Brendan Rodgers claims Luis Suarez will not leave Liverpool

Posted on January 26, 2013 by adminsports

Suarez isn't going anywhere, vows Rodgers as Liverpool chase European place

By
Andy Hampson, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

10:23 GMT, 26 January 2013

UPDATED:

10:23 GMT, 26 January 2013

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has no concerns about star striker Luis Suarez's commitment to the club.

The Uruguay international is enjoying an outstanding season having scored 20 goals for the Anfield outfit.

That has led to speculation that other clubs could move in for the 40million-rated forward if the Reds' absence from the Champions League continues.

Staying put: Brendan Rodgers says his star striker Luis Suarez will remain at Anfield even if they miss out on the Champions League

Liverpool are currently seventh in the Barclays Premier League and facing a battle to regain a place in Europe's elite competition.

But Rodgers is confident Suarez shares his vision for the club and does not believe the 26-year-old's future on Merseyside depends on whether they qualify or not.

Don't walk away: Rodgers says he has no reason to doubt Suarez's commitment, despite rumours of a big money move

Rodgers said: 'Luis had a terrific season last season and he had an opportunity to leave in the summer, and probably would have had a ready-made excuse with a new manager coming in, but he never did.

'He committed to the club. He sees the vision going forward, and he believes in that.

'He knows it won't happen overnight. He has had a brilliant season with 20 goals until now, and hopefully there are many more to come.'

Sharp shooter: Suarez already has 20 goals this season

Suarez signed a long-term contract at Anfield in August.

Liverpool face a big week with an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Oldham followed by Premier League away trips to Arsenal and Manchester City.

Rodgers is determined to keep firing on all fronts.

He said: 'When you are a club like this you are judged on your trophies, and we want to improve in the league as well.'

Mario Balotelli bobblehead tour of Coronation Street and Manchester

Posted on November 15, 2012 by adminsports

Bobble on the cobbles! Balotelli drops into Rovers Return in a visit to Coronation Street

UPDATED:

12:24 GMT, 15 November 2012

Mini me: Mario Balotelli poses with his bobblehead figuerine at Manchester City's training ground

With rumours abounding that Luis Suarez could be heading down the M62 from Liverpool in January, it looks increasingly likely that troubled Mario Balotelli could be on his way out at Man City.

But while the Premier League will miss his terrific goals and temper tantrums, it seems the blue half of Manchester will miss the man himself even more, having taken Super Mario to their hearts.

It's a shame, because this Man About Town seems to be right at home and knows all the Mancunian landmarks, from the cobbles of Coronation Street to the Castlefield canals.

To mark the launch of the Ballotelli bobblehead figurine, out just in time to be the perfect Christmas stocking filler for any young (or old) City fan, mini Mario's been on a little tour.

He's been spotted outside the Rovers Return, the famous pub in ITV soap Coronation Street, on the Lowry bridge in the city centre and grabbing a bite to eat at San Carlo, the award-winning restaurant.

And his 'Why Always Me' t-shirt was appropriate when forced into battle with some Daleks at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Rovers return: Balotelli boblehead on the famous cobbles of Coronation Street

Read all about it: Balotelli waits outside Corrie's famous corner shop The Kabin

Neighbourhood watch: Balotelli seems to be waiting for a kickabout with Kev Webster

THE HAMMERS BOBBLEHEADS…
See how West Ham immortalised their co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold HERE

The wacky figurines are part of a set
of six, priced at 15 apiece, with Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero, Vincent
Kompany, Joe Hart and boss Roberto Mancini also available.

The real Balotelli found it hilarious
when he came face-to-face with his plastic alter ego at the club's
Carrington training ground this week.

No doubt he's added it to his Christmas wish list.

Bobbleheads seem to be enjoying a
surge in popularity this year, with the City figurines hot on the heels
of a West Ham collection featuring owners David Gold and David Sullivan,
and Hammers star Mark Noble.

Bite to eat: Balotelli pops into his favourite restaurant San Carlo

Road block: Balotelli posing alongside his favoured Bentley Continental GT

Love story: Balotelli once scribed the word City onto a promotional 'I love Manchester' warm-up t-shirt he wore at the Etihad Stadium

Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool were "terrific" in Anzhi Mackhachkala defeat

Posted on November 9, 2012 by adminsports

'Terrific' Liverpool display deserved more than defeat, moans Rodgers after Anzhi loss leaves Reds in Europa League scrap

UPDATED:

20:52 GMT, 8 November 2012

Brendan Rodgers hailed a 'terrific' team performance even as his Liverpool team came away from their Russian adventure 1-0 losers to Anzhi Makhachkala in the Europa League.

A terrific goal from Lacina Traore on the stroke of half-time was a rare moment of quality in the match, and proved decisive as Liverpool failed to really test the home goalkeeper despite carving out a number of chances.

'I feel for the players tonight, I thought they were outstanding,' Rodgers told ITV4. 'The first half we were tactically terrific for 44 minutes and 50 seconds but then switched off and made a mistake right at the end.

Heads down: Liverpool walk off after defeat to Anzhi Makhachkala at Lokomotiv Stadium in Moscow

Matchwinner: Lacina Traore (second right) celebrates scoring with his Anzhi team-mates

'The second half was more of the same. The game opened up a wee bit, they had chances as we went for it. But we had chances throughout the game.'

Rodgers named a young team, including the likes of Conor Coady, Adam Morgan and Jon Flanagan while Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez and others remained on Merseyside, and Rodgers was impressed by his young charges.

'Coady came in and was outstanding in his first start, playing against top players, and for Flanagan it was his first game in a long time,' he said.

Close quarters: Rasim Tagirbekov (right) attempts to stop a cross from Jon Flanagan (left)

Midfield battle: Jonjo Shelvey (centre) fights for the ball against Anzhi's Odil Ahmedov (right)

'It was a terrific team performance against players of top quality on a difficult pitch, but at this level you get punished when you make mistakes.

'It was a much-changed team but we still deserved something out of the game. We just need to be more clinical.'

Opposite number Guus Hiddink was impressed with the Liverpool performance and happy to take three points that keep them in charge of their own destiny at the top of Group A.

Calm down: Referee David Fernandez Borbalan tells Shelvey to cool it on a frustrating night

Head in hands: Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole (centre) reflects on a tough night after being hauled off

'They had a young side but that does not mean they were not experienced as some of those players play frequently in the Premier League.

'They were good players, skilful players who were tactically good. They tested us but we also have some young players so it's a good result for us.

'We didn't finish it off in the second half, we had two big opportunities, but it was an interesting game on a very bad pitch. They tested us so we have to be happy with this result.'

John McCririck axed by Channel 4 as Clare Balding leads new-look racing team

Posted on October 26, 2012 by adminsports

Outspoken McCririck turfed out by Channel 4 as Balding leads new-look racing team

UPDATED:

08:20 GMT, 26 October 2012

'Devastated' John McCririck, one of the best known
faces in racing broadcasting, will not be part of the new Channel 4
Racing team which takes over sole terrestrial broadcasting of the sport
from January 1.

The outlandish and often outspoken
figure, who transformed the way news from the betting ring at
racecourses was shown on TV, has been involved in racing broadcasting
since 1981 when the racing was shown on ITV.

Axed: John McCririck

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The 72-year-old will be replaced by his sidekick Tanya Stevenson but McCririck accused the broadcasters of ageism, with just one of the 13 presenters in the new line-up over 50.

'I'm devastated. I've been covering TV betting for 31 years,' he told The Mirror.

'According to Channel 4 I'm being sacked after audience research. Yes, I do antagonise people, as reactions to me on Celebrity Big Brother proved. But I was never asked to change my presentation style.

'Clare [Balding] is a terrific choice to lead the new young team. But it's so sad Channel 4 have again gone down the path of ageism.'

With his eccentric headgear, Old Harrovian McCririck was an original member of the Channel 4 Racing team three years later.

His catch-phrases and use of Tic-Tac, the system of hand signals that traditionally transfer messages across the Ring, attracted huge attention to McCririck who became better recognised than many of its best-known participants.

That led to appearances in programmes like Celebrity Big Brother and Wife Swap, the latter with wife Jenny or The Booby as he refers to her.

All change: Clare Balding (L) will lead the new-look Channel 4 racing team in the New Year

Fellow C4 presenters also to fail to make the new line up are stalwarts Derek Thompson, Mike Cattermole and Alistair Down.

John Francome and Lesley Graham had already ruled themselves out of a role in the new-look team which will be led by Clare Balding.

She moves from the BBC and will be supported by Nick Luck, currently host of C4' s Morning Line.

Other C4 faces to survive include Jim McGrath, Alice Plunkett and Emma Spencer.

Recruited from the BBC is Grand National winning jockey Mick Fitzgerald plus Rishi Persad while joining the team as paddock analyst Graham Cunningham, who has been working on specialist channel Racing UK.

Gold Cup winning jockey Sam Thomas will be a contributor as will Gina Bryce, who works for Attheraces.

Mad-cap: McCririck was an outspoken character in racing

Bonkers: McCririck was an outspoken character in racing and appeared on Channel 4's Celebrity Wife Swap alongside Edwina Currie (below)

Bonkers: McCririck appeared on Channel 4's Celebrity Wife Swap alongside Edwina Currie

The lead commentator will be C4's Simon Holt supported by Richard Hoiles.

Jamie Aitchison, Channel 4's Sports Editor, said: 'Being the new home of horseracing is a real privilege and I'm delighted to announce this carefully selected team of presenters and reporters; a mix of broadcasting heavyweights and racing experts.

'Sports fans have something to look forward to – our racing coverage will be insightful, intelligent and ground-breaking. I'm hugely excited about the future of racing on Channel 4 and greatly look forward to 2013.

'I would like to thank all of the presenting team for their commitment and enthusiasm to Channel 4 and the racing coverage over the years.'

Nigel Reo-Coker joins Ipswich Town

Posted on October 14, 2012 by adminsports

Reo-Coker joins Championship strugglers Ipswich on short-term deal until January

UPDATED:

14:34 GMT, 14 October 2012

Free agent: Nigel Reo-Coker left Bolton this summer

Former Aston Villa and West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker has signed for npower Championship strugglers Ipswich.

The 28-year-old midfielder, a free agent after leaving Bolton in the summer, has agreed a short-term contract until January.

'Ipswich is a sleeping giant in the Championship,' Reo-Coker told the club's official website.

'It's a massive club with a great history and tradition. The facilities are first class and there is a terrific fan base. It's the right club at the right time for me and everything has just fallen into place.

'I had a good conversation with the manager (Paul Jewell). He's highly respected in the game for what he has achieved and I know what he's trying to do at the club.

Football League blog

'Ipswich may be at the wrong end of the table at the moment but it's still early in the season and I'm sure with the manager and players the club have, it's only a matter of time before things turn around.'

Ipswich are currently second from bottom in the Championship with seven points from 10 games. Reo-Coker could make his debut at Hull next Saturday.

Leighton Baines ready to fight Ashley Cole for England left back spot

Posted on October 14, 2012 by adminsports

Baines warns Cole he is not ready to give up England left back spot without a fight

UPDATED:

22:01 GMT, 13 October 2012

Leighton Baines admits he is ready to battle Ashley Cole for the England left-back role and feels he is good enough to be a regular under Roy Hodgson.

Baines has waited patiently for his chance as Cole has closed in on 100 caps.

But the Chelsea defender’s relationship with the England hierarchy has been affected by his Twitter outburst against the Football Association, which led to him being charged.

Ready for battle: Leighton Baines wants to keep his spot in the England team

Cole Baines

Cole was left on the bench for the 5-0 win over San Marino on Friday and Baines showed again he is good enough to compete on the international stage.

Cole will probably regain his place against Poland on Tuesday but Baines says he is ready to do everything to show Hodgson he should be first-choice left-back.

Baines said: ‘Ashley is a terrific player but in the games I’ve played I’ve shown I can come in and do a job as well.

‘Of course you want to play more. All I can do is play as well as I can for Everton, and that’s all I’m focused on.

‘I’ll just keep playing as well as I can.’

Steven Gerrard should replace John Terry in England defence – Chris Waddle

Posted on October 9, 2012 by adminsports

Gerrard should replace Terry at heart of England defence, claims former Three Lion Waddle

UPDATED:

08:50 GMT, 9 October 2012

Former England international Chris Waddle has made the sensational claim that midfield stalwart Steven Gerrard should be converted to a defender.

Waddle, who played 62 times for his country, reckons England manager Roy Hodgson can cite Germany as an inspiration.

Case for the defence: Waddle claims Gerrard could adapt to a new position

The former Newcastle and Tottenham ace, who now works as a pundit for ESPN said: 'He's good enough to convert to a centre-half. He's competitive, he reads the game brilliantly and he has a terrific range of passing.

'The Germans have done it for years – (Lothar) Matthaus, (Franz) Beckenbauer and (Matthias) Sammer all went back there. We should do that more.'

Speaking to ESPN, Waddle added: 'Instead, we get a player, put him in a position then say, “He's tired now, he hasn't got the legs, get rid of him”.'

Kop star: The Liverpool midfielder is suspended for the visit of San Marino

Hodgson will need to fill the void left by John Terry after the Chelsea captain announced his international retirement last month.

And while Waddle claims it's too early in Gerrard's career to make the switch, the 51-year-old says it's an option that Hodgson must consider later down the line.

'You wouldn't say Glenn Hoddle is a physical player but he did it,' Waddle said speaking of his former club and country team-mate.

'You might get muscled out of a tackle, you might lose a 50-50 but, in modern football, the aggressive centre-halves, the bully boys with split eyes, have gone.

'You tackle once, it's a yellow; the second tackle you're gone. 'You want players who can intercept, who can read the game and nick the ball.'

Gerrard is suspended for Friday's World Cup qualifier against San Marino but is expected to return for the trip to Poland on Tuesday.

Jonny Howson eyes England call-up

Posted on September 14, 2012 by adminsports

Norwich ace Howson looking to impress Hodgson and earn shock England call

UPDATED:

16:20 GMT, 13 September 2012

Norwich midfielder Johnny Howson is hoping a consistent run in the Premier League could place him on the radar of England manager Roy Hodgson.

Howson was an avid England supporter as Hodgson's side beat Moldova and drew against Ukraine during the two-week international break and hopes he could be involved one day, alongside clubmate John Ruddy who has earned a place as back-up to England goalkeeper Joe Hart.

At 24 Howson has one Under 21 cap behind him and is encouraged by the youngsters, such as Liverpool's Raheem Sterling and Tottenham's Jake Livermore, getting a chance in Hodgson's squad.

National service: Jonny Howson wants to earn an England call-up

Howson said: 'It's good that they give the younger lads a chance, but for me it's about playing well for Norwich.

'I'm sure if you perform well in this league you will not be too far away. There are a fair few new players getting a chance for England. If we need anyone to take inspiration from here it is John Ruddy. Last season he had a terrific season and has been rewarded for that internationally.'

Howson, in particular, takes encouragement from the call-up of former Leeds team-mates Livermore as an additional player in the squad against Ukraine.

But Howson believes players need to be extra special to get noticed if they are playing for an unfashionable club such as Norwich and cites the case of striker Grant Holt who has been overlooked by England despite being one of the Premier League's top marksmen over the past 12 months.

Howson said: 'You want to play consistently because if you are doing that the team is succeeding. But if you look at Grant Holt he has been very unfortunate. He had a terrific season last season and still didn't get the call-up which he deserved.

'He was the second-highest English goal scorer behind Wayne Rooney and still didn't get a chance. What more does he have to do

'They may be looking at the bigger clubs. If you are playing for the bigger teams maybe you do have a better chance. I'm not just thinking about Norwich but some of the lads at say Swansea have been playing great and still not got a chance.

Tough task: Chris Hughton's Norwich face a run of testing fixtures

'I don't pick the team and can't do anything about it although it's something that is not impossible as John Ruddy has shown.'

Howson will be looking to further his claims this weekend when Norwich take on West Ham at Carrow Road hoping to capitalise on two fine performances against QPR and Tottenham, even if they did only collect two points.

Manager Chris Hughton said: 'I was delighted with those performances and we should have won them on the chances we had.

'Whether it is Manchester United or anyone else we go into all of our games striving to win, particularly at home.'

Norwich face a daunting run of fixtures following West Ham, including games against Newcastle, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa and

Hughton added: 'They are very difficult on paper but we have to embrace them and not fear them.'

Hughton is grateful that his side are unlikely to face Andy Carroll, the striker he knew well while at Newcastle, against West Ham. Carroll is injured but Hughton warns that Carlton Cole can present an equally potent threat.

Hughton said: 'Cole has done an excellent job for West Ham. He is a difficult opponent and we will have to be at our best.'

Hughton will check on the fitness of defender Russell Martin, who is back training but had to pull out of the Scotland squad because of an ankle injury. He will also wait on the recovery of Simeon Jackson who had a punishing travel itinerary over the international break with Canada.

Tottenham to send Carlo Cudicini and Heurelho Gomes to Championship

Posted on September 3, 2012 by adminsports

Spurs to offload Cudicini and Gomes to Championship after Lloris arrival

UPDATED:

06:12 GMT, 3 September 2012

Tottenham will send goalkeepers Carlo Cudicini and Heurelho Gomes to the Championship after the arrival of Hugo Lloris.

The pair are well behind the French star and Brad Friedel in the pecking order and will be allowed to leave on loan with a view to permanent moves in the January transfer window, according to The Mirror.

Friedel shone in Spurs' 2-2 draw with Norwich on Saturday as he bids to keep the No 1 spot from Lloris.

Surplus: Heurelho Gomes could be sent on loan to the Championship

And Andre Villas-Boas has warned the 25-year-old that he will have to battle hard to dislodge Friedel.

'When you transfer it’s not written in the contract that you have to play,' he said.

'He has to compete against three good goalkeepers and at the moment Brad is doing extremely well. He deserves to be playing and he’ll continue to do so.'

One of Norwich’s top performers on Saturday, Sebastien Bassong, was full of praise for his former team-mate.

'Uncle Brad was magic, I’ve never doubted his quality. He is one of the best in the Premier League,' Bassong said.

'He’s a terrific player and there’s going to be a tough competition between him and Hugo.

'They finished fourth last year and (Friedel) played a big part in that.'

Transfer window guide: The final week

Posted on August 24, 2012 by adminsports

What to look out for in the final week before the transfer window slams shut

UPDATED:

23:23 GMT, 23 August 2012

There is just a week to go until the transfer window shuts, seven days for clubs to bolster their squad and players to get the move they have always dreamed of. Simon Jones, Matt Barlow and Alex Kay look at who could be moving and where they might end up.

I'm a footballer, get me out of here!Heurelho Gomes

Club: Tottenham
Age: 31
PL Appearances: 95

Why’s he going The Brazilian is behind Brad Friedel at Tottenham and Andre Villas-Boas is looking for another keeper too. His former club PSV or Corinthians are keen on a 3million deal.

Frozen out: Heurelho Gomes is not in Spurs' first-team plans

Alan Hutton

Club: Aston Villa
Age: 27
PL Appearances: 92

Where’s he going Frozen out by Paul Lambert, the Scotland full back is interesting Stoke boss Tony Pulis for 3m.

Michael Dawson

Club: Tottenham
Age: 28
PL Appearances: 178

Where’s he going Surprisingly cast aside by Villas-Boas, Dawson is keen to play and is wanted by QPR, Stoke and Sunderland.

Switch: Michael Dawson will leave Spurs

Kolo Toure

Club: Manchester City
Age: 31
PL Appearances: 292

Where’s he going Out of favour under Roberto Mancini, Toure could head to Lazio for 3m.

Stephen Warnock

Club: Aston Villa
Age: 30
PL Appearances: 211

Where’s he going The former England left-back is another Lambert wants out of Villa Park.

He could drop a division and return to Blackburn on a loan.

Down: Stephen Warnock might go to the Championship

Expect to see these players at a club near youJulio Cesar

Club: Inter Milan
Age: 32

Brazilian goalkeeper who won the Champions League in 2010. He has made 64 appearances for Brazil.

What’s he worth 3m

Where’s he going QPR have the firmest interest.

Yann M’Vila

Club: Rennes
Age: 22

Defensive midfielder with terrific work ethic who loves a robust tackle.

What’s he worth 17m

Where’s he going Arsenal and Man City are keen.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Club: Marseille
Age: 22

Right back who possesses a lot of speed. Was originally a midfielder but, after suffering injuries, has been converted to a right-back.

Blue boy Cesar Azpilicueta (right) could move to Chelsea

What’s he worth 7m

Where’s he going Chelsea have almost completed his signature.

Leandro Damiao

Club: Internacional
Age: 23

Prolific striker who is comfortable on either foot, he is best as a target man. Has scored 20 goals in 29 matches in 2012.

What’s he worth 20m

Where’s he going Tottenham are close to a deal.

Stephane Mbia

Club: Marseille
Age: 26

Tall central defender who was highly impressive after moving from defensive midfield back to defence last season under Didier Deschamps.

What’s he worth 4.5m

Where’s he going Many of the London clubs have shown an interest but QPR’s is most concrete.

Incoming: Stephane Mbia makes a tackle

Five things you will seeFrantic calculations concerning 25-man Premier League squads followed by a surge of activity of loaning in and loaning out, while double-checking the loan rules, one from each club etc. Fax machines* jamming and servers ‘going down’ as the end of the month looms in an end-of- August version of the millennium bug. *ancient form of telecommunication, now defunct, except in football. An injury of some sort to Abou Diaby, sparking a series of contradictory remarks from Arsene Wenger about the need to acquire (or not) reinforcements and speculation which probably features Europe’s most linked footballer Yann M’VilaA sky full of helicopters and silhouetted figures moving furtively behind partially drawn blinds in the offices above the entrances to football clubs.

Yossi Benayoun's annual transfer.Five things you won't seeConfessions of a panic buy. No sir, not here. He’s always been our very first choice. Tapping up. It doesn’t happen. Move along now.A ring round Premier League clubs from Porto president Pinto da Costa to say he’s had a rethink and will drop the asking price for Hulk out of respect for him.Harry Redknapp rolling down his car window for a chinwag with the fella from Sky Sports News. Unless they doorstep him in Dorset (which could be called Dorsetstepping), which you wouldn’t rule out. Lionel Messi.
Free transfer XI

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Tag Archives: terrific

Brendan Rodgers claims Luis Suarez will not leave Liverpool

Mario Balotelli bobblehead tour of Coronation Street and Manchester

Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool were "terrific" in Anzhi Mackhachkala defeat

John McCririck axed by Channel 4 as Clare Balding leads new-look racing team

Nigel Reo-Coker joins Ipswich Town

Leighton Baines ready to fight Ashley Cole for England left back spot

Steven Gerrard should replace John Terry in England defence – Chris Waddle

Jonny Howson eyes England call-up

Tottenham to send Carlo Cudicini and Heurelho Gomes to Championship

Transfer window guide: The final week