Roy Hodgson admits he"ll settle for World Cup qualifying play-off place

Posted on November 29, 2012 by adminsports

I'll settle for the play-offs, admits Hodgson after England's slow start to World Cup campaign

UPDATED:

21:18 GMT, 28 November 2012

Roy Hodgson has made the chilling admission that he would settle for a place in the play-offs after a stuttering start to England’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

The England manager has already seen his side drop precious points against Poland and Ukraine, leaving England two points adrift of group leaders Montenegro after only four games.

Hodgson now talks of being satisfied with what could prove a far more perilous route to the World Cup in Brazil. He adds that his side need some ‘luck’ to ‘get over the line’.

Admission: England manager Roy Hodgson said he would settle for a place in the play-offs after England's stuttering start to their World Cup campaign

In Brazil this week to assess potential training venues for the tournament, Hodgson told the BBC: ‘If we don’t succeed in being No 1, I’d be more than happy to go into the play-offs.

‘The important thing is we get one of those two positions. The group we are in was quite underestimated, but that is often the case.

Blow: Kamil Glik's header for Poland meant England dropped two points in Warsaw last month, leaving Roy Hodgson in despair (below)

Roy Hodgson reacts with despair as Poland hold England to a 1-1 draw in Warsaw

‘I can assure the England football fans there is nothing the players want more. They would have been more than happy to play a World Cup on the Galapagos Islands, let alone Brazil.

‘They don’t need motivation, they need to perform, and then we need that little bit of luck all teams need if they are going to get over the line.’

DAVID LLOYD – BUMBLE"S TEST DIARY: Sir Ian Botham goes to see Rolling Stones concert

Posted on November 23, 2012 by adminsports

BUMBLE'S TEST DIARY: Why Monty bowling on this pitch is 'Satisfaction' guaranteed… but unlike that old rocker Beefy, 'Wild Horses' can't drag me away from the cricket

UPDATED:

15:31 GMT, 23 November 2012

CLASSIC PITCH = CLASSIC MATCH

This is a cracking pitch and it promises to be a classic Test match. A spinning pitch makes for a great game. Some resolute batting from Pujara and Ashwin during some superb India resistance, and they could have a good score already.

SWANNING AROUND IN THE SHADOW OF MONTY

A big tick for Monty Panesar. He was handled very well by Alastair Cook, who brought him on in the seventh over. His dismissal of Tendulkar was a classic and it was great to see him and Graeme Swann bowl together, although it is interesting that when Monty plays, he tends to push Swann into the background. It might be that Swann thrives as being the main man in a four-pronged attack while he is less effective when there is another spinner in the side.

Perilous place: Stuart Broad's vice-captaincy does not guarantee him selection and his poor displays have put his place in the side in jeopardy

VICE-CAPTAINCY DOESN'T GUARANTEE SELECTION

Stuart Broad is out of sorts..he’s running on empty. I know him well and he will be frustrated that his contribution is not as it should be. Quick bowlers need to be used in short, sharp bursts in India and his pace is down. He needs a break and England should freshen things up for the next Test. They are under no obligation to pick him just because he is vice-captain. Why do we even need one

MY PRINCELY PORTRAIT

Former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell is now a world-renowned artist…and he’s doing my portrait. It’s a work in progress. I’ve sat with him for two hours so far and he won’t let me see it, he says it’s bad luck. But crikey, having my portrait done…I feel like Prince Philip!

Ugly mug: Bumble is having his portrait painted by former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell

Prince Philip

Jack the lad: Former England wicketkeeper turned professional artist Jack Russell is painting Bumble's portrait

Royal appointment: Bumble says that sitting for Russell (right) makes him feel like Prince Philip (left)

JIMMY'S DODGY BARNET

Jimmy Anderson is supposed to be a fashion icon, a star of magazines. So who on earth was let loose with the scissors to give him that haircut Whichever of his team-mates it was, they must have done it when he was asleep.

ROLLING WITH SIR BEEFY

Ian Botham is off to see the Rolling Stones in London this weekend and it promises to be a fantastic occasion. All together now: 'This could be the last time…'

Sir Ian Botham

The Rolling Stones Grrr!

Old rocker: Sir Ian (left) will be rocking it out at this weekend's Rolling Stones gig, titled Grrr! (right)

Manchester City tight-lipped after Roberto Mancini "held secret talks with Monaco"

Posted on November 2, 2012 by adminsports

Man City remain tight-lipped after Mancini 'held secret talks to take charge at Monaco'

UPDATED:

19:46 GMT, 1 November 2012

The perilous nature of Roberto
Mancini's position at Manchester City last season has been further
underlined by revelations that he spoke to French club Monaco about
taking over as coach.

Mancini signed a new
five-year-contract at City in the summer after securing the club's first
Barclays Premier League title with the very last kick of the season.

Under his hat: Roberto Mancini (centre) at training on Thursday

However, Mancini had feared for his
future just a month prior to that dramatic conclusion after his team
fell eight points behind neighbours Manchester United and it emerged on Thursday that it was at this time that he spoke to Monaco.

It is already known that Mancini had
discussions with the Russian FA at this time about the national coach's
job and it is clear the Italian was safeguarding his future in the game
should City have taken the decision to sack him.

With Monaco cash-rich after being
bought by Dmitry Rybolovlev, Mancini is believed to have been offered a
five-year deal worth 6.4m-a-year.

The revelation comes days after the Blues were forced to deny Mancini's job was under threat from Pep Guardiola after
Barcelona's former technical director Txiki Begiristain was lured to the Etihad as
director of football.

Let me explain: City have refused to comment on Mancini's Monaco talks

Face facts: City have refused to comment on Mancini's Monaco talks

Begiristain's arrival, combined with
that of recently appointed chief executive Ferran Soriano, another to
have worked at the Nou Camp, had led to speculation that the
currently-out-of-work Guardiola would be approached.

Guardiola has also been linked with
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, while clubs in Italy are among
those monitoring his situation while he takes a sabbatical from the
game.

Privately
Mancini has told close associates he is relieved that more than two
years of struggle with Brian Marwood – who was taken up the role of
academy director – are now at an end. He is also said to be ‘open
minded’ about the prospect of working with a director of football.

Marwood never actually carried that
title after Mancini’s predecessor Mark Hughes objected to it when the
former Arsenal winger was appointed four years ago.

Let me explain: The team circle for a talk from Mancini

It
is clear that Begiristain’s role in the recruitment of players will be
central to his day-to-day involvement at the Etihad Stadium. Whether
Mancini will see that as helpful or obstructive will be interesting. The
one thing he will not tolerate is being told which players he should or
should not try to buy.

Mancini's
season has not been without its problems so far, however, and he is
currently trying to contain the mutterings of dissent from a small group
of players in his dressing room.

Begiristain, 48, has been on City’s radar for some time and was finally lured from Barcelona at the end of last week by Soriano.

The
two men worked successfully at the Nou Camp and City hope that the
pairing of such experienced and talented men can help lead the group
forwards as they look to build on last season’s Barclays Premier League
win.

On his own: City have refused to dismiss reports

Brian Kennedy ponders next move with Rangers running out of time

Posted on May 9, 2012 by adminsports

Kennedy ponders next move with Rangers running out of time

UPDATED:

10:26 GMT, 9 May 2012

Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy will 'reflect on his own position' after expressing fears over the future of
Rangers following Bill Miller`s decision to withdraw his offer for the
club on Tuesday.

American tycoon Miller was handed
preferred bidder status last Thursday ahead of a rival bid from Kennedy
and the Blue Knights consortium but has informed administrators he will
not pursue his interest any further.

Waiting game: Brian Kennedy has made an offer for Rangers

Duff and Phelps are now evaluating
three other bids for the Glasgow giants – which does not yet include a
fresh offer from Kennedy.

Kennedy told the Daily Record: 'Words
fail me. All my worst fears are coming to pass. In the meantime, I am
reflecting on my own position.

'I'm not trying to be a smart ass here. This was a clear sequence of events. I could see it, every Rangers supporter could see it was likely to unfold.

'And yet here we are, in an even more perilous position than ever. My worst fear is that we could see a padlock on the gates of Ibrox.

'I don't give a monkey's about the Americans pulling out. I care about the damage that has been done in between and where it will all lead to.

'When someone predicts a sequence of events 'A, B, C, D and E', and when 'A, B, C, D' happens then you've got to think there is a good chance 'E' will happen too.

'If anyone is going to step up and do something then they'd better do it soon. I will reflect on this and will be talking to those who were considering investing with me.'

The move comes just days after Kennedy told Sportsmail he
was ready to assist the American. Sources close to the Edinburgh-born
businessman confirmed preliminary talks with Whyte had taken place, but
they stressed the move was an effort to help rather than hinder Miller’s
Ibrox takeover.

The Tennessee tow-truck tycoon was awarded preferred bidder status by administrator Duff & Phelps last week.

Andy Kerr, president of the Rangers
Supporters Assembly, urged Duff and Phelps to 'move with the utmost
haste' to secure the club's future.

He told BBC Radio Scotland's Good
Morning Scotland programme: 'Let's be open, let's be honest, let's fully
understand another false dawn is going to be the final nail in the
coffin.'

Decision: Administrators David Whitehouse and Paul Clark had granted preferred bidding status to Bill Miller

Asked if the game was up for Rangers, he replied: 'I don't think it is up but we are in a critical situation and things need to happen very, very quickly.

'I very strongly urge Duff and Phelps and the people they are currently speaking to to move with the utmost haste now.'

Miller said preliminary information he had received about the club was 'more optimistic than reality', and also made reference to opposition to his takeover bid by Rangers supporters.

One of his advisors, Club 9 Sports chief executive Jon Pritchett, said the businessman received 'vitriolic' emails from fans.

Referring to the emails, Kerr said: 'It would be interesting to see one or two examples and just try and understand what sort of people were doing that.

'We saw a couple of banners and we're talking about a few people here, and it is disappointing when people are effectively prejudging the guy.

'The general call from the supporters was, 'Who are you Give us an explanation of what you are trying to achieve. Let's try and work together and engage with you and see if we can take the club forward'. That's where we wanted to be.'

He added: 'I just don't think that he had an understanding of the business, what was going to be involved to turn the club round, the precarious nature of where we are and where we're trying to get to.

'It just seems an odd scenario that someone from so far away was trying to buy into a 140-year-old institution.'

Mark Hughes: QPR is no stepping stone

Posted on January 11, 2012 by adminsports

Hughes in for the long haul as new QPR plans excite new boss at Loftus Road

Mark Hughes insists QPR's ambition means he is looking to remain at Loftus Road for the long term.

The former Manchester City and Fulham boss was appointed as the west London club's new manager days after Neil Warnock was sacked.

Hughes joins the Hoops with the club one point and one place above the Barclays Premier League relegation zone, with investment essential if they are to retain their place in the top flight.

It's good to talk: Mark Hughes at his first press conference as QPR manager

It is the Welshman's first job since he left Fulham last year citing their lack of ambition and expressed his wish to be involved in the Champions League.

Given Rangers' perilous position, Hughes was forced to deny the job was a stepping stone to something bigger.

Instead, he insisted the ambition of the club matched his and he was looking to the long term without any break clause in his contract.

Hughes said: 'My last couple of positions haven't lasted as long as I wanted them to so now I'm wanting longevity.

'I've just had my first day at the training ground – I'm certainly not thinking of leaving any time soon.'

Thirst for success: Hughes and QPR chief executive Phil Beard have big plans

Of his departure from Fulham, Hughes added: 'The situation at the end of last season is one that has happened.

'I made the decision that was the correct decision and I stand by that.

'This excited me. My thoughts now shouldn't be an issue to them. I'm looking forward and really happy with the decision I've made, very excited of what is ahead of us.'

Hughes added: 'I needed to get all the facts and understand the story QPR hope to have in the future. They are a club who want to go places and build from the bottom up – and that fitted very, very comfortably with where I feel my career needs to go now.'

The 48-year-old would not be drawn on his transfer targets but a bid is believed to have been made for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha while Blackburn defender Chris Samba is also high on QPR's wanted list.

Hughes said: 'If there are quality players available and they're attainable then I'll be delighted – but it's difficult to manage the transfer window carefully.'

QPR CEO Philip Beard said: 'The decision (to sack Warnock) wasn't taken lightly. You can either stick with what you've got or make a difficult decision to change the manager.

'But we believe this is the right time to make this change… Mark was the person we felt shared our ambition.

'I think every QPR fan will feel we've made the right decision. It won't happen overnight but our ambition matches Mark's.

'When we first made contact I wasn't sure it was going to be an easy job to persuade someone of Mark's calibre to come to QPR – but we had some exciting discussions and the conversation started getting a lot closer in terms of what we can achieve here.'

Asked about speculation that the change of management was made due to player discontent, Beard added: 'That's not the reason we made the decision – the club belongs to the fans.

'Neil Warnock got the club to the Premier League for the first time in 15 years. We're passionate about what we want to achieve here and wanted to give Mark the chance to come in. We wanted to strengthen and needed to do it really quickly.'

Hughes added: 'It was very clear in my mind once I had spoken to Philip and the owners it is a club that matches my ambitions.

'We need to win football matches in the coming months, we'll work really hard to make sure that happens.'

Hughes also confirmed he would be given funds to strengthen the squad although he refused to reveal how much.

He did though admit the need to be clinical in front of goal was essential in the Premier League.

He said: 'Certain areas need addressing but I'll take my time. It is important to recognise the strengths of the group, I need to assess that.

'At Premier League level the ability to take chances and score goals is crucial.

'If I feel we need to strengthen in that area then we will look to do that.'

Joey Barton is the current captain and Hughes insists he has no concerns over the player's use of social media to air his sometimes controversial opinions.

Of his predecessor, Hughes had every sympathy for Warnock.

'Neil has done a fantastic job here. He created a great deal of success and has made a huge impact on this club during his time here.'

Millwall 1 Portsmouth 0: Dany N"Guessan scores late winner

Posted on December 26, 2011 by adminsports

Millwall 1 Portsmouth 0: Oh, Dany boy! N”Guessan scores late winner for Lions

Dany N”Guessan”s first npower Championship goal of the season secured a narrow victory for lowly Millwall against Portsmouth.

The summer signing from Leicester made the most of a rare chance in the starting line-up with the winner nine minutes from time.

It brought to an end Pompey”s mini-revival under their new manager Michael Appleton – they were unbeaten in their previous four matches.

They looked a good bet to make it five as a game of few chances was meandering towards a goalless draw, but N”Guessan had other ideas with a neat close-range finish.

Winner: Dany N

Winner: Dany N”Gueesan is mobbed after scoring

MATCH FACTS

Millwall: Mildenhall, Smith, Robinson, Lowry, Baker (Dunne 21), Trotter, Howard (Bouazza 70), Abdou, Feeney, Henderson (Marquis 46), N”Guessan.
Subs Not Used: Allsop,Henry.

Booked: Lowry.

Goals: N”Guessan 82.

Portsmouth: Henderson, Halford, Rocha, Pearce, Mattock, Ward (Mokoena 48), Mullins, Norris, Lawrence, Huseklepp (Futacs 74), Kitson.
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Williams, Mwaruwari.

Booked: Huseklepp.

Attendance: 11,002

Referee: Nigel Miller (Durham).

Despite their perilous position just above the drop zone, Millwall looked comfortable in possession in the opening stages but they only had an ambitious long-range effort from N”Guessan, which flew wide, to show for it.

Portsmouth”s first opportunity arrived in the 17th minute when Dave Kitson headed Liam Lawrence”s corner over the top.

Plenty of endeavour followed, but with little quality on show neither side looked likely to make the breakthrough until the end of the first half.

Then, two minutes before the break, Lawrence should have done better when he met a cross from Erik Huseklepp, but the unmarked Pompey skipper made a mess of his header which drifted harmlessly for a goal-kick.

And in first-half stoppage time Liam Feeney drove in a fierce shot which Portsmouth goalkeeper Stephen Henderson could only parry but Liam Trotter could not convert the follow-up.

Lions boss Kenny Jackett, who had already had to replace defender Nathan Baker due to a knee injury, made another change at the interval with John Marquis replacing top scorer Darius Henderson in attack.

Moments later Pompey were forced into a reshuffle when Joel Ward limped off, with Aaron Mokoena entering the fray.

Portsmouth midfielder David Norris then had a shot blocked by Jimmy Abdou and Greg Halford wasted a potential counter-attack for the visitors with a poor cross.

At the other end Brian Howard fizzed in a free-kick which stung the palms of Stephen Henderson as he touched it round the post for a corner.

And in the 70th minute Feeney put Marquis in on goal, but although the young striker managed to lift his shot over Stephen Henderson, it bounced agonisingly the wrong side of the post.

But the goal finally came 11 minutes later when Feeney floated in a cross, Trotter got the knockdown and N”Guessan reacted first to sweep the ball past Stephen Henderson.

N”Guessan could have made it two as full-time approached but his brave header flew narrowly wide.

Alan Shearer the favourite as Blackburn prepare to sack Steve Kean

Posted on December 19, 2011 by adminsports

Shearer favourite to take over as Blackburn prepare to sack Kean

Alan Shearer is the front-runner to take over as Blackburn manager as owners Venky”s prepare to put an end to Steve Kean”s public torment.

Venky”s bosses are studying reports of Saturday”s shambolic home defeat by West Bromwich before deciding whether to axe Kean now or hand him one final opportunity, in Tuesday”s basement battle with Bolton.

Al”s your man: Former Newcastle boss Alan Shearer is being tipped to take over at Blackburn

Either way, former Blackburn striker Shearer is ready to step in after being nominated by key advisers as the prime candidate to restore harmony at a club riven by public opposition to Kean and plummeting player morale.

Monday”s Lancashire Evening Telegraph, the influential local newspaper, is expected to call for Kean”s removal in a front page editorial.

Fall guy: Steve Kean shows his pain during defeat against West Brom

After a brief spell in charge of Newcastle, it is understood Shearer is interested in taking the reins, despite Blackburn”s perilous position near the foot of the Barclays Premier League and the likelihood that he would have only a modest budget in the January transfer window.

As Venky”s consider their options, they may well be swayed by Shearer”s standing among Ewood Park patrons after he spearheaded Blackburn”s title success in 1995.

Kean refused to concede his sacking was inevitable, despite more chants of “You don”t know what you”re doing” during Saturday”s 2-1 defeat.

“We have a massive game against Bolton on Tuesday, and yes, I do believe I will still be here for that,” Kean said.

“There have always been reassurances from the owners, and I haven”t heard anything to the contrary.”

Kean added: “Because the players don”t play well with the ball for one half of one game does not mean the negativity is getting to them.”

Chris Samba”s assessment was at odds with Kean”s and underlined the task facing Blackburn”s next manager in trying to lift morale.

“We are devastated,” said the Blackburn skipper. “We are so low. As a team, we have not proved we are good enough to stay in this league. It is difficult at the moment, because the mood in the dressing room is down.”

The timing of Kean”s departure appears to be the only remaining issue. As Rovers followed their normal procedure of examining matchday feedback from their beleaguered boss and director Simon Hunt, Venky”s were attempting to reach an agreement on when he should go.

They have been left in little doubt that Shearer should be appointed sooner rather than later, though former Blackburn manager Mark Hughes and Avram Grant are also in the frame.

Blunt message: Blackburn fans make their feelings known

Blackburn v West Brom Match Zone

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Tag Archives: perilous

Roy Hodgson admits he"ll settle for World Cup qualifying play-off place

DAVID LLOYD – BUMBLE"S TEST DIARY: Sir Ian Botham goes to see Rolling Stones concert

Manchester City tight-lipped after Roberto Mancini "held secret talks with Monaco"

Brian Kennedy ponders next move with Rangers running out of time

Mark Hughes: QPR is no stepping stone

Millwall 1 Portsmouth 0: Dany N"Guessan scores late winner

Alan Shearer the favourite as Blackburn prepare to sack Steve Kean