Neil Warnock to extend El Hadji Diouf deal until end of season

Posted on September 27, 2012 by adminsports

Warnock ready to extend unlikely alliance with 'matador' Diouf after striker dazzles at Leeds

UPDATED:

09:18 GMT, 27 September 2012

Neil Warnock is ready to extend one of football’s unlikeliest alliances for the rest of the season, at least, after describing El Hadji Diouf as ‘a matador’ who has the Elland Road crowd in the palm of his hand.

The Leeds manager’s perception of Diouf varies somewhat from 20 months ago, when he likened him to a sewer rat for verbally abusing Jamie Mackie, as the QPR defender lay on the pitch with a broken leg.

Diouf hit back by labelling the then-QPR boss ‘a nobody’, but the vitriol was all forgotten at the start of this season, when Warnock handed him an Elland Road contract until the New Year and insisted their differences had been resolved.

Staying on: El Hadji Diouf will be a Leeds player until at least the end of the season

Seven weeks on, the truce appears to be holding fast, following a stirring Capital One Cup triumph over Everton that brought out the showman in the 31-year old one-time Liverpool forward.

Predictably barracked throughout by Everton fans, he lapped it up by cupping his ears and blowing kisses to his detractors.

At the other end, a standing ovation every time he took a corner was acknowledged with a wave.

Asked if another contract was in the offing in January, Warnock nodded, and said: ‘Diouf isn’t going anywhere else. He has promised me certain things, and I’m happy with that.

Unlikely alliance: Neil Warnock had once described the striker as a 'sewer rat', now he says he is like a 'matador'

‘He’s certainly not doing it here for the money. He’s one of the lowest-paid players at the club and could have earned six or seven times his wages by going to Saudi Arabia or Dubai.

‘But there would be no point him doing that, because he wouldn’t get a stage like he’s got here. He’s a matador, isn’t he That’s what he is, and Elland Road is his stage.

‘He needs something like this. I think he realises he’s better off here, because he has given me his word (about staying), if that’s worth it. I think it is worth it, and I am sure he will keep being straight up with me.

‘I’ve been straight up with him. I told him I would get him fit and that he would be surprised how good he could be.

'There’s still a little bit more to do, but he’s nearly there. That was evident against Everton, because to go the full 90 minutes in a tie like that was a terrific effort.’

Delighted: Warnock has been impressed since the arrival of Diouf

Brendan Rodgers angry at Liverpool"s failure to sign transfer targets

Posted on September 2, 2012 by adminsports

Rodgers fury over transfers: Liverpool boss can't hide anger as players allowed to leave club

UPDATED:

21:58 GMT, 1 September 2012

Liverpool fans have erupted in fury at the club’s failures on transfer deadline day as the side attempt to register a first Premier League win of the season.

The future of managing director Ian Ayre is under scrutiny as he seeks to explain why top target Clint Dempsey ended up at Tottenham.

Anfield activists have flooded Twitter and club-related forums with the kind of vitriol not seen since former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were forced out two years ago.

Not a happy man: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers failed to land any of his transfer targets on deadline day

Manager Brendan Rodgers pushed Andy Carroll, Charlie Adam and Jay Spearing out the door in the last 48 hours of the window but long-time target Dempsey joined Spurs on Friday after Liverpool failed to meet Fulham’s 6million asking price. The club also failed to sign a senior striker to replace Carroll.

A frustrated Rodgers met Ayre at the club’s Melwood training ground on Saturday to seek an explanation why he has been left chasing four trophies with a painfully thin squad that contains one senior striker in Luis Suarez.

Rodgers has been assured Friday’s debacle will be taken into account if the club miss out on a top-four finish, and he has been promised he can bid for players in January, including Arsenal’s Theo Walcott.

Top target: Liverpool missed out on Clint Dempsey as he opted to sign for Spurs

The 39-year-old successor to Kenny Dalglish has to decide whether to let his displeasure be known when he answers questions on TV before Sunday’s game against Arsenal.

Liverpool fans, noted for campaigns to seek justice over the Hillsborough tragedy and to remove Hicks and Gillett, took to social media in their thousands, largely to blame Ayre and the club’s latest American owners, Fenway Sports Group, for missing out on Dempsey.

Some also pointed the finger at Rodgers for his hard-line approach towards Carroll and Adam that helped lower their value.

Carroll went to West Ham on loan and helped set up a goal for Kevin Nolan in the first minute of his Hammers debut against Fulham, although he later limped off with a hamstring twinge.

Another one slips away: Rodgers was keen on Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge but failed to conclude a deal

Adam cost Stoke just 4million — a third of what Matt Jarvis and Steven Fletcher, of relegated Wolves, each went for.

Ayre was criticised for leaving Melwood two hours before the deadline passed after finding out Spurs had signed Dempsey.

Principal owner John W Henry was widely slated, with a message on the influential Anfield online website saying: ‘Terrible approach from the money men.’

Paul Dalglish, son of former manager Kenny, tweeted Rodgers’s head would ‘explode with rage’.

Moving on: Andy Carroll left Liverpool to join West Ham on loan

It is believed Liverpool bid 5m for Dempsey and, with the American frustrated at their negotiating stance, he decided to move to Tottenham for 6m.

Rodgers had said he needed reinforcements. ‘Ultimately your principles are based on the players you have. You’ve got to have certain types of players to play that way,’ he said.

The Ulsterman is practically unsackable after huge pay-offs to Rafa Benitez, Roy Hodgson and Dalglish. But he said: ‘You’ve got to win games or you don’t stay in your job.’

Sold: Charlie Adam joined Stoke for 4m

He let Adam and Carroll go on the understanding replacements would be signed, saying: ‘If I had a choice on one or two matters then there might not have been change, but that sometimes gets taken out of your hands.’

The club decided they did not want to pay 6m for a 29-year-old like Dempsey. Rodgers’s only option now is to pursue free agents like Michael Owen.

Steve Kean wants to stay at Blackburn next season

Posted on May 8, 2012 by adminsports

Rover, but not out! Kean insists he'll stay at Ewood Park and get Blackburn promoted at first go

UPDATED:

00:43 GMT, 8 May 2012

Blackburn boss Steve Kean went down fighting, vowing to bounce back as his team were relegated from the Barclays Premier League.

Kean was barracked mercilessly by the home support as Rovers crashed to a late 1-0 defeat against Wigan at Ewood Park to suffer the drop into the npower Championship.

The Scot, who has withstood protests throughout Rovers' miserable season, wants to stay on despite the vitriol and is convinced controversial owners Venky's will continue to back him.

Kean said: 'It is difficult to put into words what the atmosphere is like in the dressing room.

Down and out: Steve Kean sees Blackburn relegated

'A few things were thrown our way in the media last week, questioning our attitude, but I felt tonight we gave it a real good go.

'The disappointing thing is we couldn't take it to the last game.

'I will sit down with the owners and discuss a plan on how to assemble a squad to help us bounce back up straight away.

'We need to try to keep the majority of the squad together and add one or two experienced players that can help us, so from the first game of the season we are ready to bounce back and make sure we are in the division we should be in.

Making their point: Blackburn fans made their feelings about Steve Kean known during the game

Heads we stay up: Anton Alcaraz scores the winner for Wigan

'I have spoken with the owners, like I do every day. We haven't mentioned what has happened tonight, but I am confident we will have a sit down and have a plan in place as quickly as possible.

'I think you could see up until the last second the lads were giving everything, they've given a big, big effort to take it to the last day as we did last season.

Hanging their heads: Blackburn's Marcus Olsson and Yakubu walk from the pitch after being relegated

Dejection: Paul Robinson trudges off after Blackburn were relegated

'You can never fault the players' effort. We've got a very young side, we've lost a lot of experience and for the future we're going to have a backbone of young academy players that'll stand the club proud.

'It's difficult for them because they've never experienced a feeling like in that dressing room now.'

Roberto Martinez: Premier League life is tough

Posted on May 6, 2012 by adminsports

Life in the Premier League is tough, admits Martinez ahead of crunch Rovers clash

UPDATED:

15:41 GMT, 6 May 2012

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is well aware that every Premier League boss has his own cross to bear.

The Spaniard takes his side to Blackburn on Monday night for a clash that carries a number of different relegation permutations.

A point would all but guarantee safety for Wigan given their superior goal difference over Bolton but Blackburn must win.

Inspirational: Roberto Martinez has led Wigan to the brink of safety

As a result of their side's struggles, a section of the Rovers support have sustained a season-long campaign to oust manager Steve Kean, with the vitriol directed towards him often overshadowing on-the-field matters.

And although Martinez was not prepared to comment on Kean's case individually, he did accept that life in the top league can be tough.

'I don't know their internal situation, but when you are a manager in the Premier League, everyone has different issues to resolve,' he said.

'There are many areas that are in the public, others that are behind the scenes. That's a position that comes with the job and you need to accept it and find a solution if you can.

'But when everything is open and in the press, maybe you get repercussions. But, that's what being a manager in this league brings.'

Blackburn actually head into the fixture in a position Wigan are familiar with.

On the up: Wigan celebrate as they take apart Newcastle at the DW Stadium

A year ago, they looked dead and buried heading into their final two games, only to produce wins over West Ham and Stoke that earned them a dramatic reprieve.

A recent run of stellar results means they may be spared any final-day worries this time around, but knowing how Blackburn are fixed, he is taking nothing for granted.

'When you have the number of points Blackburn have got, you look at it as needing to win, but we need to win as well,' he said.

'When you go in to the last two games of the season, we know really well, that the last six points can really change your position in the table very quickly.

'We know there are two finals and you need to approach them in that manner, because the points you earn can make up 10 per cent of your overall total. That`s how important they are.'

Almost unbelievable wins over Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle have pushed Athletic on to 37 points for the season, just three short of the mythical mark of 40 that is normally considered safe.

Such an occurrence seemed laughable earlier in the season when a run of eight straight defeats left Wigan marooned at the foot of the table.

Protest: Blackburn fans have long been unhappy with Steve Kean

But Martinez claims to have never looked at the ladder, focusing on points rather than placings.

'I never looked at the position in the table. I always believed that the points tally was what we had to fight for,' he said.

'Thirty-seven for us at this stage of the season is an incredible achievement and a fantastic position to be in, but we haven`t done anything yet.

'We need to be in a position to achieve our aim and then we can look back.'

Should the situation pan out that Wigan do require only a draw, they could be forgiven for playing for one.

But Martinez has built his side to pass the ball and attack – the fruits of which have been seen recently – and he will not be holding anything back regardless of what is at stake.

'We can`t do that, we`re not that kind of team,' he said.

'We're a team that needs to get the ball, control games and be ourselves. We need to be brave and go forward and then defend with a good intensity.'

Martinez can call on a fully-fit squad, with Ronnie Stam (hamstring) now recovered.

SIX NATIONS 2012: Ben Foden still revelling in bad guy role against Wales

Posted on February 23, 2012 by adminsports

Foden still revelling in bad guy role ahead of clash with 'younger brother'

A year on from becoming, in his own words, 'the most hated man in Wales', Ben Foden has the chance at Twickenham on Saturday to twist the knife in what still seem fresh wounds.

It was in a column in Sportsmail, on the eve of the RBS Six Nations opener in Cardiff last season, that the England full back inadvertently stirred up a storm of Welsh angst and indignation by referring to the neighbouring team across the border as the 'younger brother'.

A throwaway comment about relative geographical size, with no malice intended, was interpreted as a patronising slur and Foden was bombarded with social media vitriol.

Going down: Ben Foden (left) is tackled by Manu Tuilagi during England training

It appeared that the rage was subdued by the outcome of the game, which England won 26-19, in one of the most impressive performances of Martin Johnson's tenure.

Yet, Foden has revealed that the ill-feeling towards him is rumbling on, ahead of Saturday's latest instalment of this bitter rivalry.

'I'm not their favourite person after last year's comments,' said Foden. 'It's part and parcel of the game. I loved all that, the build-up to last year's game was brilliant.

Probable England line-up

Age Caps
15 Ben Foden…………..26 24
14 Chris Ashton……….. 24 20
13 Brad Barritt…………. 25 2
12 Owen Farrell……….. 20 2
11 David Strettle………. 28 9
10 Charlie Hodgson….. 31 38
9 Lee Dickson………….. 26 2
1 Alex Corbisiero……….23 12
2 Dylan Hartley………… 25 36
3 Dan Cole……………… 24 25
4 Geoff Parling………… 28 2
5 Mouritz Botha……….. 30 3
6 Tom Croft…………….. 26 33
8 Ben Morgan…………. 23 2
7 Chris Robshaw……… 25 3

'England managed to get a victory so it was all pats on the back and high fives after the game. This year I'm sure there'll be a lot of hostility between the two sides.

'It's good that people can get very patriotic about it. With social media nowadays, it makes us that much more accessible and the Welsh make their views very forward and blunt.'

At least matters have improved since the aftermath of last year's game, when he stated in a follow-up Sportsmail column: 'I felt like the most hated man in Wales after my last column about England aiming to beat our smaller neighbour. I could have looked pretty stupid if we'd lost, but I was confident we would walk the walk after I talked the talk.'

Foden can always be relied upon to talk the talk, but in light of events at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome during England's shaky win over Italy 12 days ago, he is more pre-occupied with walking the walk again.

Two incidents involving the Northampton No 15 just before half-time played a major part in transforming a 6-0 lead into a worrying 12-6 deficit.

First, a kick by Tommaso Benvenuti ricocheted off his body to pave the way for Italy's first try, then a wild off-load on halfway moments later was intercepted by the same opponent, who scorched away to score.

Glory night: Foden (right) celebrates England's win at the Millennium Stadium

'It was quite frustrating that, from the little ball I had in counter-attack, I managed to give away seven points. It's a test of my character to bounce back from that.

'There was no clock (visible) on the field so when I watched the video and realised that if I'd kicked the ball out then, we'd have gone in 6-5 up, that made it even worse for me.

'The ball's bounce does catch players out. That's what happened for the first try but the second was purely my fault. I have to learn from it so I'm not forcing the ball in 50-50s.

'It is about tightening my game. I will probably rein it in a bit. It doesn't mean I'm not going to take any risks, but that pass wasn't on.'

Controversial: Foden's column

As England's last line of defence, Foden is bracing himself for the physical threat posed by Wales' monstrous and gifted back line, featuring giants such as Jamie Roberts, George North and Alex Cuthbert.

'They are big boys but we're confident that our defence can shut them down,' he said. 'They are very strong ball carriers and can shrug you off, so we need to be going in low and chopping them nice and early. We are by no means perfect in defence but we are confident that if we stick to the structure, the structure will work.'

Carlos Tevez can still help Manchester City win the title – Jamie Redknapp

Posted on February 16, 2012 by adminsports

Maverick Tevez can still help City win the title

According to Paolo Di Canio, it was the late Tony Banks, then Minister for Sport, who wrote he was 'a barbarian who should go home'. Such was the vitriol and overreaction that made him an outcast in his adopted country.

Paolo was a marvellous footballer, but when he pushed over referee Paul Alcock it was the story of its time, front-page news across England. The man Ron Atkinson had called 'The Volcano' had apparently erupted.

He got an 11-game suspension and a 10,000 fine from the FA. There was no obvious way back. So my dad, Harry Redknapp, signed him for West Ham. Dad could not wait to get his hands on him, seeing beyond the tantrums to his talent and his explosive ability.

Look who's back: Carlos Tevez (right) is training with Manchester City again

Paolo became one of West Ham's greatest players, scored one of the Premier League's greatest goals with a scissor volley against Wimbledon and is now remembered there with the same affection as players such as Sir Trevor Brooking, Sir Geoff Hurst and Bobby Moore (who should be a Sir too).

Let us remember Eric Cantona too was untouchable when he arrived in England. The French had given up on him and when he first came here, it was for an aborted trial with Sheffield Wednesday. Eventually, he became a revelation for Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, as we know.

In football, it's never too late to be sorry, or for someone to give you another chance. Which brings us to Carlos Tevez.

Show-off: Tevez leaves Carrington

Tevez is a different player to Cantona and Di Canio but he is a goalscorer and he too has been presented with a second chance. He is a lucky boy.

He would have been playing in another country, if anyone would have paid his asking price and wages, but he's not. He behaved very badly towards his club, his manager and supporters who might sell their favourite aunt just to have 10 minutes playing for Manchester City.

In normal circumstances, he would not be allowed back into the club. But he is back. He can play, we know that. He is a ferocious chaser of lost causes and a potential match-winner, especially when he starts to score, because his goals tend to come in batches.

He has scored 53 goals in 74 starts in all competitions – 44 in the league – for City. That's the good part.

His return to Manchester spells danger for Roberto Mancini, trouble he can probably do without but the Italian has shown he is not afraid of danger. He signed Mario Balotelli!

When I played for Gerard Houllier, the Liverpool dressing room loved Nicolas Anelka, because he was a talent and an explosive footballer, but Houllier didn't like the unpredictability of his nature. Some managers can't handle mavericks.

Tough decision: City manager Roberto Mancini must work out how to use Tevez

So what does Mancini do now Surely he would rather not pick him, or have him around at all. Tevez might have to wait for an emergency before he gets a chance. Balotelli and Yaya Toure are available again and so Tevez will have to work hard, play for the reserves and show patience.

Is he capable of that It's up to Tevez. He has to show contrition and build bridges. What works in his favour is that when he plays, he plays; you get the full all-action hero with a passion, desire and will to win. That's when he agrees to play.

And even if his likely motive is a move away in the summer, he has to have missed playing, doesn't he

Jamie Redknapp"s Boxing Day watch: Andre Villas-Boas was wrong

Posted on December 27, 2011 by adminsports

Boxing Day watch: Frankly, Villas-Boas was wrong…

I understand Andre Villas-Boas wants to make his mark on Chelsea and to create his own team but I cannot understand some of his decisions.

Substituting Frank Lampard when chasing the game against Fulham can”t be right. How many times has Lampard rescued his team with a late goal

I”m not saying that because he”s my cousin, but because he changes games.

Wrong move: Frank Lampard shouldn

Wrong move: Frank Lampard shouldn”t have been withdrawn against Fulham

Ba-rilliant

Andy Carroll cost 35m. Fernando Torres cost 50m. Demba Ba joined Newcastle on a free transfer from West Ham after a trigger clause in his contract following their relegation. The Newcastle board have had a lot of criticism from their supporters for a perceived lack of investment but that was a deal that has made their season. He has 14 goals now. Amazing.

Form guy: Newcastle

Form guy: Newcastle”s Demba Ba finds the net again in the win over Bolton

Dimitar Berbatop

Whatever way you look at it, it was good timing for Dimitar Berbatov. Either you have a player coming into excellent form when you need him, with the ninth hat-trick of his career to take the weight off the shoulders of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez . . . or it increases his value in the transfer market and reminds people what he can do. United can”t lose.

Welcome bonus: Dimitar Berbatov is firing in the goals despite not being a regular

Goal alert

United”s five goals yesterday not only pulled them level on points with City at the top of the table, but went a long stride towards eroding their neighbours” superior goal difference. At the start of play, City had 10 goals more, but by the end it was halved. City and Roberto Mancini are still in the driving seat, but United are gathering pace. And they”ve been here before.

Feeling the strain: Roberto Mancini

Hail Kean

Mark Bunn, the Blackburn reserve goalkeeper, ends up as the hero but let”s focus here on Steve Kean, who has surely suffered more vitriol than any other manager. Fans turning up at the training ground dressed as chickens, protests and abuse. If he gets through this (and he might) he deserves a medal. That was some result for them at Anfield and yet more home troubles for Liverpool.

Getting closer: Blackburn manager Steve Kean saw his side earn a battling point at Liverpool

Rhodes to the top

It has been some transformation for Jordan Rhodes since Ipswich sold him during Roy Keane”s time at the club. Rhodes took a step back and hasn”t stopped going forward since. Boxing Day was his 100th league game for Huddersfield and he took his goal tally to 53. He”s at a good club, learning from a top young manager in Lee Clark.

Star of the future: Jordan Rhodes

Saints alive

Two goals for Brazilian Guly do Prado and yet more good news for one of my old clubs, Southampton. Victory maintained their surge back towards the top flight. It was the lowest point of my career when I played in the team who were relegated. It has been a long way back, but they took their run of unbeaten home games to 21 and are the top home goalscorers in England.

Head boys: Guly Do Prado keeps Southampton on top of the Championship

Sheringham Mk II

Charlie Sheringham scored for Bournemouth. He”s had to wait for his breakthrough and has been around a few clubs: Millwall, Spurs, Ipswich, Charlton, Palace, Cambridge City, Welling United, Bishop”s Stortford, Histon and Dartford. Like his dad, Teddy, he has a lovely touch. And like his dad, he could turn out to be a late developer.

Like father like son: Charlie Sheringham

Blackburn fans urged to back truce with owners Venky"s

Posted on December 14, 2011 by adminsports

Blackburn fans urged to back truce with owners Venky”s

Two wealthy Blackburn fans have called for a “truce” in the ongoing battle between the board and supporters in a bid to safeguard the club”s Premier League status.

Ian Battersby, who met co-owner Anurada Desai in Pune in October, and Wayne Wild, group director of Rovers’ main sponsor WEC Group, are concerned that off-field problems are affecting performances on the pitch.

Under-fire: Blackburn owners Balaji Rao (left) and Venkatesh Rao, directors of Venky

Under-fire: Blackburn owners Balaji Rao (left) and Venkatesh Rao, directors of Venky”s

And with Rovers rooted in the drop zone after three successive league defeats, Battersby and Wild say it”s time to put their differences aside and offer an olive branch to club owners Venky’s.

Talks are already ongoing between fans and Rovers officials are ongoing in an attempt to ease the hostile atmosphere around Ewood Park, ahead of a crucial home double header against West Brom on Saturday and Bolton on Tuesday.

Battersby, who enjoyed a three-hour meeting with Anuradha Desai in Pune in October, told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: “We need to all take stock and give Venky’s this opportunity to come back in and re-engage on a peaceful basis.

“If we could for two or three weeks easeoff, reign back and allow a period of consultation. When you reach the point when the owners don’t dare come back into town because of the vitriol it is a pretty hideous set of circumstances.

Problems: Blackburn fans protest against the owners Venky

Problems: Blackburn fans protest against the owners Venky”s and manager Steve Kean

“It is a ridiculous set of circumstances for every stakeholder in the club. Whether a board member, owner, supporter, manager or player. No-one can at any level be happy with what is happening. It is torture going to a game.”

Owners the Rao family have been conspicuous by their absence over the past few months, leaving supporters frustrated by the lack of communication.

Wild, who has been seeking a meeting with their owners for months now, said: “The owners have made a lot of errors, it has to be said so have some of the supporters, so there have been mistakes all the way but now is the time for people to ease off the booing and protests.

“They need to stop and the owners have to get here, stand in front of the people and show they are here to run the club. They need to be at the front.

Sinking: Struggling Blackburn are in the drop zone

“They have to show they are in for the long haul with a commitment, first with cash and then with a commitment to getting people in on the board of directors who have an affinity for the club.”

Battersby has stressed the need to improve the dialogue between the club and the supporters and believes the current board structure makes this impossible.

“January is as much about a declaration of intent,” he said. “If they can’t put significant money up in January then we are all wasting our time.

“So are you prepared to come to the party and try and save this thing in the last four or five months of the season Because if you are not able, or willing to commit to this financially in January then it tells us everything we need to know.

“The club is in a state of utter paralysis.”

Sports Bound Guide

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Tag Archives: vitriol

Neil Warnock to extend El Hadji Diouf deal until end of season

Brendan Rodgers angry at Liverpool"s failure to sign transfer targets

Steve Kean wants to stay at Blackburn next season

Roberto Martinez: Premier League life is tough

SIX NATIONS 2012: Ben Foden still revelling in bad guy role against Wales

Carlos Tevez can still help Manchester City win the title – Jamie Redknapp

Jamie Redknapp"s Boxing Day watch: Andre Villas-Boas was wrong

Blackburn fans urged to back truce with owners Venky"s