midfielder

UPDATED:

08:12 GMT, 6 December 2012

Interest: AVB watched Moutinho play against PSG

Tottenham are poised to renew their interest in Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas travelled to France to watch the 24million-rated star play for Porto in their 2-1 defeat at Paris-Saint Germain on Tuesday.

Spurs failed to complete a club-record bid for the Portugal international during the summer but are poised to re-open negotiations when the transfer window opens next month, according to The Mirror.

'Whenever Porto are close to the place where I am, I go see them,' said Villas-Boas of his former club.

'I went to see them last season against Manchester City and took the opportunity to go and see them again against PSG.'

Meanwhile, the Spurs boss insists he isn't about to offload goalkeeper Brad Friedel despite interest from Blackburn.

Villas-Boas is poised to recall the American for tonight's Europa League decider against Panathinaikos.

French fancy: Lloris has started the last five games fro Tottenham

Hugo Lloris has started Tottenham's last five games after ousting Friedel from the first team, but the 41-year-old will have a chance to win back his spot on a permanent basis tonight when he lines up against the Greek side.

Friedel's future at White Hart Lane has been in doubt since Tottenham rebuffed an enquiry from his former club Blackburn last month.

And should the Lancashire club bid for the player again in January, Villas-Boas says he will adopt the same stance.

'I don't know anything about (Blackburn's bid). We are trying to hold on to our best assets and Brad is certainly one of them,' the Tottenham manager said.

'Brad has been excellent, I spoke to him and he has been such an important player for us.

'Rotation has not been because of performances. Both goalkeepers' performances have been excellent. It gives me the ability at any time to throw a different keeper into the game.

'Hugo will not be involved in (the Panathinaikos) game.'

Bafetimbi Gomis agent in talks with Tottenham and Liverpool

Posted on December 5, 2012 by adminsports

Tottenham and Liverpool to battle it out for Lyon ace Gomis after talks with striker's agent

UPDATED:

14:44 GMT, 5 December 2012

Spurs and Liverpool have stepped up their hunt for Bafetimbi Gomis after the player's representatives flew to London for a meeting last week.

The player's agents were reportedly speaking to both clubs prior to their clash at White Hart Lane.

Gomis, who is currently second in the goalscoring charts behind PSG's Zlatan Ibrahimovic with ten goals to his credit has just one year left on his current contract with Lyon.

In demand: Spurs and Liverpool are chasing Lyon's Bafetimbi Gomis

The forward is surplus as Lyon want to cash in on a transfer fee in lieu of Champions League money this season.

They currently top Ligue 1 by five points – although it seems their major asset may be off to seek a new challenge in the Premier League.

His representatives saw both Spurs and Liverpool with Andre Villas-Boas and Brendan Rodgers both in the marketplace for a strong targetman.

On song: Gomis is the second top scorer in the French league this season

Gomis is similar in style to Didier Drogba but the 27-year-old will command a hefty fee.

However, with both Spurs and the Reds short in attack, the only question appears to be whether Lyon, on course to qualify for next season's Champions League, take the gamble of off-loading a man who has been a rich source of goals for them this season.

Spurs confident over Christian Eriksen transfer chase

Posted on November 22, 2012 by adminsports

Eriksen's contract snub raises Tottenham's hopes of signing Ajax ace in January

UPDATED:

13:11 GMT, 22 November 2012

Tottenham are increasingly hopeful they can lure Danish wonderkid Christian Eriksen to White Hart Lane in January.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, who turned down a chance to join Manchester City last year, is refusing to sign a new contract at Ajax.

In demand: Tottenham are tracking Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen

That has alerted a number of top clubs but Spurs are optimistic that a guarantee of regular first-team football will give them the advantage.

They are already expected to sign defender Toby Alderweireld from Ajax in the summer, but believe that a deal for Eriksen could be done in the January transfer window.

Joe Hart is cocky and his howler for England had been coming

Posted on November 15, 2012 by adminsports

Cocky Hart was an accident waiting to happen… England's No 1 must go back to basics

UPDATED:

11:33 GMT, 15 November 2012

Roy Keane called it weeks ago. Joe Hart has got too cocky and it's time to get back on to the training ground.

Keane had spotted it, recognising a keeper with a Barclays Premier League winners' medal and England's No1 shirt to boot becoming too casual.

Schmeichel was saluted, lauded as the best keeper in the world following his move to Old Trafford after Denmark won Euro 92.

Fuming: Joe Hart is furious after conceding a fourth goal to Sweden

He became too self-assured, cock of the north after winning silverware as Manchester United's new No 1.

Ditto Hart. This is where the hard-work starts, keeping his head down after a disappointing performance in this prestige friendly.

What a mistake to make in the final minute, rushing out of his penalty area and failing to clear his lines with that awful header.

When it felt to Zlatan Ibrahimovic there was only one option and his outrageous, angled strike has embarrassed the England keeper.

Time for change: Hart endured a troubled night between the sticks

This has been on the boil for some time, with his performances for club and country under scrutiny for the first time in his career.

He almost got to the top of his profession, but the trick is to stay there and become one of the goalkeeping greats.

That is a long way off after conceding four against Sweden, on the backburner after the flames went out in the Friends Arena.

He looked vulnerable from the moment he came rushing out off his line in the first half, getting caught as he attempted to clear a cross.

The England keeper did well to stop Ibrahimovic's stabbed first-half effort, but was unable to prevent him hooking the rebound into England's net.

Treble: Hart could also have done better for Zlatan Ibrahimovic's third goal

He was exposed, brutally, after the break. He was late latching on Ibrahimovic's third and humiliated with his failure to clear the ball in the final minute.

Hart will be waking up in cold sweats after that error, turning round just in time to watch the Sweden striker's incredible effort nestling in England's net.

Roy Hodgson has other keepers, John Ruddy and Fraser Forster were both on the bench, and it is a wonder that England's manager had not called upon them.

Against Brazil in February, it may be time to look at alternatives.

Ajax 3 Manchester City 1 – match report

Posted on October 25, 2012 by adminsports

Ajax 3 Man City 1: Dutch destroyers put Mancini's men on brink of European exit

UPDATED:

20:39 GMT, 24 October 2012

Manchester City are close to being eliminated from the Champions League after being soundly beaten by Dutch side Ajax on Wednesday night.

Samir Nasri gave Roberto Mancini's side the lead but Ajax struck back through Siem De Jong, Niklas Moisander and Christian Eriksen to earn a deserved win.

City have only gained one point from their first three games and are in a tough group which also contains Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

More to follow.

The floodgates are open: Christian Eriksen delights in scoring the third Ajax goal