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Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thiago says Barcelona teammate Messi deserves Ballon d'Or
Barcelona Lionel Messi Thiago Alcantara says Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi deserves the Ballon d'Or. Barca midfielder Xavi is also among the nominees.
Manchester United vs. Blackburn Rovers Live Text: Goals, Updates and Analysis
Manchester United 2 Blackburn Rovers 3
Yakubu penalty, 15 mins, 0-1
Yakubu, 50 mins, 0-2
Berbatov, 51 mins, 1-2
Berbatov, 61 mins, 2-2
Hanley, 81 mins, 2-3
Live Premier League football coverage from Old Trafford
Man Utd: De Gea, Rafael Da Silva, Jones, Carrick, Evra, Nani, Valencia, Park, Welbeck, Hernandez, Berbatov. Subs: Lindegaard, Anderson, Diouf, Pogba, Will Keane, Fryers, Cole.
Blackburn: Bunn, Lowe, Samba, Hanley, Pedersen, Henley, Nzonzi, Petrovic, Rochina, Formica, Yakubu. Subs: Kean, Slew, Blackman, Goodwillie, Vukcevic, Morris, Linganzi.
Welcome one and all to the final live text commentary of 2011 with me, Karl Matchett.
Our latest Premier League match will see us setting our collective sights on Alex Ferguson's Manchester United side who can end the year at the top of the Premier League with a draw or victory against bottom-of-the-table Blackburn Rovers, as currently-top Manchester City do not play until New Year's Day.
The home side have enjoyed a thoroughly prolific Christmas period, having put five goals past both Wigan Athletic and Fulham in recent games, while Rovers should be buoyed from taking a point from Liverpool in their last fixture.
It should all add up to an entertaining encounter with much at stake for either side—join me right here for all the best build-up, team news, in-match commentary and post-game analysis.
Get involved by leaving your comments, predictions, hopes or resolutions below!
Read more Manchester United news on BleacherReport.com
Raul turns down Blackburn to stay at Schalke
Raul turns down Blackburn to stay at Schalke
BERLIN, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Schalke 04 striker Raul has opted to stay at the Bundesliga club which had earlier on Tuesday been officially informed of Blackburn Rovers' interest in signing the Spaniard.
"Raul has informed us that he wants to stay at Schalke and that we should turn down Blackburn Rovers' request," club manager Horst Heldt said in a brief statement.
"We have already done that and we are delighted that Raul will contribute to our success."
Raul, who joined Schalke last season after spending 16 years at Real Madrid, helped his new club win the German Cup and reach the Champions League semi-finals.
He has a contract with the Bundesliga team until next year.
Blackburn started the English Premier League season by losing 2-1 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Arsenal legend Vieira: Bould ideal Wenger successor
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger
Manchester City
Patrick Vieira feels Steve Bould would be the ideal successor at Arsenal for Arsene Wenger.
Bould is now working with Arsenal's kids in the Academy.
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Friday, December 30, 2011
Struggling Coventry City gain little from hedging their bets | Jeremy Alexander
A 1-0 defeat by Peterborough leaves Sky Blues six points adrift in the Championship and Andy Thorn ruing their luck
"Sisu out," said the banner. "Andy Thorn," sang the away support at London Road. There was no doubt where Coventry City fans laid the blame for the club's position, now six points adrift at the foot of the Championship after a 1-0 defeat by Peterborough. "If we come out of it, we have swum the Channel with a gas stove on our backs," said Thorn on Friday. In the last 20 minutes they threw the stove at Posh but hit only a post through Gary Gardner and, in added time, Gabriel Zakuani on the line, denying Lukas Jutkiewicz.
"It's frustrating when you know you're good enough to win the game," Thorn said, "but when things are going against you, they really do." His biggest grievance was not getting a penalty just before Posh scored. "The referee admits the ball's hit their lad's hand but said he couldn't give it as the ball's been blasted at him." The blast was a header by Richard Keogh.
Keogh was mighty in defence, twice throwing himself into blocks when a goal seemed certain. When Posh did score, in the 66th minute, Daniel Kearns split their left flank, Paul Taylor forced Joe Murphy to parry and Emile Sinclair rammed in. They then held out for their first clean sheet of the season. In 22 games Coventry, playing here with commendable poise, have scored only 17, of which Jutkiewicz has eight. Yet, despite 13 defeats to two wins, their goal difference is only minus 16. They have not lost by more than a goal in six games. Home matches against Bristol City and Brighton could see them back in touch by the turn of the year. Then they need to hang on to Jutkiewicz in January.
Coventry have become the forgotten men of the Premier League. When they dropped out of it in 2001, they had been in the top tier for 34 years, longer than anyone bar Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool. Yet unlike other clubs ? a dozen in the Championship or even League One ? they have never been thought of for a return. Their best finish in 10 years is eighth in 2006, the season they were sent from Coventry to the Ricoh. They are on their 10th manager in that time and looking for their sixth chairman. When the fifth, Ken Dulieu, resigned to become head of football operations this month, he turned up crassly in the dugout for the next game.
Coventry are still less in freefall than limbo, which is where Sisu come in ? mystery is part of the hedge fund game. Strictly Sisu came in four years ago, saving the club not from mere administration but from extinction with 20 minutes to go. Debt, already down from �60m in 2002, has shrunk further but ownership questions have lately been raised in Parliament. Like Bryan Richardson, ousted as chairman in 2002, Sisu are in danger of going from a seemingly good thing to a bad thing. Gary Hoffman, former director and wealthy fan, is seen as the best hope but a recent takeover bid was thwarted.
The Ricoh was in the pipeline for so long the pipe had corroded by the time the club got there, several miles outside the city. There are no assets for the owners to strip as the ground is owned jointly by the city council and a charitable trust to whom the club pay �1.2m annual rent. It is better placed for the visitors' bus than home fans and the go-ahead for an adjacent station on the Coventry-Nuneaton line may be too late. The acoustic is evidently appreciated more by Coldplay fans than Coventry's, now not half-filling its 32,609 capacity.
Tradition can be comforting in time of trouble and Coventry have reverted to the all sky blue kit of their 1967 ascent under Jimmy Hill to the old First Division, adorned discreetly and ironically by City Link, their shirt sponsors. A statue of Hill was unveiled at the Ricoh in the summer and Thorn, a sleekish defender in Wimbledon's crazy glory, seems to be morphing into John Sillett, City's shiny FA Cup- winning manager in 1987. Perhaps Lady G should now ride naked down the high street to gain freedom from hedge funds. Gaga just about sums them up. The trouble is Sisu will not be around to notice. But Mary Portas might learn something.
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Ex-Arsenal star Vieira tips Bould to succeed Wenger
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger
Manchester City
Sunderland
Patrick Vieira believes former Arsenal teammate Steve Bould is the perfect candidate to replace current manager Arsene Wenger.
Manchester United Rumours: Reports Indicate Wesley Sneijder Could Be on His Way
Manchester United are back atop the Barclay's Premier League table and with it comes rumour of another top transfer.
Mirror Football claims reports indicate the much talked about transfer of Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United are back on for the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old Dutch superstar was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the summer as the possible replacement to Paul Scholes, but the deal broke down because of his wages.
If Sir Alex Ferguson is truly interested anything is possible. The United boss has already said, however, that he would not be buying players during the January window.
The Mirror Football report quotes the legendary coach as saying:
It is not easy to get players in January. I am not quite sure if you went for a player if he could play in the Europa League. There is criteria there in the sense of playing in the Champions League and whether they could play in the Europa League. There are a lot of issues there but there is nothing in my mind at the moment.
But with Sneijder those issues would be worth working out.
United has done a number of different things with their midfield so far this year. We've seen youngster Tom Cleverley play great when healthy, but he hasn't been on the pitch in some time.
Anderson also went down with injury and because United has so much attacking talent up top, Fergie even experimented with Wayne Rooney in the midfield.
Crazily enough, it can work. With Chicharito, Danny Welbeck, Dimitar Berbatov (for now) and even Michael Owen, they can spare the talismanic forward.
Rivals Manchester City are a heck of club though, and could still pull off something of their own for the second half. The two clubs are tied atop the table with 45 points.
Adding Sneijder, one of the world's best, for a title run would certainly give the defending champions an edge going into the second half of the campaign.
Read more Manchester United news on BleacherReport.com
Dimitar Berbatov / United to keep Berbatov, says Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov will have his contract at the club extended.
Read more Dimitar Berbatov news
Read more Dimitar Berbatov news
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Sports News: Mallinder prepared for Ashton exit
Chris Ashton could be set to leave Northampton in the summer after director of rugby Jim Mallinder revealed the England winger is reluctant to discuss a new contract with the Aviva Premiership club.
Rowe Added To 2012 Generation Adidas Class
The 2012 Generation adidas class is a little more than half way there. Before Christmas we had Darren Mattocks (Akron), Chandler Hoffman (UCLA), Andrew Wenger (Duke) and Sam Garza (UCSB) sign their GA deals with the league. It appears one more can be added to that list in the form of UCLA midfielder Kelyn Rowe.?[continue reading]
Man United's Hernandez hospitalised with concussion
Man United's Hernandez hospitalised with concussion
LONDON, July 27 (Reuters) - Manchester United's Mexican striker Javier Hernandez spent Tuesday night in hospital after suffering a concussion on the club's pre-season tour of the United States.
The 23-year-old, nicknamed Chicharito or "little pea", was injured during training at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey ahead of United's friendly with the MLS All-stars, the club said on Wednesday.
"Chicharito sustained a mild concussion during training last night," a United spokesperson said on the club website (www.manutd.com).
"We have taken all the necessary precautions, which included an overnight stay in hospital.
"The manager will give further updates in due course."
Hernandez, who has 29 international caps, scored 13 Premier League goals in his debut campaign after signing from Mexican side Chivas de Guadalajara for just seven million pounds ($11.4 million).
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Well Played Portland, Well Played | WVHooligan - Soccer Blog [Digg]
I'm sure you've seen this photo by now as it was all over the web last night and on the telecast of the Seattle-RSL game on ESPN2. This just adds to the
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Fans tell France Football to give Ballon d'Or to Real Madrid's Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Barcelona
Lionel Messi
Real Madrid
The fans have spoken, with an overwhelming majority of France Football's readers wanting Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo to win this year's Ballon d'Or.
Manchester United: 10 Things We Learned About the Champions in 2011
Manchester United are still better than Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, but are they better than City?
Last week's UNICEF Gala Dinner was the ideal opportunity to come together and forget about troubles like the Champions League and an injury crisis. It's important at Christmas for sporting millionaires to remember what's really important in the world.
As the end of the year approaches, it is also an opportunity to reflect on what we ourselves have learned about Manchester United.
There are many micro and macro lessons that have been adequately—and often admirably—discussed between writers and readers on Bleacher Report.
The list that follows is by no means comprehensive. It will hopefully excite debate, and we would welcome contrary opinions and other suggestions.
Above all, there can be no real argument that overall we have learned that Manchester United is a team in transition with stable, supportive ownership.
Euro 2012 Draw Done, Dusted, Diabolically Good
Big names and bad jokes ruled the day in Nyon as the Euro names were announced. And given that it’s the Euros, where the quality has a higher density, Groups of Death are often just the groups. However, Group B is a clusterfuck of quality and Group C, should Bilic’s boys get their acts together [...]
Football League: your thoughts
Southampton and Charlton continued to set the pace at the top of their divisions but there was a shock defeat for Crawley
? All today's results and scorers in our score centre.
? Southampton's form in December has been stodgier than a Christmas pudding but the Championship leaders won for the first time in four games against Crystal Palace thanks to two headers from Guly do Prado. Despite their recent blip the manager, Nigel Adkins, is not in a hurry to make additions during the transfer window. "The squad of players has led the Championship for more than three months now, having played some really exceptional football," he said after the Palace win. "The transfer window does open up on 1 January. There will be mass speculation and we will probably get linked with loads and loads of players. Our endeavour will be to enhance the squad we have got but we have an exceptionally good team spirit, which has been demonstrated again today. We have a close-knit group that all want to be successful together."
? Ahead of the 5.30pm kick-off at St Andrew's, Middlesbrough moved above West Ham into second with victory in their dust-up against in-form Hull. Barry Robson's sixth league goal of the season, which came with just three minutes of normal time to play, was the difference between the sides, the result ending Hull's four-match winning streak. After starting the season so well, with six wins in their first nine games, Derby have been enduring a slump that mirrors last season, in which they ended up 19th. However, the Rams won for only the second time in their last nine, 1-0 against Leeds, to move them within four points of the defeated visitors. Leeds began the day in sixth, but Reading clambered above them on the (Christmas) tree with a 3-0 win over Brighton, their fifth victory in six matches, as did Blackpool, who are up to seventh after Matt Phillips's hat-trick fired them to victory at Barnsley.
? Down among the Bob Cratchits at the foot of the table, there was a morsel of cheer for Coventry, who recorded their first win in 12 games against fellow strugglers Bristol City. That moves the bottom club to within five points of 21st-placed City, who stay out of the drop zone only because of defeats to Nottingham Forest and Doncaster. Millwall, in 20th, inched away from the teams below them thanks to Dany N'Guessan's late winner against Portsmouth, while Ipswich and, notably, Watford claimed points against higher-placed opposition.
? In the third tier, Sheffield Wednesday lost ground on the leaders, Charlton, after Claude Gnakpa and Emmanuele Smith both scored in injury time to secure Walsall a 2-1 win. There was also an added-time winner at Huish Park, as Charlton, who trailed twice, pulled off a 3-2 victory over Yeovil that puts them eight points clear at the top. There was also some seasonal "madcappery" up the A12, where Colchester had a cracker go off in their faces. The visitors, Stevenage, served up a 6-1 hammering that takes them into the play-off places ? it looks like the odds on Graham Westley securing an unprecedented third successive promotion will be coming in.
? MK Dons are League One's form side, having won five out of six going into their trip to Leyton Orient ? though they did suffer a surprise home defeat to Preston North End last time out. They got back on track with a 3-0 win that moved them up to third, at least until Sheffield United play tomorrow. Preston, meanwhile, continued their positive start to life APB (after Phil Brown), though they needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Jamie Douglas to rescue a 3-3 draw against Carlisle United. At the other end of the table, Wycombe gave the Grecians the slip thanks to Marcello Trotta's treble, a 3-1 win enough to take them out of the relegation places at the expense of Scunthorpe.
? The crunch Boxing Day fixture as far as League Two was concerned took place at Whaddon Road, where third-placed Cheltenham hosted Shrewsbury, a place below. A win for the Robins would have opened up a five-point gap between themselves and fourth in the race for automatic promotion ... but, in the event, caution won out and the Shrews left with a point. That was less surprising than Gillingham's victory at the leaders, Crawley, whose 15-match unbeaten run came to an end ? though they are still three points clear. There was also drama, of a different variety, at Aldershot, who were trailing Southend by a goal to nil when the floodlights went out, never to return. The game was abandoned at half-time, meaning Southend slip below Cheltenham to third despite remaining on 42 points from 21 games.
? The Pilgrims who made the short trip to Bristol Rovers witnessed a miracle on Filton Avenue, as Plymouth recovered from 2-0 down at half-time to win 3-2 at the Memorial Stadium thanks to Ashley Hemmings's goal in the third minute of stoppage time. For an hour or so, Plymouth were eyeing up 22nd place, in the event that Northampton lost at home to Burton Albion (which they duly did) ... only for Dagenham & Redbridge's 3-0 win over Barnet, with two goals from their 20-year-old Colombian Cristian Monta�o, in the 1pm kick-off to catapult the Essex side off the bottom of the table and out of the relegation zone, on goal difference. Plymouth remain 24th but, with Hereford losing at home to Port Vale and the emphatic end to Barnet's decent run, they can legitimately dream of an escape from the bottom two for the first time since August.
Check out the latest league tables and have your say on all the action from the Football League below
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Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Wolves boss McCarthy proud of Arsenal point
Trader Mo and Preki Out In Toronto | WVHooligan - Soccer Blog [Digg]
So I took a day off yesterday and boy do I regret it in the end. First there was a trade between Colorado and New York, then it as announced the league
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Schalke : Farfan plait en Russie
En fin de contrat � la fin de la saison, l'attaquant de Schalke 04, Jefferson Farfan (27 ans, 10 matchs et 2 buts en Bundesliga cette saison) ne devra
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PotD: All I want for Christmas is a new set of gates.
[caption id="attachment_4737" align="alignleft" caption=""Yes, sir, I've been a very good coach this year, and I promise I will work on my driving for next time. It won't happen again, sir.""][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4738" align="alignleft" caption="I, in my infinite generosity, will let you caption this one as my gift to you. Buon Natale!"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4738" align="alignleft" caption="I, in my infinite generosity, will let you caption this one as my gift to you. Buon Natale!"][/caption]
Monday, December 26, 2011
Football League Boxing Day preview | James Dart
The best action and bets from the latest round of matches, plus our pick from the Football League blogosphere
Key matches
? The Boxing Day fixtures mark the halfway point in this 2011-12 Championship campaign, and the game of the day sees two north-east rivals come together with their promotion credentials on the line. Fourth-placed Hull cross the North York Moors for a date with the team one spot above them, Middlesbrough, as the pair attempt to maintain their pursuit of Southampton and West Ham. Boro, who may again start Nigerian striker Bart Ogbeche in place of the injury doubt Marvin Emnes, have taken nine points from nine, while the Tigers, under the helm of caretaker manager Nick Barmby, are 12 points better off than they were four games ago. "Usually, the norm is if a manager gets a couple of results then he is appointed immediately," said the director of football operations Adam Pearson. "But Nick said right from the very start when he took the job on a temporary basis that he wanted to do it his way." Robert Koren is just one of the players flourishing under Barmby ? the Slovenian scoring in each of the club's last three wins ? and is again likely to figure prominently at the Riverside.
? When teams as high as 10th in League One start firing their managers, it is inevitable that the pressure will intensify on bosses at the foot of the division. Rochdale, currently sat in the final relegation spot, parted ways with Steve Eyre earlier this week and now rock-bottom Chesterfield (just three wins in 21) have had to hand their own manager a vote of confidence. "John Sheridan doesn't suddenly become a bad manager," read a club statement, while the former Hartlepool and Sheffield Wednesday boss Chris Turner has this week arrived as new chief executive in response to the owner Dave Allen seeking more "footballing expertise" in the boardroom. But the table doesn't lie, nor does Allen's failure to provide an adequate replacement for last season's top scorer Craig Davies, whose title-winning goals of 2010-11 can now be found at Barnsley. Next up is an intimidating trip to Huddersfield, who can call on the striker Alan Lee again after a ban, while Anthony Kay is expected to deputise for the defender Peter Clarke, himself suspended.
? Hereford may have more pressing matters of their annual League Two relegation fight to worry about, but Boxing Day visitors Port Vale are in arguably a far deeper hole: widespread fan unrest with the board, a failed takeover, and the chairman and chief executive voting themselves on to the club's board. On the field, however, seven points from nine have lifted Vale within three points of a play-off spot, prompting their manager Micky Adams to say: "One win, two wins, gets you right back into the frame of things and you can lift the doom and gloom at the football club." The Bulls sit precariously in 21st, have the joint-worst home defence in the division and must do without the defender Michael Townsend after his sending-off in last week's draw at Plymouth.
Players to watch
? Crawley's: Top of League Two after a 13-game unbeaten run, but still not getting enough fans through the turnstiles to stave off potential sales. "At the moment we aren't hitting [our targets] so if fans want us to be able to retain our best players then they have to back us now," said the co-owner Susan Carter. "If our revenues don't increase we will take tough decisions."
? Nicky Maynard: Bristol City have finally had to bite the bullet and make the striker available for transfer in January. "You reach a point where you have to protect the club," said chief executive Colin Sexstone of the 25-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season and who was the subject of a failed �6m bid from Leicester in the summer.
Quote of the week
"My agent did have a meeting with the owner and Mr Clegg on Monday where not a hell of a lot was discussed to be perfectly honest" ? Ipswich loanee Keith Andrews reveals talks with Marcus Evans and the chief executive Simon Clegg over making his move from Blackburn permanent have floundered.
Goal of the week
Goals of the week, all four of them, from Huddersfield's Jordan Rhodes in the wild 4-4 draw at Sheffield Wednesday.
Best bets
? Rotherham to beat Macclesfield at 7-5: the Millers look to have rediscovered their early-season edge, winning four of five (the other was a loss to Crawley) and having scored more on the road than anyone else in League Two, while the Silkmen are winless in six.
? Leyton Orient to beat MK Dons at 9-4: ignore the 14-point difference in League One and instead check the table for the past 12 games; Orient have collected 23 to the Dons' 21.
We'll monitor the "best bets" progress through the season, with a set stake of �10 per bet. Current profit: �37.30. Again, there's no tipping contest this season, but that doesn't stop you posting your best bet suggestions below the line. And for those who would like to take part, we have set up a private Championship Fantasy League, the pin for which is: 12647. Phil Avery is still in front with Numbers Game.
What you may have missed from the blogosphere
? The Boys From Up the Hill on the bipolar relationship between Oxford United fans and Chris Wilder.
So Chris Wilder has reached the milestone of three years in the job at OUFC, something I doubt many would have predicted three years ago, given that we had endured 10 managerial changes in the preceding decade. One striking aspect of Wilder's reign ? and this has been thrown into sharp relief in recent weeks ? is the extreme extent to which he polarises the opinion of supporters. To a certain extent we would experience this no matter who is in charge (let's not forget the "Pattonistas" and the "anti-Pattos" during Darren Patterson's ill-fated tenure) but Wilder in particular appears to be divisive like no other figure currently at the club.
? Bluebirds Banter on why Cardiff's Craig Conway is in need of a rest
Conway's commitment cannot be questioned, but the things that are expected of him ? taking on the opposition, finding a team-mate with a cross and the like ? just aren't happening at the moment. Unfortunately, out on the pitch, there is no hiding place. He is working hard for the team and his dedication to the cause is second to none, but he is cutting a frustrated figure on the field.
? You can read much more from our Football League blogosphere, which should now have been updated to include more of your recently suggested blogs.
Still want more?
Jeremy Alexander on the troubles at Coventry.
And a full half-term report from bloggers on the Championship, League One and League Two. Have a very happy Christmas.
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Czechs face tough road to regaining WJC prominence
EDMONTON -- There was a time when the Czech Republic was considered a powerhouse at the World Junior Championship. The program boasted back-to-back gold medals in 2000 and 2001 behind players such as Martin Havlat, Radim Vrbata, Martin Erat and ...
League One 2011-12: the bloggers' half-term report
The people who really know their clubs give us the lowdown on the League One season so far
Bournemouth
How's it going? An inconsistent season not untypical of transitional sides. So many departures early in the season meant we had a very slow start ? and every time we build up a head of steam we suffer a silly defeat. As I write, we have gone from beating Huddersfield on their patch to losing in a hapless display against Sheffield United on ours. Frustration is growing with Lee Bradbury, but is hardly justified. He has bought well (albeit with more money than any manager since Harry Redknapp) but is let down by the fact that the side's best performances are away from Dean Court. His habit of playing 4-5-1 at home ? where we cannot buy a win ? haven't helped his case with a fan base that will not tolerate anything but expansive passing football. But he is putting together an excellent squad who will go one better than his predecessor's did. With a division as close as this we could be in with a shout of the play-offs until the end of the season, but if we don't manage it I believe it's only a matter of time before we finally return to the second tier.
Who's been the star? Wes Thomas ? thanks to his goals he just shades it from a resurgent Marc Pugh.
Biggest disappointment? Throwing away a comfortable FA Cup tie against Gillingham. We seem to be cursed in the Cup.
Grade C+
Stuart Bramley, Court Offside
Brentford
How's it going? This season the target for the Bees is to make a serious bid for a play-off place and it's so far, so good as we currently sit in sixth. Uwe R�sler has made a solid start to life as Brentford boss, making good on his promise to get the team playing a decent brand of passing football. Yet there is still plenty of room for improvement ? consistency has been an issue and the German is yet to find a solution to our perennial struggles in front of goal.
Who's been the star? Sam Saunders. Sidelined under former boss Andy Scott, the skilful midfielder (and free-kick specialist) has been given a run in the side and proved his worth, chipping in with five goals so far.
Biggest disappointment? Our home form. While Brentford have been brilliant on the road, we've dropped a number of vital points at Griffin Park.
Grade B
Will Gore, Brentford fan (@WillGore)
Bury
How's it going? 21 down, 25 games to go and we sit 12th. High points ? the wins over Walsall and Preston; and the lows ? losses at Sheffield United and Colchester. Considering we lost our talisman Ryan Lowe and Daniem Mozika just before deadline day we have not only steadied the ship but exceeded all fans' expectations. A couple of shrewd loan signings have helped too (David Amoo and Shane Byrne) and we eagerly look forward to consolidating our mid-table position.
Who's been the star? We have seen the real Andy Bishop for the first time in three years and he works tirelessly to help the team.
Biggest disappointment? Playing 4-5-1 (our new formation) is great away from home where we do better even at this level, but when we play teams of similar stature to ourselves it can be too defensive, especially at home.
Grade A-. Fantastic start and if we had converted a couple of draws into wins would be an A*. Roll on the new year.
Anthony Wearing, Bury fan (@wazzabomb)
Carlisle United
How's it going? Pretty well. We looked in decent shape at this point last year but I felt the optimism at the time was false and that we had a soft underbelly. My instinct this year is that we're made of stiffer stuff ? the summer signings have added experience and nous to last year's talent and spark. We have the potential to beat any League One team on any given day ? with a couple of decent January additions we'll be in and around the play-off mix. I fear we'll edge just short but that'll mark strong progress for the season.
Who's been the star? Lee Miller ? Greg Abbott's best signing (and he's made some good ones). Scores goals, links up play and has the heart of a lion ? if he gets injured disregard the answer above.
Biggest disappointment? Jim Rosenthal's velvet bag and its iniquitous contents. Charlton away? Thanks very much. Out of all cup competitions by Christmas and missing a potential windfall for the January sales.
Grade B
John McGee, Bring Me the Head of Keith Mincher (@epouvantail)
Charlton Athletic
How's it going? After years of decline things are finally looking up at The Valley. We've got a real team playing with passion, hunger and togetherness. Michael Morrison and Matthew Taylor are the rocks in defence; Danny Hollands, Danny Green and Johnnie Jackson a beautifully balanced combination in midfield; with Yann Kermorgant and Bradley Wright-Phillips an irresistible combination up front. There were hopes that this could be a good season, with promotion a distinct possibility. Now automatic promotion as champions looks to be a real prospect. Things could scarcely be better at The Valley and the club could be on the verge of "doing a Brighton".
Who's been the star? It's been a real team effort so there are several contenders, but it is hard to ignore the goals of Wright-Phillips.
Biggest disappointment? The injuries to Mikel Alonso and Dale Stephens, but the duo should be available to help the promotion drive in the second half of the season.
Grade? It has to be A+.
Ketts, Doctor Kish
Chesterfield
How's it going? One word can describe our season so far ? awful. Following on from last season's glorious championship-winning campaign in League Two, we have crashed back down to earth with defeat after defeat leaving us wondering where the next point will come from. With only three league wins from the 21 games, there's been little for the loyal and newly recruited Spireite fans to cheer. What was supposed to be a season of consolidation in the higher league is turning out to be a fight for survival. We can only hope that John Sheridan spends wisely in January with the money he has been promised by owner Dave Allen.
Who's been the star? Struggling with this one for obvious reasons, but the promise and improvement shown by young striker Jordan Bowery gets him the vote.
Biggest disappointment? The lack of investment during the summer. It was obvious that the loss of top scorer Craig Davies and utility man Deane Smalley was going to weaken the side and the lack of replacements has been our downfall.
Grade? Y ? I know you were expecting a Z, but we haven't had the rub of the green and it's our first season in a higher division.
Dean Mansell, Away End
Colchester United
How's it going? Inconsistent is a word to describe our season so far. Following our embarrassing 5-1 home defeat to MK Dons, the fans were calling for John Ward's departure, but after two wins on the bounce, things could be on the up. Inevitably, we crashed out of the League Cup, FA Cup and Johnstone Paints Trophy in the early rounds, with two of those defeats against sides in the league below us. While I don't expect us to get into the play-offs, you never know.
Who's been the star? Anthony Wordsworth. The academy product has netted vital goals and shown that he is more than a set-piece specialist.
Biggest disappointment? John Ward's failure to sign a goalscoring striker. An over-reliance on goals from the midfield could prove to be our downfall and the difference between a promotion push and staying in League One.
Grade C
Daniel Jolly, Sky Sports Fanzone
Exeter City
How's it going? It's tough, but we knew that in the summer when the spine of last season's play-off chasing squad left on free transfers. Since we fans own Exeter City you'd better have the financial update too: playing Liverpool on Sky in the Carling Cup was useful, but gates aren't great and we're out of all the cups. Chuck in a complicated ground redevelopment plan and it's a fair old struggle on and off the pitch.
Who's been the star? There's some quality in our squad and it's been good to see our youth products getting their chance, but I can't think of anyone whose season hasn't been hampered by injury or inconsistency.
Biggest disappointment? Having a clearly-over-the line early "goal" not awarded at Charlton was a bit of a blow, but to see the "scorer" get a straight red for protesting a couple of minutes later was miserable. Could Fifa at least agree, while the goalline technology debate rumbles on, that as an interim measure players should be allowed to call the referee's assistant whatever they like without fear of dismissal?
Grade C, for Come on City.
Alan Crockford, Exeter Exiles
Hartlepool United
Will be added shortly
Huddersfield Town
How's it going? After being installed as pre-season favourites, anything less than first place would be a disappointment, however I am happy we are in touch with the leaders. The unbeaten run has been the main focus this season, and at times it overshadowed our league ambitions ? rather than playing to win we were playing to avoid defeat. However, now that the run has broken we can focus entirely on winning, competing with our rivals and being in contention come May.
Who's been the star? Jordan Rhodes. Although he's been a regular goal-getter since he arrived from Ipswich, this season he has found a new level and is lethal. It is nice to have a player who is the envy of every team in the league, and a fair few in the leagues above.
Biggest disappointment? Despite investing huge amounts of money in our squad, we still haven't cured our inability to hold on to a lead. For as long as I can remember we've looked fragile even with a two-goal cushion and it has cost us points. In a league as tight as this, that is something we can ill-afford to do.
Charlie Johnson, FootballCharlie (@FootballCharlie)
Leyton Orient
How's it going? I had feared that the faultless pre-season the Os enjoyed would simply be the precursor to a disaster of a season, but I could never have envisaged being quite so accurate. A horrendous opening run of seven defeats and two draws in the league left us rooted to the bottom, but thankfully a recovery since then has left us snugly in lower mid-table. We've lost Charlie Daniels, but gained Kevin Lisbie, and manager Russell Slade has signed a new contract, so we'll probably call this one a transitional season unless something drastic happens between now and April.
Who's been the star? Lisbie arrived in September and immediately looked a class act; he's scored six goals and signed a longer-term contract, great news.
Biggest disappointment? He's had problems with injuries but we all had high hopes for Jamie Cureton, a man who's scored goals wherever he's gone. Apart from Brisbane Road, it seems, as he is yet to the break the duck.
Grade C
Dave Fawbert, Leyton Orient fan (@DaveFawbert)
MK Dons
How's it going? Milton Keynes Dons supporters had been well pleased with the runup to Christmas, with seven straight wins and an average of three goals a game, leaving the team well placed in the play-off positions. But we have been quickly been brought back to earth with the visit of Preston North End last Saturday, losing the game ? and our unbeaten home record this season ? by a single goal, following a lacklustre performance.
Heading into the new year, there is some uncertainty about renewing the loans of Angelo Balanta from QPR and Mark Beevers from Sheffield Wednesday. Karl Robinson ? who has signed a new three-year deal ? is keen to hold on to the two players for the remainder of the season, but has said he will not rush into the January transfer window if he is unable to extend the loans. One consolation is that despite a small squad, there is good cover in all positions and the club academy continues to contain a wealth of promising young talent.
Ideally, supporters want automatic promotion but will happily settle for a play-off finish.
Gordon Rockett, Milton Keynes Dons Supporters' Association
Notts County
How's it going? Better than anyone could have expected. Our league form has turned a bit of late, but the early-season performances were a joy to watch. The squad has had some great experiences through games at Nottingham Forest and Juventus and look to have become stronger as a unit for it. All eyes on the January window ? Martin Allen and the board need to decide whether to stick and consolidate, or twist and push for the play-offs. It's not a position we'd have dared envisage back in the summer.
Who's been the star? Bringing in Gavin Mahon has proved quite the masterstroke. The level of composure in the players around him increases tenfold when he's on the field ? we're a different, more inconsistent team without his influence.
Biggest disappointment? The loss of loanee Cristian Monta�o hit hard. West Ham recalled him as cover ? and loaned him out to Swindon almost immediately, and Dagenham & Redbridge after them. The guy is a great talent and some of our matches have been crying out for him in recent weeks.
Grade B
Stuart Brothers, The Notts Blog (@StuTNB)
Oldham Athletic
How's it going? Pretty damn good. Slow start, but Paul Dickov's made some smart additions ? none more so than deadline day signing Shefki Kuqi, the decent, proven striker most lower league strugglers perpetually cry out for. We're into the regional final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy (against a team we beat 5-2 in the league) and have an FA Cup tie at Anfield to look forward to. A bit of cup glory to lessen the losses, woo back some missing fans and reward the diehards is long overdue. In a season under Dave Penney we failed to score three goals or more once ? we've done that six times this season.
Who's been the star? Nearly everyone's chipped in. Robbie Simpson has added class, James Wesolowski's become an important player. But Kuqi's been the star ? sides at this level seem to do that bit more when they know there's someone capable of finishing off their hard work.
Biggest disappointment? Crowds are still low ? City as well as United doing well doesn't do us any favours. Owner Simon Corney is still losing money and deserves more from the town.
Grade B+
Neil Tague, Oldham fan (@NeilTague)
Preston North End
How's it going? The season started brightly, with seven wins and a draw in the opening nine fixtures, and North End second in the league. Two months on, we find ourselves without a manager and in 10th, holding on to hopes of a play-off spot. Injuries had their part to play, with our frontline of Iain Hume, Neil Mellor, and Jamie Proctor sidelined for a while, giving Phil Brown few options up top, yet the defensive shambles was there for all to see. We must look onwards and upwards and bring the pride back.
Who's been the star? Paul Coutts has been the shining light. His winding runs, skipping past defenders at ease, as well as the ability to pick out a pass or get a shot away, puts him among the best players in the league.
Biggest disappointment? Where do we begin? After the great start, the fans feel let down by the owner (for not backing the manager), the ex-chairman (for not being fully honest), and the ex-manager Phil Brown (for getting tactics horribly wrong). The players need to stand up and be counted, and give us something to shout about again.
Grade D-
Nick Fish, PNE Online Community Blog
Rochdale
How's it going? There's no doubting things haven't gone to plan at Rochdale, as we've won only four league games. However, perhaps the departure of manager Steve Eyre and assistant Frankie Bunn will be our turning point. The dismissals came as welcome news to the majority of fans, who have been calling for Eyre to leave for the past couple of months. The youth-team manager, Chris Beech, has taken over temporarily. If we go down it would be a real shame given how hard we've worked to be in League One. But I'm an optimist and we're only halfway through; if we get a few wins under our belt we could pull away from the relegation zone.
Who's been the star? There isn't one, which sounds very negative and I think we need to invest in January to fill in those missing links, but Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro stands out most games. He has an eye for the goal and isn't afraid to have a shot, and when on form he causes plenty of problems.
Biggest disappointment? The season so far I guess (minus the win at Bury), mainly because of how well we did last season compared with the poor performances this; it's a big difference to what we'd been used to under Keith Hill. Oh, and also the away end and the pies at Bramall Lane, sorry Sheffield United fans.
Grade What's the lowest? I'm going with "E" unfortunately, a glance at the league table will tell you why, but I have a bit of hope somewhere inside me that we could turn this around, especially now we're in the market for a new management team.
Sarah Lomas, GirlOnATerrace (@GirlOnATerrace)
Scunthorpe United
How's it going ? The season has been massively disappointing. We're one point above the bottom four, a position we never expected to be in. I don't think we expected to be top, but the performances have lacked effort and passion. Fans will forgive mistakes but not a lack of effort. Injuries to key players (most notably Jimmy Ryan) have hurt us massively.
Who's been the star? It has to be on-loan Everton defender Shane Duffy. He looks like a future Premier League and international star, a rock solid centre-half who takes no prisoners at the back.
Biggest disappointment? The lack of passion shown by some players. Many people are blaming the manager, Alan Knill, for the poor performances but he can only do so much, if players don't give it 100% they are letting themselves and everyone else down.
Grade D. Must try harder. Never expected to be flying high but more than a few players have failed to turn up in more than one game.
Carl Gac, Iron In Our Blood (@carlgac)
Sheffield United
How's it going? Pretty well. We've had the odd blip ? various individual errors cost us points in some key games in September and October ? but on the whole I've been impressed with the team, and with Danny Wilson. We haven't set the division alight, but have quietly gone about our business, and are playing as well now as we have all season. The defence is looking solid, a huge contrast to last year. Up front, Ched Evans is at last looking like the striker we'd hoped he'd be ? if we're serious about challenging the top two, he must be kept.
Who's been the star? Neill Collins. Appalling last season, he's been excellent so far and at the heart of our increasingly solid defence.
Biggest disappointment? We threw away the Sheffield derby in the dying minutes, handing a draw to what looked like a really poor Wednesday side. Hopefully we'll right that wrong in the return match in February.
Grade B+
Joseph Clift, One Foot In The Game (@1FITG)
Sheffield Wednesday
How's it going? The promotion race promises to be one of the best in a while. Two points ahead of Sheffield United and four points ahead of Jordan Rhodes FC, the added incentive of getting one over your neighbours is driving the Owls. Highlights are scintillating performances from the on-loan winger Ben Marshall and Stephen Bywater keeping seven clean sheets in 12 appearances. Jos� Semedo binding the team together with his strong work-rate, grit and determination, topped off with the imminent return of Gary Madine, the goal machine, means things are looking good. Wednesday need to stay on track, though, with tricky fixtures against Preston, Charlton and a visit to MK Dons coming up; January is set to be pivotal for our promotion chase.
Who's been the star? There have been many stars on the pitch, but the real stars have been the fans. Four thousand away fans at Oldham and 1,614 making the 500-mile round trip to Bournemouth is amazing dedication for a League One team.
Biggest disappointment? The fortress Hillsborough has kept us undefeated at home, with eight wins and two draws, but our away form is bound to come under scrutiny. The two away defeats in August to Bournemouth and Bury and the 5-1 thumping at the hands of Stevenage were real tests, but we've bounced back and we're undefeated on the road since October. This has to continue to keep us in the promotion race and within distance of Charlton.
Grade B+ for the Ginger Mourinho.
James Edwards, Sheffield Wednesday fan
Stevenage
How's it going? Before the season, a local journalist said Stevenage had "no money, no experience [and] no chance". But, heading into Christmas, Boro are a point off the play-offs ? you can't put a price on hard work and team spirit. Having started 2011 in League Two's bottom seven, there's a possibility Boro will end the year in League One's top seven. If you think Graham Westley's men have been much stronger in the second half of the season, what odds a shot at the Championship? Of course, it'll be our toughest challenge. But if we have "no chance", we have nothing to lose.
Who's been the star? Stevenage's success is built on a strong team ethic; naming one player above the rest is virtually impossible. However, Chris Beardsley ? deemed surplus to requirements by Kettering in 2009 ? is enjoying one of his best goal returns this year.
Biggest disappointment?
Apparently Stevenage are "big, strong and physical", or words to that effect. Either there's a collective lack of imagination in League One, or managers/journalists aren't watching us enough ?
Grade A-
Pete Hayman, Boro Guide (@boroguide)
Tranmere Rovers
How's it going? After a promising start where we found ourselves in the top six, our form has taken an alarming dip since mid-October. We've suffered with injuries, which hasn't helped, but we just need a win to lift morale and confidence. We have some good players, but unfortunately they are not performing to the kind of levels they are capable of at the moment. If we can get back to the form of the start of the season, we should be looking at a mid-table finish or slightly better, but things have to get better soon.
Who's been the star? Lucas Akins. He has been playing at a good and consistent level with an impressive work-rate, but he needs to improve his final ball and finishing, which would make him even better.
Biggest disappointment? A couple of defeats where we deserved a lot more. Away to Notts County, where we somehow ended up with nine men (ask the referee why) and lost to a penalty awarded in the final seconds, and away to Preston, where we performed well but conceded two poor goals to lose 2-1.
Grade C
Paul Harper, Totally Tranmere Podcast (@paulharper82)
Walsall
How's it going? Unfortunately we're heading towards another relegation dogfight. We're 21st, although we do have a slightly better goal difference than the teams around us. Some recent performances, notably draws with Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town, have shown what the squad are capable of. However, losses to Exeter City, Tranmere Rovers and Preston North End have sent us tumbling down the table. The squad are showing great togetherness but performances simply haven't been good enough.
Who's been the star? Jamie Paterson has burst on to the scene this season; his desire and ability are something to behold. He has recently signed a new contract, which is great news. Jamie is the future of Walsall Football Club.
Biggest disappointment? The failure to learn the lessons from last season. We are not good enough and in our current form there is no doubt we'll be plying our trade in League Two next season.
Grade U. Underperforming
Wycombe Wanderers
How's it going? Manager Gary Waddock would perhaps be the first to admit that his new signings have failed to deliver, with goalscoring the major issue. A bright start saw Wanderers hit the dizzy heights of seventh after three games. However, reality set in when a home defeat to Bury began a run of 16 League games that returned two victories and a fall to second-bottom in the table. A stoppage-time victory over bottom club Chesterfield, including goals from loanees Anthony McNamee and Marcello Trotta, give a glimmer of hope but it will take a remarkable turnaround in fortunes to prevent Wanderers making an immediate return to the basement division.
Who's been the star? It was schoolboy striker Jordan Ibe, signed this week by Liverpool. He became the youngest scorer for Wanderers when he netted aged 15 years and 325 days against Sheffield Wednesday.
Biggest disappointment? Bowing out of the FA Cup at Fleetwood despite playing for more than half the game against 10 men.
Grade? C
Paul Lewis, Chairboys.co.uk
Yeovil Town
How's it going? After another sticky start, and our dismal FA Cup exit aside, Yeovil's form has been pleasantly promising in recent weeks. As predicted, Terry Skiverton has pulled off some shrewd loan signings, including that of Chelsea playmaker Conor Clifford, who appears a real prospect. Summer transfer Kieran Agard has been decent, but should have at least double the four goals he has to his name so far. A multitude of comings and goings in goal, plus nonstop injuries to the back four, have not helped defensively, but the Glovers now have the luxury of a certain amount of consistency in selection, so I'm confident they will once more avoid the drop.
Who's been the star? Blockbusting, sharp-shooting, all-action midfielder Ed Upson has really impressed and has weighed in with some terrific, not to mention important, long-range efforts.
Biggest disappointment? The second-round FA Cup replay defeat at home to Fleetwood Town ? the fourth time in six seasons we have lost to a non-league side in the competition that made Yeovil famous. If our giant-killing acts in the Cup seem distant memories, it's because they are.
Grade C
Jon Lewis, Yeovil fan (@JonLewis)
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Milan : Pato en vacances � Paris
L'attaquant du Milan AC, Alexandre Pato (22 ans, 8 matchs et 1 but en Serie A cette saison) serait � Paris pour y passer quelques jours de vacances, s
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Sunday, December 25, 2011
FA Cup likes this - live game to be shown on Facebook
FA Cup likes this - live game to be shown on Facebook
LONDON, Aug 17 (Reuters) - An FA Cup qualifying round tie that would normally attract a crowd of about 90 people could boast a potential global audience of 700 million after an agreement was reached to broadcast Friday's match on the social networking site Facebook.
The extra-preliminary round fixture between Ascot United and Wembley will become the first match ever to be broadcast live on the site after a deal was struck between the Football Association and the competition's new main sponsors Budweiser.
Budweiser's marketing director Iain Newell said the company, who earlier this year signed a three-year sponsorship deal with the FA worth 24 million pounds ($39.4 million), were intent on taking soccer's oldest competition back to global pre-eminence, and at the same time, take it back to the fans.
"The FA Cup started 140 years ago this year and what better way to do demonstrate our commitment than by broadcasting the very first kick to a global audience via Facebook," Newell told Reuters.
"This is the first time any match has been broadcast live on the social network which is great news for fans and clubs alike."
The clubs, who play in suburban leagues at the lower end of the English soccer pyramid, will both be paid nominal broadcast fees for the match at the ground situated within the boundaries of the Ascot Racecourse and has a capacity of around 1,500.
Ascot chairman Mike Harrison told Reuters: "Naturally this is the biggest thing that has ever happened to the club.
"People talk of the FA Cup losing its gloss and that's true if Manchester City or Bolton Wanderers put out their reserve team to play a match.
"But the whole town is absolutely buzzing. We run 67 teams in all age groups and have 800 players on our books and are one of the biggest grass roots clubs in the country.
"We had 88 people for a league match last night, but might get 500 or even 800 for Friday's game. The fact millions more might well be watching on Facebook is astonishing. The whole place has gone bananas.
"The FA Cup has lost none of its magic as far as we are concerned. Not only that but the wife of our manager Jeff Lamb is expecting their first child on Friday. It promises to be quite a day."
An FA spokesman said other matches in the qualifying competition could also be shown on Facebook, but added: "There are no plans to do so yet, but it could happen up until the first round stage when the broadcasting contract between the FA, ITV and ESPN comes into operation."
($1 = 0.609 pounds)
Chelsea midfielder McEachran interesting Villa boss
Aston Villa
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish will not commit himself to a loan deal for Josh McEachran.
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FC Dallas Seeks New Stadium Sponsor
Side note: sorry for the lack of updates these last couple weeks, I’ve been super busy at the day-job and with just life in general. Maybe after the New Year things can get back to normal around here.� Say good bye to Pizza Hut Park. No the stadium isn’t going anywhere but the name of?[continue reading]
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Photos: Revs at Rapids | WVHooligan - Soccer Blog [Digg]
WVH Photographer Brian Stevens was in Commerce City yesterday for the New England-Colorado game and snapped off these amazing photos. Check out the gallery
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Sports News: Diouf to extend Donny deal
El-Hadji Diouf has agreed an 18-month contract extension with Doncaster, boss Dean Saunders has revealed.
Sports News: Bath sink to fourth straight defeat
A strange game at Franklin's Gardens saw Northampton condemn Bath to a fourth consecutive defeat with a 22-13 victory.
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The Devil Inside
So yesterday, the 16th of December, AC Milan celebrated (I don't want to know how) 112 years of a glorious and rich history spanning back from the club's foundation as The Milan Cricket and Football Club in 1899 to the present. As a tip of the hat to this fine sporting institution, I will dedicate this post to that faction of Milanese society that is eligible to play for another fine, some may say finer, institution, the Italian national team, one half of the pure and unabridged reason for this blog's existence, the other half being to spread evil rumours about a defenceless old lady.
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