Tag Archives: preferred

Dylan Hartley: World class Northampton skipper vital to Saints and England

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There really is only ONE Dylan Hartley: World class Saints skipper vital to club and country

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UPDATED:

23:03 GMT, 18 October 2012

When Dylan Hartley leads Northampton against Castres in France, his status as an indispensable figure for club and country means that in the ground and across the Channel, breath will be held, fingers will be crossed.

Neither the Saints nor England can afford for any harm to come to the 26-year-old hooker. His value to both has risen markedly, to the point where injury or any disciplinary mishap does not bear thinking about. At this moment, Hartley is irreplaceable.

Northampton coach Jim Mallinder said: ‘He is outstanding for us on and off the field. I think he is world class. He gives us real physicality but he is also a hooker who can play. He can do everything.’

Indispensable: Hooker Dylan Hartley has become a key figure for club and country

Indispensable: Hooker Dylan Hartley has become a key figure for club and country

Hartley’s storming start to the season was highlighted last week when the Northampton captain was named Aviva Premiership Player of the Month. Days earlier, he had been unavailable to play in his side’s league game at London Irish — due to a minor fracture of the eye-socket — and their unbeaten record promptly came to a resounding halt.

Match guide: Castres v Northampton

(Stade Ernest Wallon, 8pm)

Northampton have solved the issue of which of their leading fly-halves to pick by naming both of them. Stephen Myler, the preferred option at No 10 this season, shifts to full back and Ryan Lamb comes in at stand-off.

PREDICTION: Away win.

Back at the helm last week, Hartley led the cavalry charge to recovery and victory after the Saints had slumped to a 15-0 deficit at home to Glasgow. Now, he and his team-mates will hope to carry that momentum into the Heineken Cup Pool Four showdown.

This is an ideal opportunity for Hartley to fine-tune his big-match intensity and provide further evidence of his increased composure and imposing presence, with three weeks to go until England start their autumn campaign against Fiji.

His form has been good and there should be no shortage of self-belief, especially with the words of encouragement he has received.

At an address to the Oxford Union this week, England coach Stuart Lancaster is reported to have name-checked Hartley repeatedly in glowing terms.

Hands on: Hartley gets to grips with Exeter's Tom Johnson

Hands on: Hartley gets to grips with Exeter's Tom Johnson

The hooker is considered a bona fide candidate to lead his country next month, as the incumbent captain, having taken on the responsibility in the absence of an injured Chris Robshaw in Port Elizabeth in June, with England going on to claim a 14-14 draw against South Africa. While Robshaw remains the favourite to resume his duties as skipper, Hartley is breathing down his neck.

His value to England can be judged by his established position, as a relative veteran of 42 Test appearances. Following the retirement of Steve Thompson after last year’s World Cup and the decision by Lee Mears of Bath to step down from international rugby, Hartley is all alone as an English hooker with any pedigree at the top level.

The case for Hartley to take on the national captaincy has been championed by Mallinder, whose decision to install him as Saints skipper three years ago has emerged as a master-stroke.

The centre of attention: Hartley and England's front row square up to their Irish counterparts

The centre of attention: Hartley and England's front row square up to their Irish counterparts

He said: ‘It gave me pride to see him made England captain, because a few people questioned our decision when we made him captain of this club. Stuart Lancaster has a difficult decision to make. I can’t comment on the qualities of anyone else, but I know Dylan’s qualities. Hooker is a tough position but he leads from the front. Off the field he’s got the respect of all the players and he’s definitely a candidate.

‘He stands out in his attitude every day of the week. In training as well as in games, he leads us from the front. He never has a sloppy session, he’s the first there, the hardest there and leads by example.’

Mallinder has been seething about the Heineken Cup schedule which means his team go into tonight’s game on the back of a five-day turn-around, while their opponents are more rested.

Yet, recent indicators suggest Northampton can prevail. Last season, after losing 41-22 in Castres, they thrashed the same opposition 45-0 at home a week later. The previous season, they beat the French club home and away, albeit by narrow margins.

Portsmouth fans given go-ahead to take over stricken club after Chainrai snub

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Portsmouth fans given go-ahead to take over stricken club after Chainrai snubbed

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UPDATED:

17:24 GMT, 18 October 2012

Portsmouth's administrators have
nominated Portsmouth Supporters Trust (PST) as their preferred bidder to
take over the npower League One club.

Administrators PKF have been seeking a
new buyer for the club since it was placed under its control in
February with debts of 61million.

Troubles: Portsmouth are down in League One

Troubles: Portsmouth are down in League One

Trevor Birch, PKF partner and joint administrator of Portsmouth, said in a statement: 'After extensive discussions over the past few weeks, we have today nominated Portsmouth Supporters Trust as the preferred bidder for Portsmouth football club.

'We will be working with the Trust, the Football League and the Professional Footballers' Association to conclude the sale of the club as soon as possible.'

PST's emergence as the favoured bidder appears to rule out Balram Chainrai's claims that his company, Portpin, will be the club's new owners.

The Hong Kong-based businessman spoke out last week to deny claims that the Football League had expressed concerns over his suitability.

He said in a statement: 'Our discussions with the Football League have been positive and are progressing.

'As far as we are aware we have satisfied the majority of the criteria and we expect now to work through the last remaining points with the Football League in the coming days.

'We are very confident that we are in a position to complete the acquisition of Portsmouth Football club in the near future.'

Chainrai was at the helm when Pompey went into administration in 2010 and it is thought he could have been involved when they were placed back in administration eight months ago.

The rules of the Owners and Directors test stipulates that a person who has twice been involved with a club going into administration cannot become an owner or director.

Despite the PST's new position as the administrators' preferred bidder, it is likely Chainrai will contest any takeover as he is owed 18million by the south coast club and holds Fratton Park as security.

Iain McInnes, proposed chairman of Portsmouth under the PST bid, said in a statement: 'We are energised that our bid, by the fans and for the fans, has been preferred by the club's administrators.

'Although there remains a huge amount of work to be done to ensure the right outcome for the club, we are confident we will succeed.

'We believe our bid is realistic and credible, which is a view shared by the administrator. We will be working closely with Trevor Birch and his team in the coming days and weeks to ensure our bid will meet all legal and financial requirements.'

A statement from a Portpin spokesman said: 'We continue to work with the Football League to ensure we are ready to complete the acquisition of Portsmouth.

'Our discussions remain productive and we have been given no reason to believe there are any remaining obstacles to our bid.

'Whilst we note PKF's decision, we recognise that preferred bidder status has no basis in law.

'We are confident that our bid offers both the best deal for creditors and is the only fully funded offer to provide Portsmouth FC with a financially sound and sustainable future.'

Balram Chainrai denies there are problems with Portpin"s Portsmouth takeover

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Chainrai denies there are problems with Portpin's takeover of stricken Portsmouth

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UPDATED:

15:08 GMT, 13 October 2012

Balram Chainrai has denied there are problems with Portpin's takeover at Portsmouth.

Pompey have been in administration since February and the npower League One outfit will go bust if a takeover is not completed.

It is the second time the club has been in administration in two years and Chainrai was at the helm the first time in February 2010, before selling to Vladimir Antonov.

Portsmouth went back into administration this year during which time Portpin retained a charge over the club's assets and Fratton Park.

Denial: Chainrai

Denial: Chainrai

Chainrai is now looking to take over the club but reports have questioned whether he will pass the fit and proper person test as Football League rules do not allow a person to own a football club or be a director if he has previously twice been a director or owner of a club when it has fallen into administration.

Following those reports, the Hong Kong-based business released a statement that said: 'Our discussions with the Football League have been positive and are progressing.

'As far as we are aware we have satisfied the majority of the criteria and we expect now to work through the last remaining points with the Football League in the coming days.

'We are very confident that we are in a position to complete the acquisition of Portsmouth Football club in the near future.'

The reports also suggested administrators PKF are set to resume discussions with the Pompey Supporters Trust (PST) next week over its takeover proposal.

The trust, which could be presented to the Football League as preferred bidder, is expecting to hear from administrator Trevor Birch soon and remains resolute in its attempts to buy Portsmouth.

'The PST position has always been clear that we have got what we believe is a credible bid,' PST spokesman Colin Farmery said.

'It has been on the table since June and we've always said that we're ready, willing and able to buy the club.

'Obviously we've seen these interesting stories overnight that have come out in the media.

'As far as we're concerned, we're in an on-going dialogue with PKF and we're expecting to get further clarification next week.

'We wrote to the Football League about a fortnight ago outlining our concerns as to why we thought that Portpin should not actually pass their owners and directors test.

'The Football League met on Thursday and nothing official has come out of that meeting at the moment.'

"Rangers in peril" claim rubbished by Malcolm Murray as scaremongering

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'Rangers in peril' claim rubbished by chairman Murray as scaremongering

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UPDATED:

22:11 GMT, 9 October 2012

Rangers chairman Malcolm Murray angrily hit out at what he insisted were 'scandalous' claims that the Ibrox club could face administration for the second time this year.

The dire warning was made in an article for respected business publication Forbes Magazine by John Pritchett, CEO of Chicago-based investment firm Club 9 Sports, which acted on behalf of US businessman Bill Miller in his short-lived bid to take over troubled Rangers in May.

Revealing that Miller had come ‘within an eyelash’ of buying the club, Pritchett claimed his friend had walked away because the ‘numbers did not add up’ and warned that was still the case at Ibrox — alleging Rangers would face fresh financial peril unless current Ibrox chief executive Charles Green oversaw a drastic programme of downsizing and cuts at the club.

Warning: An article in Forbes magazine predicted financial peril for Rangers

Warning: An article in Forbes magazine predicted financial peril for Rangers

Pritchett said: ‘Upon full inspection, Rangers was not a “turnaround” opportunity. It was (and is) an opportunity for someone with great wealth and a love of football and/or Scotland to give away tens and tens of millions of pounds … until bold action is taken, the future for Rangers remains in serious jeopardy.’

Tennessee truck tycoon Miller withdrew his offer for the Ibrox club a week after being named preferred bidder amid a hostile reaction to his takeover attempt by Rangers fans, with one banner at Ibrox reading: ‘Truck Off Miller — Yanks No Thanks’ being unfurled at Ibrox.

But Pritchett said the deal breaker was always that the numbers at Ibrox just did not stack up.

‘Revenues were in a freefall,’ he recalled. ‘The most important revenue stream to Rangers, season tickets, was projected to be down by 20 per cent. The club expected to lose nearly 10million in 2012/13.

‘Cash-flow from sponsorships was minimal and the administrators had already pulled out the cash from player wages, kit sponsorship and future payments due the club from the sale of several players.

Angry: Rangers chairman Malcolm Murray

Angry: Rangers chairman Malcolm Murray

‘Worse, because the administrators had to make a deal to cut player wages to keep the club afloat, the new owner of Rangers would lose a substantial portion of asset value.’

Pritchett estimated that Green’s consortium, which bought the club and assets for 5.5m and transferred them to a newco, saved 3m in wage cuts but lost up to 15m as highly-rated stars like Steven Naismith and Allan McGregor were able to leave without a transfer fee.

The American business expert also warned that Rangers must ‘cut the fat from every department and rebuild an organisation that values every pound and demands a return on any and all expenses’.

Rangers have sold a remarkable 36,000 season tickets since Green took charge, however, while he has also taken back control of club merchandising from JJB Sport and there are plans to float on the stock exchange later this month.

Furious chairman Murray last night accused Pritchett of ignorance of current goings on at Ibrox and vowed Rangers would never go to the wall again under current ownership.

He said: ‘The last time Mr Pritchett had sight of any financial information about Rangers was many months ago and, as a result, his article in Forbes Magazine is ill-informed, misleading and scaremongering.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, there is no risk of the club going into administration and any suggestion otherwise is scandalous and appears written to attract headlines. Projections Mr Pritchett had sight of have not been relevant since May and, from the day I became chairman, I have been committed to ensuring this club lives within its means and never again comes to the brink of collapse.

‘We have already secured significant investment in the club from the individuals and organisations who are part of our consortium and the successful Initial Public Offering later this month will generate many millions in additional revenue.

‘It does not take a genius to work out that costs needed to be cut at the club and this has happened, with the first-team wage bill being reduced significantly.

‘However, we also have a plan to maximise commercial revenues and develop many areas of the club that, historically, were under utilised.

‘It is my understanding that Mr Miller’s plans were based purely on cost-cutting and little additional investment in the club.

‘What is also clear from his article is that Mr Pritchett completely underestimated the loyalty and commitment of the Rangers fans. In addition to the 36,000 season-ticket holders so far this season, the attendances at our home matches have surpassed many of the top clubs in England and the rest of Europe.

‘We have a clear plan to rebuild this great club and believe that, with solid business practices and the ongoing tremendous support from the fans, this will be achieved.’

Nottingham Forest on the up – The Midlander

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Whisper it quietly, but Forest could be on the road to success…

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UPDATED:

11:00 GMT, 7 September 2012

The preferred route to success for any football club would be sustained and steady growth.

Planned development with one eye fixed firmly on the finances.

I make no apologies for saying this again – just like the model that is currently being followed at West Brom. There is another alternative, of course.

You can throw money at it (Aston Villa). You can throw money at it and then watch as it spectacularly implodes (Birmingham City). You can throw a finance house's cash at it, fail, drop down two leagues and still lose money (Coventry City). You get the picture.

And then we have Nottingham Forest.

Looking up: Nottingham Forest have made an encouraging to the the new season in the npower Championship

Looking up: Nottingham Forest have made an encouraging to the the new season in the npower Championship

More from Neil Moxley…

The Midlander: Thorn sacking is one of many strange decisions by Coventry
30/08/12

The Midlander: Lambert has work to do in the window to add the goals he craves
23/08/12

The Midlander: How West Brom emerged as the unlikely flag-bearers round here
16/08/12

The Midlander: Tremendous track record Solbakken faces test from the start
09/08/12

The Midlander: All change at Villa but fans will relish new era of Lambert's Lions
02/08/12

Season review part 1 – Aston Villa, Wolves, West Brom, Birmingham and Coventry
24/05/12

The Midlander: Solbakken faces uphill struggle to restore Wolves' fortunes
18/05/12

The Midlander: Council are the only ones who can revive Coventry
11/05/12

VIEW FULL ARCHIVE

Nigel Doughty certainly threw his money at his favourite football club. Pretty much to no avail.

They couldn't get it quite right at the City Ground. If the manager was capable, (Paul Hart, Billy Davies) the players fell short. And if the manager was hopeless, (Joe Kinnear) the players fell even shorter.

And all the while the spectre of the director of football hovered over the manager. Was David Pleat a help or hindrance Should we spend money (Steve McClaren) Or not (again, Steve McClaren)
Mixed messages. Consequently, they just couldn't get it right.

Now the director of football has surprisingly disappeared, new owners have pitched up in the at Midlands and Nottingham Forest appear to be on the up again.

What struck the eye this week was a tweet from Nottingham Evening Post journalist Paul Taylor's tweet about the air of positivity encircling the club.

Eh Since when Since someone, somewhere took the decision to appoint a 'proper' football manager who certainly had done enough to warrant a crack at a club such as Nottingham Forest.

I took my annual break this summer just after the Al-Hasawi family assumed control.

After the excitement, there were names trotted out for the managerial post such as Glenn Hoddle. Ho hum.

Man in charge: New Nottingham Forest manager Sean O'Driscoll (R) has impressed at the City Ground

Man in charge: New Nottingham Forest manager Sean O'Driscoll (R) has impressed at the City Ground

Then Mick McCarthy – who has an excellent track record for leading clubs from the Championship on a budget – was mentioned.

Eventually, someone, somewhere (and I have a pretty good idea who) might have said to the owners: 'Listen, results picked up when Steve Cotterill brought Sean in.

'The players liked his training. Why don't we bring him back'

Hey presto. Unfortunate for Crawley Town, I accept that.

I suppose it was meant to happen sooner or later, but finally Nottingham Forest have a manager with the desire and ability to put XI players on the pitch who, at the very least, will play attractive, winning football. He's a Black Country bloke. I just wonder if Wolves may rue the day… but that's another story.

I like the smell around the City Ground at the moment. It's about as enticing as a whopping Sunday roast. Whisper it quietly, but it could be Forest's time.

But just don't ask them how they've done it – because I'm not exactly sure they know.

Ireland highlights positive signs at Villa

The reports from St James's Park were encouraging. Most commentators agreed that Villa were more than value for their point.

But, speaking to a colleague this week, the line: 'I've never seen Stephen Ireland work as hard as that,' was spoken.

Ireland has his own agenda – winning a new contract – but if Paul Lambert can get the talented ones to run around for 90 minutes, then that's certainly a positive sign.

Roy's tale of booze and football is a must-read…

Red card Roy: Ex-Colchester star McDonough tells all in his new book

Red card Roy: Ex-Colchester star McDonough tells all in his new book

The name of Roy McDonough won't be familiar to the current generation of Premier League followers.

But, back in the day, the man who amassed the most red cards in English football… well, let's just say he has lived the life – as his new autobiography reveals.

McDonough, now in his 50s, grew up in Solihull, so his roots are firmly embedded in the Midlands and started off life at Aston Villa as a kid and made his debut in the Football League with Birmingham City.

But his career really heads into a nose-dive after he signs for Chelsea and his tales of life in the lower leagues with Colchester, Southend, Cambridge and Exeter – among others, certainly puts the 'win or lose, on the booze' mentality into perspective. And then some.

I've read a few sports' autobiographies in my time – Paul McGrath's was as harrowing an account as they come. Niall Quinn's was excellent. As was Roy Keane's – apart from the nagging theme of self-justification which began to grate towards the end.

But this, ghosted superbly by Bernie Friend, is a real warts and all tale of football, wanton hedonism and, as the subject himself freely admits, self-loathing.

My favourite line Probably when he asks his physio at Southend whether drinking 70 pints of Stella every week is suitable behaviour for a professional athlete…

'Red Card Roy' is published by Vision Sports Publishing

Nani and Andrey Arshavin wanted at Zenit St Petersburg

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Zenit in race against time to land 25m Nani and Arshavin before Russian deadline

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UPDATED:

09:46 GMT, 6 September 2012

Manchester United winger Nani faces an anxious wait to discover whether he will join Zenit St Petersburg in a 25million deal before the Russian transfer window closes on Thursday.

Big-spending Zenit this week stunned football by splashing out over 70m on Porto striker Hulk and Benfica midfielder Axel Witsel, and are eyeing one more big-money buy before the deadline.

Zenit are also hoping to bring Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin back to his homeland
before their domestic transfer window shuts.

From Russia with love: A bid is expected for Nani from Zenit St Petersburg

From Russia with love: A bid is expected for Nani from Zenit St Petersburg

Nani has become increasingly
disillusioned with life at Old Trafford after failing to agree a new
contract and finding himself squeezed out of Sir Alex Ferguson's
preferred line-up.

The Portugal international was expected to sign a new deal this summer and cement his place as a key part of Ferguson's future plans.

But the 25-year-old has not managed to find an agreement and sources close to the player have revealed that he has been left feeling unwanted.

Nani was dropped following United's defeat at Everton in their opening match of the Barclays Premier League season and has not yet forced his way back in.

Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young are ahead of Nani in the pecking order on the wings, while the arrivals of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa this summer have pushed Nani out of Ferguson's plans.

The 25-year-old former Benfica ace came off the bench to replace Kagawa with 29 minutes remaining in the 3-2 win at Southampton last Sunday in his only other appearance for United this season.

Back home: Nani has been training with the Portugal squad in Praia del Rey

Back home: Nani has been training with the Portugal squad in Praia del Rey

Back home: Nani has been training with the Portugal squad in Praia del Rey

Nani is currently with Portugal's squad
in Praia Del Rey ahead of their World Cup qualifier in Luxembourg on
Friday but a deal with Zenit could yet be completed.

The Russian champions' boss Luciano Spalletti has been talking up his side's interest in Nani throughout the summer.

Big-money buy: Hulk

On the move: Axel Witsel

Big-money buys: Hulk (left) and Axel Witsel (right) joined Zenit this week

Nani currently has two years left on the contract he signed back in 2010.

Talks failed to progress at the start of the summer after United failed to match his 120,000-a-week demands with their offer.

Meanwhile, Zenit, Dynamo Moscow and CSKA Moscow are all interested in former Russia captain Arshavin, who has fallen out of favour at Arsenal, according to The Mirror.

Gunner get you: Andrey Arshavin is wanted back at Zenit St Petersburg

Gunner get you: Andrey Arshavin is wanted back at Zenit St Petersburg

Arshavin is no longer part of Arsene Wenger's future plans, and spent the second half of last season on loan back at Zenit, his first club.

Although the 31-year-old would still like to stay at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal may choose to cash in before his contract expires next year.

Roy Hodgson turns to Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick

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Age just a number for Hodgson as England boss to stick with elders like Carrick and Lampard

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UPDATED:

22:41 GMT, 18 August 2012

Roy Hodgson insists age will be no barrier to an England career as long as he is in charge.

Hodgson selected 34-year-old Frank Lampard as his skipper in Wednesday's win over Italy.

Lampard was partnered in central midfield by 31-year-old Michael Carrick, and another two members of the over-30s club, Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker, were his preferred partnership at Euro 2012.

Sticking with them: Roy Hodgson will stick with the likes of Michael Carrick (left) for England

Sticking with them: Roy Hodgson will stick with the likes of Michael Carrick (left) for England

For Lampard in particular, the 2014 World Cup seems a long way off.

However, whilst Hodgson is anxious to stress he is picking teams to win matches rather than as a long-term building process for Brazil, his past experience means he will never discard anyone on the grounds of what it says on their birth certificate.

'I remember having Jari Litmanen and Sami Hyypia with Finland, one was 38, the other 34, playing in a side whose average age was around 31,' he said.

'Sami was a very similar player at 34 to when he was 19.

'Frank is a very fit lad.

'He is one of those players who plays a lot of matches one after another without injury.

'I am rather hoping he will keep fit, playing well and first of all helps us get to Brazil and then be a contender.

'It is not something that concerns me at this moment in time.

'It might if we qualify and either he is not playing well or showing signs of being past it.'

Roy Hodgson (right) was at Fulham's 5-0 win over Norwich with Sir Alex Ferguson

Roy Hodgson (right) was at Fulham's 5-0 win over Norwich with Sir Alex Ferguson

Skipper: At 34 years old, Frank Lampard captained England in their friendly against Italy on Wednesday

Skipper: At 34 years old, Frank Lampard captained England in their friendly against Italy on Wednesday

Providing he retains his hunger, there is no reason why Lampard's body should fail him.

The huge advances in sports science are prolonging careers like never before.

Carrick's team-mate Ryan Giggs is about to start his 23rd season, with every likelihood the Welshman will continue beyond this term as well.

'Players are looked after so well in their clubs now with the rehabilitation and recuperation, it is only really major injuries that can stop them,' said Hodgson.

'Michael and Frank are still doing what they did at 19 but with the added advantage of having all the experience, quality and ability that matches and experience give you.'

Which leads Hodgson to an inescapable conclusion.

'Age is not a crucial factor when it comes to a footballer,' he said.

'It is how good he is, how fit he is and how capable he is of doing the work required.

'At the moment, I prefer just to concentrate on our qualifying matches.

'In two years' time they might still be flying. On the other hand, they might have retired, so I don't even bother to look ahead.'

As Scott Parker and Gareth Barry remain sidelined through injury, Lampard and Carrick will be in Hodgson's squad for the start of next month's World Cup qualifying campaign.

England exacted some small revenge on Italy on Wednesday night after bowing out on penalties in the Euros

England exacted some small revenge on Italy on Wednesday night after bowing out on penalties in the Euros

A visit to Moldova and a Wembley meeting with a Ukraine outfit weakened since Wayne Rooney's goal beat them in Donetsk last month should garner six points and confirm a trouble-free start to the long journey that Hodgson hopes will end in Brazil.

The old guard of Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Ashley Cole will return, although Glen Johnson cannot be sure of his place after Kyle Walker confirmed his well-being in Berne on Wednesday.

Indeed, there were a number of pleasing performances in the 2-1 win, which at least gives Hodgson comfort he has strength in depth where previously it appeared little existed.

The goalkeeping department is one such area.

Just a number: Hodgson handed 19-year-old Jack Butland a cap against the Italians on Wednesday

Just a number: Hodgson handed 19-year-old Jack Butland a cap against the Italians on Wednesday

And with Joe Hart still troubled by a back injury, additional attention will now be paid to John Ruddy's performances at Norwich to give Hodgson a bit more information on a keeper whose presence in Switzerland was overshadowed by Jack Butland's confirmation as the youngest goalkeeper in England history.

'Forty-five minutes is a small sample to make a decision on but he showed a lot of composure and a lot of character,' said Hodgson.

'What we have to do now is watch him very closely.

'There won't be a Norwich match he plays where I don't get a good report because we need to get a better grip on how he is as a goalkeeper.

'When I selected him for Euro 2012 it was a fairly quick decision based on not an awful lot of knowledge.'

Manchester City appoint Ferran Soriano

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One year after gaffe-prone Garry quit, City finally unveil new chief executive Soriano

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UPDATED:

10:57 GMT, 17 August 2012

Manchester City have finally appointed a replacement to gaffe-prone Garry Cook who left his position as chief executive a year ago.

Ferran Soriano will take up his new role on September 1, having been credited with transforming the off-field fortunes of Barcelona.

'I am delighted to take up the position of chief executive officer of Manchester City Football Club,' he told the club website. 'The vision of the owner together with his commitment, and that of the chairman and board, make this opportunity absolutely compelling.

Incoming: Ferran Soriano (left) is Manchester City's new chief executive

Incoming: Ferran Soriano (left) is Manchester City's new chief executive

'The club has incredible potential to be fulfilled both on and off the field. I very much look forward to playing my part to ensure that happens.'

City have been chasing Soriano for some time but it is only now that he has been cleared to take up a job chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak views as one of the most important at the club.

'The process of finding a chief executive officer has been deliberate, far reaching and exhaustive,' said Khaldoon. 'In Ferran we have our preferred candidate.

'His experience in football and in the wider commercial world make him exceptionally well equipped to lead Manchester City through its continued evolution.'

Daniel Agger does not want to leave Liverpool – Brendan Rodgers

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Agger doesn't want to leave and I intend to keep him at Anfield, insists Rodgers

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UPDATED:

15:00 GMT, 16 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has stressed both he and defender Daniel Agger see the player remaining at the club.

However, the future of Andy Carroll remains less favourable after the Northern Irishman admitted he would prefer to tinker with his preferred way of playing before using the England striker's obvious strengths in the air as a Plan B.

Agger has two years remaining on his contract but has been the subject of two serious enquiries from Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City.

Great Dane: Rodgers is an admirer of Agger

Great Dane: Rodgers is an admirer of Agger

Despite Rodgers admitting a week ago that 'every player has his price and we will see where it goes' he insists Agger is one he intends to keep.

'For me there has been no big change. The first point is we don't want to sell him,' said Rodgers.

'Secondly, I believe he will be a player who will thrive in this way of working and thirdly he doesn't want to leave – which is a great help as well.

'He is a top player and I want to keep him here. Over the last couple of months we have been able to sell the project and vision to a number of senior players.

'They are very happy to move forward with it and I would expect Daniel to be the same.

High hopes: Rodgers feels Agger will suit his preferred style of play

High hopes: Rodgers feels Agger will suit his preferred style of play

'He made that clear in the very first conversation we had that he wanted to be part of our revolution here in terms of moving forward and he hasn't wavered from that in any single way whatsoever.

'Other reported clubs have made bids for him, which is natural, because he is a top player.

'But for us nothing has changed: he doesn't want to go and we don't want to sell him.'

In the balance: Liverpool are open to offers for Carroll

In the balance: Liverpool are open to offers for Carroll

The situation is different for Carroll, who has attracted interest from former club Newcastle and Premier League rivals West Ham.

It is clear he will not be first choice as he does not fit into Rodgers' passing and pressing gameplan which he developed so well at former club Swansea and has now introduced at Anfield.

And while he still believes the England international can be effective for them he suggested it would be a while before he changed his principles and went for the alternative option.

'He knows where he stands. He is an important part of our group and that is how I see it at the moment,' added the 39-year-old.

'If you are a team that puts crosses in and are firing them in from all angles he is a great player in the box.

'Naturally his height and his power gives him that strength but if you play a different style it is that much more difficult.

'Most managers have a way of playing and a Plan A in terms of the way they want to play.

'I will always try to make Plan A better before I go to Plan B. If trying to make Plan A better doesn't work then we go to Plan B and then probably Plan C.

Rebuilding: Rodgers hopes to make more signings before the end of the month

Rebuilding: Rodgers hopes to make more signings before the end of the month

'Andy's strengths are someone else's weakness but we have that flexibility in the group and that will serve us well going forward.

On the radar: Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin

On the radar: Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin

'There is no doubt he is happy to be here, which is important, and of course every player wants to play but there are not many players here you can promise will play.

'All he wants to do is work hard every day in training and hopefully get an opportunity at some stage to show his form.

'If that doesn't happen then he'll be like every other player, because they want to play games.

'He is concentrating on being here and we will see what develops.'

Rodgers said there was nothing imminent in terms of players leaving, either on loan or permanently, but he hopes to learn in the next 48 hours whether his next two transfer targets will be arriving.

He has been strongly linked with loan deals for Barcelona winger Cristian Tello, 21, and Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin, 23, but would not confirm those were the players in his immediate thoughts.

'We hope in the next couple of days we'll have one or two coming in,' he said.

'Hopefully in the next 48 hours we will find out.'

Lukas Podolski: Arsenal can win Premier League

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Arsenal can challenge for the Premier League title, insists 11m Podolski

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UPDATED:

14:52 GMT, 15 August 2012

Lukas Podolski insists Arsenal can mount a sustained assault on the Barclays Premier League title – but whether captain Robin van Persie will lead the challenge remains to be seen.

While Old Trafford appears to be the preferred destination of the Dutchman, who announced earlier this summer he would not be signing a new contract, Manchester United will have to move closer towards the 20million at which Arsenal appear willing to do business for a player who could walk away for nothing at the end of the campaign.

Thumbs up: Podolski insists the Gunners can launch a title assault this term

Thumbs up: Podolski insists the Gunners can launch a title assault this term

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has signalled his intent for the challenges ahead by adding experience in the form of German striker Podolski, France forward Olivier Giroud and Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla.

Podolski, 27, maintains this shows Arsenal can be thinking about an attack on the championship and not just securing third or fourth place again.

'The Premier League has five or six teams who can play for the title – and we are one of them. We really want to win this trophy.' Podolski said.

Replacement: Van Persie's future still hangs in the balance

Replacement: Van Persie's future still hangs in the balance

'I hope I can score a lot of goals and make some assists to help the club in the Premier League.'

If the Gunners are not to slip back to being also-rans again next season, then they will have to tighten up a defence which leaked 49 Premier League goals last term – some 20 more than champions Manchester City.

Laurent Koscielny found himself playing alongside several different central partners last season after injuries again took their toll at the back.

Contract: Koscielny (right) penned a new long-term deal in the summer

Contract: Koscielny (right) penned a new long-term deal in the summer

Fantasy football 2012

The France defender, 26, recently penned a new long-term deal and intends to do all he can to make the Gunners rearguard a secure unit.

'Now I know the Premier League – I am more mature and more physical,' Koscielny told Arsenal Player.

'You know I like to be tactical and technical in my position, but I have worked hard to be fitter and stronger.

'Now I want to continue my progression with this club.

New dawn: RVP has been warned he may have to play second fiddle to Huntelaar

New dawn: RVP has been warned he may have to play second fiddle to Huntelaar

'I know I played a good season last year, but I want to do more for Arsenal this year. I want to win a trophy.'

New Holland manager Louis van Gaal revealed Van Persie had no issue with being asked to play back-up to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in the Oranje's future plans.

Speaking ahead of the friendly against Belgium, Van Gaal told reporters, as quoted by De Telegraaf: 'I had a fantastic conversation with Robin. I had to tell him that his situation has changed and that I prefer Huntelaar for now.

'It was a great talk not just about football, but also about life in general.

'I was pleasantly surprised. This was probably one of the best conversations I have ever had with a player.

'It is pretty rare to have such a good talk with a player.

'I told him that the best player plays, but that his situation can quickly change.

'I am confident that there will be a moment where he pulls us through.'