Tag Archives: league

Clint Hill wanted by Leeds boss Neil Warnock

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Leeds boss Warnock eyes summer reunion with QPR favourite Hill

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UPDATED:

09:40 GMT, 16 May 2012

Neil Warnock has set his sets on a reunion with QPR defender Clint Hill this summer as the Leeds boss looks to rebuild his squad.

Warnock has already signed defender Jason Pearce from Portsmouth and is weighing up moves for several other targets in his bid to transform the Elland Road club into Premier League promotion certainties next season.

Warnock is understood to have identified Hill for his experience after working together previously at Loftus Road and Crystal Palace.

Target: Leeds boss Neil Warnock is interested in signing Clint Hill

Target: Leeds boss Neil Warnock is interested in signing Clint Hill

Like Warnock, QPR boss Mark Hughes is also embarking on a summer rebuilding plan after just managing to stave off relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season.

Hill, 33, could be one of the casualties despite landing both the players' player and fans' player of the year awards on Tuesday.

Warnock, meanwhile, is hot on the heels of 400,000-rated Pompey star Joel Ward and out-of-contract Derby midfielder Paul Green.

Southampton move for Millwall midfielder Liam Trotter

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Southampton make first move for highly-rated Millwall midfielder Trotter

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UPDATED:

10:25 GMT, 16 May 2012

Premier League new boys Southampton are in pole position to sign 1.5m-rated Millwall midfielder Liam Trotter.

Trotter, 22, has been linked with several top-flight clubs in recent months but Saints' boss Nigel Adkins has been first to make a firm move.

Millwall midfielder Liam Trotter

Highly-rated: Millwall midfielder Liam Trotter

The former Ipswich player has been on Saints' radar since he scored in the Lions' shock 3-2 FA Cup win at St Mary's in February.

Ipswich-born Trotter rejected the new contract offered by then Tractor Boys' boss Roy Keane in 2010 in favour of a move to Millwall after he spent a successful loan spell in South London.

He has scored 16 goals in 100 appearances for the Lions.

Shinji Kagawa reveals Sir Alex Ferguson meeting as Manchester United move nears

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Good to talk… Kagawa nears Old Trafford move after meeting with United boss Fergie

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UPDATED:

07:57 GMT, 16 May 2012

Shinji Kagawa has dropped his biggest hint yet that he will be a Manchester United player next season after revealing it was 'good' to meet Sir Alex Ferguson.

The United boss does not want to waste any time in strengthening his squad this summer following their last day disappointment of losing the Barclays Premier League title to rivals City.

Ferguson and assistant Mike Phelan put in a personal visit to Berlin last weekend – the evening before United's final game of the season at Sunderland – to watch the Japan international in action.

Good to talk: Shinji Kagawa has revealed he has spoken to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

Good to talk: Shinji Kagawa has revealed he has spoken to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

The 23-year-old forward impressed, scoring a goal to help Dortmund thrash Bayern Munich 5-2 in the German Cup final to complete a league and cup double for Jurgen Klopp's side.

And it was after the match, Ferguson introduced himself to his No 1 transfer target.

On the ball: Ferguson watched Kagawa scored Dortmund's first in their 5-2 German Cup win over Bayern Munich

On the ball: Ferguson watched Kagawa scored Dortmund's first in their 5-2 German Cup win over Bayern Munich

'It was good that I was able to meet him [Ferguson] in person and talk,' Kagawa admitted.

A host of top European suitors are ready to rival United for his signature although it appears likely that he'll be heading for Old Trafford.

Moving on: Kagawa is almost certain to leave German double winners Dortmund this summer

Moving on: Kagawa is almost certain to leave German double winners Dortmund this summer

He added: 'I want to think hard before making my decision.

'I want to choose a team where I can take on challenges.'

Dortmund are resigned to losing to 17-goal star after he snubbed an offer of a new contract.

Carlos Tevez begged me to pass him "RIP Fergie" sign, says schoolteacher

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Man City's Tevez begged me to pass him 'RIP Fergie' banner, claims schoolteacher

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UPDATED:

08:59 GMT, 16 May 2012

A schoolteacher has claimed Carlos Tevez begged her to hand him a controversial placard during Manchester City's title celebrations.

The Barclays Premier League winners were forced into a swift apology to rivals Manchester United after Tevez paraded a banner which read 'RIP Fergie', following Sir Alex Ferguson's three-year-old claim that his side would never be underdogs 'in my lifetime' against City.

Moment of madness: Tevez holds aloft the ill-advised banner

Moment of madness: Tevez holds aloft the ill-advised banner

'He was leaning over the side of the bus, obviously trying to reach for this poster and begging the crowd to pass it to him,' Sue Bradsell told The Sun Newspaper.

'I didn't know what was on it at the time. I just saw that he was keen to get hold of it, so I grabbed the sign and shouted out “Tevez” and he took it off me and smiled.'

All is forgiven: Tevez celebrates City's title win with Roberto Mancini

All is forgiven: Tevez celebrates City's title win with Roberto Mancini

The controversial striker, who spent two years at Old Trafford, swiftly held the sign aloft with a beaming grim.

United last night accepted City's swift response after they expressed their 'sincerest apologies', while Tevez also spoke of his regret.

United chief executive David Gill told Sky Sports News: 'I think it's right. The club acted pretty quickly.

'I think it was rather silly, frankly, in terms of what it said, but City acted with commendable speed.

'We move on and concentrate on other issues.'

Tevez, who joined City from United in 2009, said he 'got carried away in the excitement of the moment'.

Luka Modric edges closer to Spurs exit

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Modric edges closer to Spurs exit as midfielder ponders next move

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UPDATED:

05:26 GMT, 16 May 2012

Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric is in no rush to sort out his club future.

The 26-year-old, who was at the centre of one of last summer's most protracted transfer sagas over a move to Chelsea which did not materialise, will wait until after the European Championship to make any decisions.

In demand: Luka Modric has been courted by Chelsea and Manchester United

In demand: Luka Modric has been courted by Chelsea and Manchester United

The Croatia international told the Daily Mirror: 'I will decide about my future after the Euros.

'I will make the decision where to continue my career. I'm ready for the big tests.'

Tottenham's participation in the Champions League next term depends on the result of this season's final, as Chelsea will take the fourth available spot if they beat Bayern Munich on Saturday.

Arsenal, Spurs and QPR on alert as Italian legend Del Piero eyes Premier League move

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Arsenal, Spurs and QPR on alert as Italian legend Del Piero eyes Premier League move

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UPDATED:

07:06 GMT, 16 May 2012

Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero has issued a come and get me plea to London's Premier League clubs.

The 37-year-old is set to call time on his 19-year career at Juventus after helping them lift the Serie A title this season.

Glittering career: Alessandro Del Piero ended his 19-year stay at Juventus by lifting the Serie A title

Glittering career: Alessandro Del Piero ended his 19-year stay at Juventus by lifting the Serie A title

And the veteran forward wants a fresh challenge and admitted he would love the chance to play in England.

Del Piero is considering three options and Arsenal, Tottenham and QPR have all been linked in recent weeks.

He told Italian newspaper Corriere Dello Sport: 'England is a place where the football is so good, but I have still not agreed anything with a club.'

EURO 2012: Bastian Schweinsteiger questions England team ethic

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Bastian can't resist a dig at England! Schweinsteiger questions team ethic

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UPDATED:

22:14 GMT, 15 May 2012

His distribution has long since made him the lynchpin of Bayern Munich's midfield. With the ball at his feet and his radar fine-tuned, there are few more effective operators anywhere in Europe, as Bastian Schweinsteiger has demonstrated on Bayern's route to the Champions League final.

He is no slouch at passing an opinion, either.

As the 27-year-old prepared for Chelsea's arrival in Munich ahead of Saturday's Allianz Arena showpiece, he declared: 'If you beat Barcelona over two games, you must be a very good side. The way you go about doing it really doesn't matter. The result matters.

Pass master: Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (centre)

Pass master: Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (centre)

'For me, those two semi-final results would normally make Chelsea favourites, but when you take into account home advantage for us, it is perhaps 50-50.

'It is very possible that Frank Lampard and I will be in direct confrontation. I have huge respect for him. Everything he does in the game has an effective use. It is always thought through and he is similar to Xabi Alonso, in that he plays with his eyes.

'In my opinion, it would be a mistake for England not to use him at the European Championship. He should partner Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield, two top players who complement each other, in my view.

Final date: Schweinsteiger relaxes with girlfriend Sarah Brandner (right) this week

Final date: Schweinsteiger relaxes with girlfriend Sarah Brandner (right) this week ahead of the Champions League final against Chelsea on Saturday night

'I always think England should be one of the favourites, going into these tournaments. But you still haven't found the answer to playing as a team, rather than as a group of individuals. England have very good individuals, but maybe they are not so good as a unit.

'If England want to win something, they have to find a solution to that. They have to start playing more like we do. I don't think it's a matter of ego. When you look at games, you see spaces that need covering if you want to win. England are not so good at that.

'And you wonder whether mental strength is also a problem. Would we have crumbled if the opposite had happened in the World Cup in Bloemfontein and the referee had turned down a goal for us No. We Germans never give up, we fight to the last. We just have that mentality and we also have a playing quality. We have other attributes, as well as character.'

Lukas Podolski can share Robin van Persie goal burden – Stale Solbakken

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Podolski will lift the load on Van Persie's shoulders… if he stays at Arsenal, says Stale

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UPDATED:

23:09 GMT, 15 May 2012

Lukas Podolski will lift the goalscoring load from Robin Van Persie, if Arsene Wenger can persuade the Dutchman to stay at Arsenal.

The Germany international's former boss, Stale Solbakken, who was this week unveiled as Wolves' new manager, believes that the striker will be a big hit in the Premier League.

Solbakken and Podolski have history. The Norwegian relieved the forward of the captaincy shortly after he took over at Cologne 12 months ago.

Raring to go: Germany star Lukas Podolski has joined Arsenal from Cologne

Raring to go: Germany star Lukas Podolski has joined Arsenal from Cologne

Wolves' boss says it did not create any friction between the pair although several other incidents clearly had an impact as the club slipped out of the Bundesliga following a disastrous campaign.

Solbakken said the decision actually lifted the pressure on Cologne's star man and enabled him to concentrate on his goalscoring. Podolski grabbed 18 goals in 29 matches and Solbakken has no doubt that the new addition to Wenger's line-up will be a major force.

'I think he has the right temperament for the Premier League,' said Wolves' boss, 'and he can play in either of the forward positions.

'If Arsenal play their usual formation of 4-2-3-1, then Lukas can play in any of them.

'He's played on the right. And he plays for Germany on the left. He has played as the main striker and just behind the main striker.

Unfamiliar face: New Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Stale Solbakken

Unfamiliar face: New Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Stale Solbakken

'He can do all these things. He will be a success.'

Solbakken said that while the perception was that taking the captain's armband away from Podolski was the beginning of the end for him, the reality was different.

'You have to understand that Podolski is bigger than God in Cologne,' he said, 'you need to be there to believe it.

'There was constant pressure on him for everything. I think he was relieved that I took some of the duties away from him.

'He was a little bit hurt. But he coped very professionally and answered with his best-ever season.

'He was injured and carried the team on his own for some games, scoring 18 goals from 30 games.

'I had this feeling when I arrived at the club that he wanted to leave – many of the big stars wanted to go.

'He had no problem with the captaincy issue. But I wasn't trying to help him. I was trying to help the team.'

Sam Allardyce to sue Steve Kean and Blackburn

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Allardyce to sue Kean AND Blackburn over former No 2's foul-mouthed rant

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UPDATED:

23:18 GMT, 15 May 2012

Sam Allardyce is suing his old club Blackburn and their manager Steve Kean over derogatory comments his successor at Ewood Park is alleged to have made about him.

Kean’s future was already under threat when he landed in India for crisis talks with owners Venky’s on Tuesday, but he now faces more problems after disgruntled fans from The BRFC Action Group claimed responsibility for posting a video clip of him on the club’s pre-season trip to Hong Kong last summer.

Speaking to supporters in a bar, Kean appears to make unguarded comments about Allardyce in which he questions the integrity of the man who appointed him as first-team coach at Blackburn.

Scroll down to watch the rant – WARNING EXPLICIT LANGUAGE

Steve Kean

Sam Allardyce

Fall-out: Steve Kean (left) and his former boss Sam Allardyce

ROVERS FANS GRANTED MEETING

The fans' group campaigning for the removal of Blackburn manager Steve Kean have been granted meetings with Government and the Premier League to air their concerns.

The BRFC Action Group have long called for the removal of Kean and claim owners Venky's, the Indian poultry firm, are not fit and proper persons to run the club.

Their campaign has been stepped up since the club were relegated from the Barclays Premier League amid scenes of unrest and protest at Ewood Park last week.

Allardyce instructed his lawyers to sue Kean for slander, and he is taking legal action against Blackburn as well because Kean is an employee who was on club business at the time.

Asked about his relationship with Allardyce since he replaced him as manager in December 2010, Kean is also heard saying: ‘I haven’t spoken to him. He mullered me so I said f*** him.

‘I worked my b***s off for him and then he had a go at me so f*** him.’

The 44-year-old Scot appears to claim the credit for Phil Jones’s emergence from Blackburn’s academy before he was sold to Manchester United for 16.5million last summer, as well as telling the fans that his team would finish in the top half of the table and win the Carling Cup.

Video nasty: Kean was filmed by fans

Video nasty: Kean was filmed by fans

In fact, Blackburn were relegated from the Premier League and could be replaced by Allardyce’s West Ham this weekend.

The release of the video clip appears to have been timed to cause maximum embarrassment for Kean as he arrived in Pune for talks with Venky’s. A petition signed by 5,000 fans calling for him to be sacked has already been sent to the Indian owners.

It also coincided with news that Blackburn MP Jack Straw has helped set up a meeting between The BRFC Action Group and sports minister Hugh Robertson next month, while the Premier League have agreed in principle to hold talks with them.

The former chairman of Blackburn’s neighbours Accrington Stanley claimed yesterday that he is ready to head a consortium of local businessman interested in buying the club if Venky’s are prepared to sell.

Ilyas Khan said: ‘If they were to decide that it’s time for them to move on to a different business venture, I think our consortium is the only one that could turn this into a success for the town.’

Under fire: Fans protest against manager Steve Kean and club owners the Venkys

Under fire: Fans protest against manager Steve Kean and club owners the Venkys

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Ian Holloway hoping history repeats itself with Blackpool preparation for play-off final

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Holloway hoping history repeats itself by apeing preparation for play-off final

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UPDATED:

23:27 GMT, 15 May 2012

Blackpool have made the same preparations for Saturday's Championship play-off final as they did two years ago in the hope that it will once again land them a place in the Premier League and a 90million jackpot.

Ian Holloway's side, who meet West Ham at Wembley, are staying in the same London hotel as they did before beating Cardiff in 2010 and will again train at Bisham Abbey.

'It's not superstition,' insisted Holloway. 'I don't believe in that stuff. It' s just about organisation. It was a fantastic set-up last time – a great scenario all round.

Promotion hunting: Blackpool face West Ham at Wembley on Saturday afternoon

Promotion hunting: Blackpool face West Ham at Wembley on Saturday afternoon

'We're travelling down on Thursday like we did last time. We'll be training at the same place and staying at the same hotel – I'm even hoping to get the same room!

'Everything was perfect and you're linked with something that was successful so that feels quite nice.

Deja vu: Seasiders boss Ian Holloway

Deja vu: Seasiders boss Ian Holloway

'There's certainly a touch of dj vu about it – and I hope that extends to the result on Saturday.'

Blackpool's players will again share in a 5m bonus pot if they win promotion back to the top-flight at the first attempt. And Holloway believes he is more relaxed than he was two years ago when the Seasiders came from behind to beat Cardiff 3-2.

He added: 'Because we've done it recently it all feels a bit surreal, although I have to say I've enjoyed this one a lot more than the first time.

'I've been relaxed enough to take a bit more time off work. My wife's auntie passed away recently at the age of 79, and we were able to attend her funeral and come up here a day later than we'd planned.

'We've learned that your rest is as important as your work in he build-up to these matches, so hopefully we've got the mix right again.'