English Football Thread (Was: Premiership Results)

this thread is for all english premiership results for anyone that is interested,

Wednesday, 15 August 2007

Birmingham 2-2
(HT 1-0) Sunderland
McShane o.g. 28
O'Connor 82
Chopra 75
John 90

Bookings:
Doyle 90
Bookings:
Etuhu 52

Fulham 2-1
(HT 2-1) Bolton
Healy 23
Smertin 26
Helguson 12

Bookings:
Konchesky 74
Bocanegra 90
Bookings:
Diouf 26
-
Man City 1-0
(HT 1-0) Derby
Johnson 43

Bookings:
Petrov 45
Hamann 66
Johnson 79
Bookings:
Howard 85

Portsmouth 1-1
(HT 0-1) Man Utd
Mwaruwari 53
Scholes 15

Bookings:
Muntari 54
Davis 86
Bookings:
Vidic 86

Sent off:
Muntari 83
Sent off:
Ronaldo 85
-
Reading 1-2
(HT 1-0) Chelsea
Bikey 30
Lampard 47
Drogba 50

Bookings:
Long 13
Cisse 15
Hunt 37
Ingimarsson 52
Bookings:
Carvalho 26
Sidwell 31
Wright-Phillips 76
Cole 89
Obi 90

Sent off:
Cisse 72
Wigan 1-0
(HT 0-0) Middlesbrough
Sibierski 55

Bookings:
Kilbane 81
Bookings:
Sanli 38
Johnson 77
Arca 84

Nice Man u is dropping points. Pity about Chelsea.

with man u dropping points that means chelsea are already 4 points in front,Dont let DE Niro hear you say that your happy Man u dropped points!

Anybody interested in the premiership feel free to post anything

LONDON, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Sheffield United will sue West Ham United for the cost of relegation from the English Premier League last season, a club spokesman said on Thursday.

"We are seeking substantial compensation," he added, with the Yorkshire club estimating the cost of relegation to be more than 30 million pounds ($59.62 million).

The spokesman said their legal representative Toby Craig had confirmed the action in a statement made public on Thursday.

Sheffield United claim West Ham gained an unfair advantage because Argentina forward Carlos Tevez, whose form in the second half of last season was inspirational and helped save the east London team from going down, was not eligible to play for them.

The Yorkshire club said West Ham should have had points deducted for breaking the league's transfer regulations, but their legal moves to force this to happen have not succeeded.

West Ham were fined 5.5 million pounds by the Premier League for fielding Tevez and his compatriot midfielder Javier Mascherano, who moved to Liverpool earlier this year.

Tevez last week joined champions Manchester United
http://uk.reuters.com/article/footballNews/idUKL1640244020070816

Alex Ferguson said Cristiano Ronaldo only has himself to blame after picking up a red card against Portsmouth.

The Portuguese star will now miss Sunday's derby after an apparent headbutt aimed at Richard Hughes, but Ferguson also took a swipe at referee Steve Bennett.

The offence will now see him banned for the Old Trafford games with Tottenham and Sunderland on top of the derby clash with City.

Ferguson said after the 1-1 draw: "I have tried to look at the replay and there was nothing conclusive there. In fact you cannot really see anything. But my take is he was provoked and he has fallen for it.

"But that referee Steve Bennett sent him off at City and he will have loved that opportunity to send him off. Cristiano was responsible for falling into the trap of intimidation which has happened to him a few times again tonight. He has only himself to blame and it left us with only ten men and he'll be missing for three games now. It is a big blow.

"I don't know whether Cristiano lifted his hands but if you do there is no other course. Paul Scholes last year against Liverpool didn't touch the player but he lifted his hands and he was given a three match suspension.

"You get provoked and you have to have a bit of calmness. You have to remind yourself you are a better player than these players and that is why they are doing it. He has fallen into the trap and has paid the penalty for it.

What are your views so far this season DE Niro i know we are only two games in but you are already 4 points behind chelsea with rooney injured and Ronaldo supended not a good start but then again with the quality players you have i cant see this being a major problem

fixtures Saturday, 18 August 2007

Barclays Premier League
Birmingham v West Ham, 15:00
Fulham v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Newcastle v Aston Villa, 17:15
Portsmouth v Bolton, 12:45
Reading v Everton, 15:00
Tottenham v Derby, 15:00
Wigan v Sunderland, 15:00

Sunday, 19 August 2007
Barclays Premier League
Blackburn v Arsenal, 15:00
Liverpool v Chelsea, 16:00
Man City v Man Utd, 13:30

Spawny Mackem swine

KIERON Dyer insisted he will never be bitter about his time at Newcastle despite the increasingly fractious relationship with the club’s fans that soured his last few months at St James’s Park.

Dyer finally completed a £7m move to West Ham yesterday – after the initial deal had collapsed a fortnight ago when Newcastle upped their asking price – and the England international is relishing the prospect of a new challenge at Upton Park.

But the 28-year-old refused to be critical of Newcastle or the club’s supporters as he urged the Magpies’ new owner Mike Ashley to give Sam Allardyce everything he needs to bring success to the club.

After eight years on Tyneside, Dyer knew the time was right for him to leave the North-East, but he is adamant he would rather remember the good times than the bad as he attempts to re-ignite his career with the Hammers.

“Newcastle United is in the past for me now, but it is a past I will always have fond memories of,” said Dyer, who will be included in Steve McClaren’s England squad for the friendly against Germany next week. “I know things were not ideal at the end, but I’m not bitter and I’m not going to leave slagging people off, saying this and saying that about the club or the fans.

what do you think then Yogi i bet your happy now eh?

Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has said that despite one or two differences when he was in charge of England, there are no problems between himself and Sir Alex Ferguson.
zoom - galleria Sunday's Manchester derby pits managers Sven-Goran Eriksson and Sir Alex Ferguson against one another, but City's ex-England boss is relaxed about the meeting and according to The Sun plans to share a bottle of fine red wine with his counterpart from Old Trafford.
The newspaper says Eriksson, 59, has bought a £415 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon for wine aficionado Ferguson, and is keen to play down any previous friction between the pair.

"There’s no problem between me and Alex," said the man who has master-minded City's impressive start to the new campaign.

"We might have had different opinions regarding United and the national team, especially concerning friendly games. But we also had a lot of dinners together, so there’s nothing personal there at all.

“One thing is for sure, I won’t be taking Alex’s players like I used to!”

The Sun adds that a 'source' told it: “Sven didn’t have time to shop around but got the hotel where he is staying to sort him out with a top-class bottle.

“It’s a £415 Cabernet Sauvignon which should be pretty pleasant

| Home | Away
Team P W D L F A W D L F A GD PTS
1 Everton 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 3 1 3 6
2 Man City 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 3 6
3 Chelsea 2 1 0 0 3 2 1 0 0 2 1 2 6
4 Sunderland 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 2 1 4
5 Newcastle 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 2 3
6 Arsenal 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3
7 Blackburn 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
8 Liverpool 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
9 Fulham 2 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 3
10 Wigan 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 3
11 Portsmouth 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 2
12 Man Utd 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 2
13 Birmingham 2 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 2 3 -1 1
14 Derby 2 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 -1 1
15 Reading 2 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 -1 1
16 Aston Villa 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 -1 0
17 Middlesbrough 2 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 1 -2 0
18 West Ham 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 -2 0
19 Bolton 2 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 1 1 2 -3 0
20 Tottenham 2 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 1 0 1 -3 0

as of August 15th 2007

Dyer is the biggest waste of time,money space and effort this club has put into any player in recent years....and that is saying something cos we have had some right arse-holes up here
Thank god he has left to join up with the rest of the Toon reserves at West Ham!
Bet him and Lee Bowyer are dying to see each other
Lets not forget Bellamy either......
Uuurgh!

P.S. Toon to beat Villa today

Its not looking for Man Utd,already 4 points behind leaders,also´Rooney out for 2 months and Ronaldo suspended for 3 games and the derby game against city on sunday.I know its early days but you have to get off too a good start these days or else we will be playing catch for the whole season....

I think City will turn them over tomorrow as well!

Yeah bellamy is a arsehole cant stand the man,Jesus i didnt know rooney was out for two months shit just realized hes in my dream team!!!

And mine!

at least im not on my own

Toon v Villa a boring scoreless draw

Mackems hammered

18th August 2007
Portsmouth 3 - Bolton 1
Reading 1 - Everton 0
Birmingham 0 - West Ham 1
Fulham 1 - Middlesbro 2
Wigan 3 - Sunderland 0
Tottenham 4 - Derby 0
Newcastle 0 - A Villa 0


19th August 2007
Man City 1 - Man United 0
Blackburn 1 - Arsenal 1
Liverpool 1 - Chelsea 1


premier league
Team Pld Points
1. Man City 3 9
2. Chelsea 3 7
3. Wigan 3 6
4. Everton 3 6
5. Portsmouth 3 5
6. Newcastle 2 4
7. Arsenal 2 4
8. Blackburn 2 4
9. Liverpool 2 4
10. Reading 3 4
11. Sunderland 3 4
12. Tottenham 3 3
13. Fulham 3 3
14. Middlesbro 3 3
15. West Ham 2 3
16. Man United 3 2
17. A Villa 2 1
18. Birmingham 3 1
19. Derby 3 1
20. Bolton 3 0

MANCHESTER: Sir Alex Ferguson’s early season problems deepened after Geovanni’s first half goal settled the Manchester derby in favour of Sven Goran Eriksson and left Ferguson’s United without a win in its opening three league games.

Sunday’s victory sent City to the head of the Premiership table with a maximum nine points from its opening three games as Eriksson’s dream start at Eastlands continued.

Defeat at the hands of the former England coach will have been frustrating enough for Ferguson who enjoyed a fractious relationship with him during Eriksson’s time in charge of the national team.

But more importantly, the United manager was left to contemplate a title defence that has brought just two points and one goal from three frustrating outings.

Former referee Graham Poll believes Rob Styles should not officiate any games next week after his "big mistake" in awarding Chelsea a crucial penalty against Liverpool.

Styles has been heavily criticised for his decision to penalise Steve Finnan as the full-back appeared to make no contact with Florent Malouda in the 1-1 draw at Anfield yesterday.

Poll, who retired at the end of last season, has advised Styles to take next weekend off. "What he will do, I would venture to suggest, is probably have a weekend off next week," he said. "If that was me, I'd certainly be happy to have a weekend off, lick my wounds, regain my strength and confidence and come back."

However Jeff Winter, another former referee, believes the Premier League cannot afford to let Styles sit out this weekend's fixtures. "The problem is at Premier League level, we saw referees retire at the end of last season," Winter said. "They haven't exactly got the numbers."


On the penalty incident, Poll said: "It was a big mistake. One thing a referee knows is that he will make a mistake in a match. What they are hoping is it's not crucial to the outcome of the match. Unfortunately for Rob Styles, that mistake with the penalty was crucial to the match. Who knows? It could be crucial to the season."

Winter added: "You can't defend the decision. It clearly wasn't a penalty and did change the outcome of the game."

Poll believes Styles was not in the best position to award a penalty. "Unfortunately for Rob, he was sucked across the field of play," he said. "If he'd been in a normal position for a referee, he would have seen it how we've seen it on the television and he would never have given a penalty."

Winter believes Styles was too close to play, saying: "He was that close to play, he didn't get a decent angle on it."

Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool captain, demanded an apology from Styles over the incident, claiming players are always saying sorry for their mistakes.

But Poll refuted this, claiming: "It's a two-way street. I've never yet heard a player come out and apologise for his actions. Maybe Rob Styles will choose to do so in the fullness of time."

the 1980s, David Jeal brought terror to the terraces.
As a member of a notorious Bristol Rovers hooligan gang, he would pride himself on being at the front line of battles with rival thugs.
David Jeal: A reformed characterOn meeting him he may fit the physical stereotype of a hooligan - thick set, shaved head, football top, but his manner could not be further from it.

He is polite, humble and sincere - clearly a changed man.
"A typical Saturday would involve meeting the others for breakfast and then a few pints and then hunt down the opposing fans," he said.
"You name it - it was happening. There was gas and knives, bits of wood, anything that came to hand really.
"Anything that kicked off I would have been up for."
In 1996 things changed when David turned his back on violence and found God.
Once banned he is now being welcomed into the fold. As we enter the director's box it is nothing but handshakes and pats on the back.
As Chaplain it is David's job to offer spiritual advice and a sympathetic ear to players and staff.

So what prompted this dramatic turnaround?

"In 1992 I was in Stockholm and it all kicks off," he explains.
"We were having a row with the Swedish black army. This guy got beaten up and he went down - I gave him a kick and we ran off up the road.
Police dealing with hooligans"We looted a petrol station as we were coming back down the road the guy was still laid there and there were people still jumping up and down on him and he wasn't moving and I just thought - it's not about this."
Daid is also a Pastor at a young offender's institute.
Now that he is reformed, the club big wigs are happy to have him onside. So is David's other boss, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Peter Price.
He said: "I think it's wonderful. Here's somebody who'll be a real example to blokes on the terraces who don't think they can change.
"He's got a tough job but he'll get a lot of respect."
Fresh into the job David now faces a future that could not be more removed from his past.
It is hoped that his influence will encourage other violent fans to see the light.

This lad has really gone full circle

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1279902,00.html

He does'nt have a new book out by any chance does he?

probably good pr isnt it?

Yup!
I've read a few of the hooligan books,mostly they are the same stuff!
"Blades Business Crew" by Steve Cowens was good!
He a mate of yours?

I actually do know steve pretty well hes a good lad i know quite a few of the BBC as a couple of my cousins are in and my older Bro is well how to put it nicely a bit shady! i used to have a drink with most of them every so often i mean some of them are total dickheads but you get that with every group of people i suppose,i know a couple of newcastles lads they are called the gremlins i think am i right? good lads but mad as hatters

Yeah mate. The Gremlins is right.They can be a handful,will fight for fun!
My best mate is a "retired" half gremlin and he knows all the top boys so i have met most of them. Lovely blokes to have a drink with but get out of the way quick when it all kicks off!

hide in the toilet making out you need a pee!!

Just jump out of the nearest window....
Fuck the pretense

Saturday, 25 August 2007
Arsenal v Man City, 15:00
Aston Villa v Fulham, 15:00
Bolton v Reading, 15:00
Chelsea v Portsmouth, 15:00
Derby v Birmingham, 15:00
Everton v Blackburn, 17:15
Sunderland v Liverpool, 12:45
West Ham v Wigan, 15:00

Sunday, 26 August 2007
Man Utd v Tottenham, 16:00
Middlesbrough v Newcastle, 13:30

just seen that fixture of yours Yogi that will be a hard match against Boro but i think you will still win

prediction Boro 1 Newcastle 2

Top Goalscorers

Chopra Sunderland 2
Healy Fulham 2
Martins Newcastle 2
Mwaruwari Portsmouth 2
Osman Everton 2
Sibierski Wigan 2
Anelka Bolton 1
Anichebe Everton 1
Barry Aston Villa 1
Bianchi Man City 1
Bikey Reading 1
Derbyshire Blackburn 1
Downing Middlesbrough 1
Drogba Chelsea 1
Essien Chelsea 1

What is the best way for an American to get started watching the English Premier league? I've always enjoyed the sport, but the MLS here just isn't very exciting. I get especially excited during the World Cup.

So what advice can you give me about how to get started watching some games? And how would I be able to watch the games here? Any idea? When I watched the World Cup I really liked watching Wayne Rooney. What team is he on?

Anything you guys can tell me would be great!

Rooney plays for Man U. He got hurt last week and is out for like 8 weeks.

If you have Dish or Direct TV you can Setanta Sports. Shows a bunch of matches, not just the Premier League but also Champions League, and other sports like rugby and criket.

If you have cable you can get FSC and GolTv. Its part of a package with all the other Fox Sports channels. Also get this if you have a dish also. GolTv shows the German league and also La Liga(Spain).

Hope that helps.

Also, RvP from Arsenal has 2 goals Chopper.

Just start watching the games or following the results and you will soon pick up what is happening there are so many sites dedicated to the premiership you should be able to find everything you want go on the bbc sport website very detailed,as for picking your team thats up to you and the fun part

Do you happen to know which team Wayne Rooney is on? Since I know very little about the sport, and I thought he was fun to watch I guess I'll start by watching his team. Maybe that will be who I root for

Nevermind, I did some research and it looks like he's on Manchester United. And from the sounds of things they are like the New York Yankees, and I don't want to root for them. I'm going to record some of the upcoming games though and start watching them.

If you dont want to be a fan of the Big 4 (Arsenal, Man U, Chelsea, or Liverpool) there are so good teams out there that still get shown weekly.

for example, Fulham has three Americans on the team and I know a few people who support them just because of that.

Also, Bill Simmons(the Sports Guy from ESPN) did the same last year and did a whole article on it and its a great read and should help you out a lot.

Here's the first page to it:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/060719

Hey, thanks for the link! That's a great article. Based on what he has to say I really want to watch Tottenham Hotspur. I'm definitely going to just watch a bunch of games though and see if any of the teams grab me.

My family is originally from Scotland and England, and I still have distant relatives there so I'm hoping to finally get to visit and catch a game while I'm there. That's probably years away though

Or Sheffield united like me visit there site and check them out

Reports from Iceland said billionaire sports retail magnate Ashley held talks with Palmi Haraldsson and Jon Asgeir Johannesson over a £135m-plus takeover.

However, a club spokesman was swift to play down the claims, saying: "This is pure speculation. These stories are complete news to the club."

A spokesman for Ashley has declined to comment on the rumours.

606: DEBATE
The chances of a take-over are very unlikely

SC
Ashley formally completed his £134.4m swoop for the club in June this year.

Chris Mort, the man Ashley installed as his chairman following Freddy Shepherd's departure, has spoken of the new owner's long-term plans for the Premier League outfit.

Ashley reportedly ploughed another £30m into the club last week in an attempt to address the £80m debt he inherited on his arrival.

He succeeded where both the Jersey-based Belgravia Group and the Polygon-backed St James' Park Group had failed when he persuaded the Hall family to part with their 41.6% holding in return for £55m.

His takeover was all but complete when Shepherd's 28%-plus stake was secured for another £37m.

New Magpies manager Sam Allardyce, who had been appointed by Shepherd, had already started his team rebuilding plans.

He invested heavily, bringing in Joey Barton, David Rozehnal, Alan Smith and Jose Enrique among others, although the sales of Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer to West Ham mean the outlay to date this summer is about £7m.

England v Germany
Wembley Stadium
Wednesday, 22 August
Kick-off: 2000 BST
Live coverage on BBC One, BBC Radio 5live & the BBC Sport website.

god i hope we win this tonight i predict England 2 nil owen one and Lampard one

Wednesday, 22 August 2007
European Championship Qualifying
Armenia v Portugal, Group A, 17:00
Belgium v Serbia, Group A, 19:45
Estonia v Andorra, Group E, 17:00
Finland v Kazakhstan, Group A, 17:00
Northern Ireland v Liechtenstein, Group F, 19:45
San Marino v Cyprus, Group D, 20:00
INT
Albania v Malta, 19:45
Austria v Czech Republic, 19:30
Belarus v Israel, 19:00
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Croatia, 19:30
Brazil v Algeria, 17:30
Bulgaria v Wales, 18:00
Colombia v Mexico,
Costa Rica v Peru,
Denmark v Rep of Ireland, 19:00
Ecuador v Bolivia, 23:50
England v Germany, 20:00
FYR Macedonia v Nigeria, 19:00
Greece v Spain, 19:30
Hungary v Italy, 19:50
Iceland v Canada, 19:05
Ivory Coast v Egypt, 18:00
Japan v Cameroon, 10:30
Latvia v Moldova, 17:30
Lithuania v Turkmenistan, 17:00
Luxembourg v Georgia, 19:00
Montenegro v Slovenia, 19:30
Norway v Argentina, 18:00
Romania v Turkey, 19:00
Russia v Poland, 16:00
Scotland v South Africa, 20:00
Slovakia v France, 20:00
Sweden v USA, 19:30
Switzerland v Netherlands, 19:30
Ukraine v Uzbekistan, 17:00

Saturday, 25 August 2007
Arsenal v Man City, 15:00
Aston Villa v Fulham, 15:00
Bolton v Reading, 15:00
Chelsea v Portsmouth, 15:00
Derby v Birmingham, 15:00
Everton v Blackburn, 17:15
Sunderland v Liverpool, 12:45
West Ham v Wigan, 15:00

Sunday, 26 August 2007
Man Utd v Tottenham, 16:00
Middlesbrough v Newcastle, 13:30

good luck to everyones teams

for the guys in the US

U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Sweden
Aug. 22, 2007 – Göteborg, Sweden
Updated – 8/17 - Roster by Position (Original Roster Release)
GOALKEEPERS (2) – Marcus Hahnemann (Reading FC), Tim Howard (Everton FC)
DEFENDERS (6) – Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (6) – DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Bobby Convey (Reading FC), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)
FORWARDS (5) – Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Kamani Hill (VfL Wolfsburg), Sal Zizzo (Hannover 96)

If you have family from both England and Scotland then the team for you is the mighty Newcastle United!
http://www.nufc.co.uk

How did i know that was coming

I'm nothing if not predictable

Your anything but predictable mate you watchin the match tonight?

Watch the first half before i go to work!
Listen to the second on the radio at work...unless some graft comes in

Gods i hope not

exactley the same here mate ill miss the last half hour i hate working nights whats your prediction?

A boring 1-1 draw!

if we go 1 nil down im turning over!

Keep your remote handy then!

as always

England 1 Germany 0

Lampard 14 mins

England 1 Germany 2

crap

Does Newcastle have anything to do with me having relatives in England and Scotland? Or is that just your favorite team?

Dont support Newcastle or Spurs, they suck. Support Arsenal.

its Yogis favourite team!

Football results

-Thursday, 23 August 2007

Costa Rica 1-1
(HT 1-0) Peru


Mexico 0-1
(HT 0-0) Colombia


Paraguay 1-1
(HT 1-0) Venezuela
Fedor 57




Wednesday, 22 August 2007
Armenia 1-1
(HT 1-1) Portugal
Arzumanyan 12
Ronaldo 37

Bookings:
Andrade 69


Belgium 3-2
(HT 2-0) Serbia
Dembele 10
Mirallas 30
Dembele 88

Bookings:
Goor 32


Estonia 2-1
(HT 1-0) Andorra
Piiroja 34
Zelinski 90
Silva 87

Bookings:
Jaager 41
Zelinski 58
Bookings:
Lima 41
Escura 55
Silva 61
Toscano 70
Lima 73

Sent off:
Klavan 45
Zelinski 90


Finland 2-1
(HT 1-1) Kazakhstan
Eremenko 13
Tainio 61
Byakov 23

Bookings:
Heikkinen 56
Jaaskelainen 79
Kallio 82
Bookings:
Baltiyev 32
Skorykh 41



Northern Ireland 3-1
(HT 2-0) Liechtenstein
Healy 5
Healy 35
Lafferty 56
Frick 89

Bookings:
Duff 44
Bookings:
Stocklasa 25
D'Elia 66

San Marino 0-1
(HT 0-0) Cyprus
Okkas 54

Bookings:
Albani 30
Bugli 43
Della Valle 59
Ciacci 86
Bollini 14





Albania 3-0
(HT 1-0) Malta



-
Austria 1-1
(HT 0-1) Czech Republic



-
Belarus 2-1
(HT 1-1) Israel



Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-5
(HT 1-2) Croatia



Brazil 2-0
(HT 0-0) Algeria



Bulgaria 0-1
(HT 0-1) Wales
Eastwood 45

Bookings:
Popov 88
Bookings:
Earnshaw 69
Gabbidon 89


Denmark 0-4
(HT 0-2) Rep of Ireland
Keane 29
Keane 40
Long 54
Long 66


Ecuador 1-0
(HT 1-0) Bolivia
Urrutia 34



England 1-2
(HT 1-2) Germany
Lampard 9
Kuranyi 26
Pander 40

Bookings:
Cole 34


FYR Macedonia 0-0
Nigeria



Greece 2-3
(HT 2-1) Spain
Gekas 19
Katsouranis 44
Marchena 38
Silva 68
Silva 90

Bookings:
Patsatzoglou 65
Papadopoulos 75
Bookings:
Fabregas 83




Hungary 3-1
(HT 0-0) Italy
Juhasz 61
Gera (pen) 66
Seczesin 76
Di Natale 49





Iceland 1-1
(HT 0-0) Canada



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ivory Coast 0-0
(HT 0-0) Egypt



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japan 2-0
(HT 1-0) Cameroon
Tanaka 23
Yamase 88




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Latvia 1-2
(HT 1-1) Moldova



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lithuania 2-1
(HT 1-0) Turkmenistan



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luxembourg 0-0
(HT 0-0) Georgia



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montenegro 1-1
(HT 1-1) Slovenia



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norway 2-1
(HT 1-0) Argentina



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Romania 2-0
Turkey



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russia 2-2
(HT 2-0) Poland



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scotland 1-0
(HT 0-0) South Africa
Boyd 71

Bookings:
Anderson 11




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Slovakia 0-1
(HT 0-1) France
Henry 40

Bookings:
Klimpl 22
Sestak 41
Slovak 70
Holosko 90
Bookings:
Makelele 49




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sweden 1-0
(HT 0-0) USA



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Switzerland 2-1
(HT 1-0) Netherlands
Barnetta (pen) 9
Barnetta 51




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ukraine 2-1
(HT 1-0) Uzbekistan



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Slovakia B 1-0
(HT 1-0) France B



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
England U21 1-1
(HT 1-1) Romania U21
Derbyshire 8
Hart o.g. 25

Bookings:
Onuoha 23
Noble 35
Bookings:
Stancu 3
Ropotan 14
Tudose 21
Scutaru 55

Sent off:
Scutaru 72

A little bit of both!
Newcastle is the last big city before Scotland in England so we have a lot of Scots living here....
And yes Newcastle are both my home and favourite team

What is your take on this Yogi would you be dissapointed if he went? or id there somone you would like to see at st james with the money from martins sale?

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce insists he has had no approach for his Nigerian international striker Obafemi Martins.
The 22-year-old Martins has been linked with a move away since it emerged he has a £13m buy-out clause in his deal.

"There has been speculation about Obafemi Martins every week since I have been here, and he is still at Newcastle," said Allardyce.

"I have had no contact from any club, either in this country or any other wanting to activate his clause."

Martins has been tipped as a possible target for Manchester United, who have lost the services of striker Wayne Rooney to injury.

However, Allardyce confirmed today there have as yet been no offers for the player, who scored 17 goals last season following his £10m arrival from Inter Milan.

But Allardyce added: "Oba is still a Newcastle United player and the only way he will not be a Newcastle United player is if somebody activates that clause, and nobody has."

I don't know mate!
This is a funny one.
Oba has done ok for us but he has'nt set the world alight. However i think he may do ok under Allardyce. The speculation about him going is in the papers every week so we tend to dismiss it a bit now!
As for signing someone i would like to see us sign Michael Owen.......
Oh hang on we already did did'nt we?

Nice thread Chopper,keep up the good work.

I contribute more now im back home...

ha ha

nice to see you back De Niro i bet you was gutted last week with that result?

just a bit..its eary days yet..hopefully 3 points sunday..

Yeah it is early sheff u are playing absolutley shite at the minute although james beatie is looking well

just got in i ended up going to the match bit drunk at the min if you read tghis de niro ill pmm u in morning mate


Barclays Premier League
Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool 45,645
Sissoko 37
Voronin 87


Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City 60,114
Fabregas 80


Aston Villa 2-1 Fulham 36,638
Knight(og) 51 Dempsey 6
Maloney 90


Bolton Wanderers 3-0 Reading 20,023
Speed 32
Anelka 55
Braaten 90


Chelsea 1-0 Portsmouth 41,501
Lampard 31


Derby County 1-2 Birmingham City 31,117
Oakley 51 Jerome 1, 63


West Ham United 1-1 Wigan Athletic 33,793
Bowyer 81 Scharner 78


Everton 1-1 Blackburn Rovers 33,850
McFadden 78 Santa Cruz 15

Another late goal for arsenal i see,i can also see derby struggling this season as well.

I watched the sunderland game today,and i dont like them but ill be honest i think they will have good season what about bolton beating reading 3 nil i couldnt belive it

bout time bolton got off the mark they will get top 8 easy..

they should really they have got some good players nolan etc... how has nolan not got in the england squad?

LOL. They are going down.

I can't see them going down..

i cant see them going down mid tale thats about it when big sam they will have lost the passion

Have you seen them play? Terrible. Them and Derby for sure are going down and then either Birmingham or West Ham. That would be cool to see West Ham go down after all the shit they pulled last year.

I think its a bit too early to choose the teams going down,just yet..

What did West Ham do last year?

DISCLAIMER: To all of you fans, I hope you'll go easy on me because I'm an American, meaning I have about the same "Soccer" (UGH, I hate my country for naming it that) knowledge as a five year old in the rest of the world. I did play in school as a defender and absolutely loved the sport, and have watched the World Cup the last two times even though I had to stay awake at odd times of the night/morning in order to watch games. So please, in future posts, when I ask a question or make a statement that makes you roll your eyes, it's because I'm still learning and will probably never have the knowledge you all have. I try to think about you guys following American Baseball. I wouldn't even know where to start in that sport but because I grew up with it, it feels like second nature. I'm sure that's what football is to you guys. One of these days I'm going to visit England and a football match is the highest priority of things to do while I'm there. Maybe I could even go with some of you, that would be fun! So again, please go easy on a new fan from a country that is football-dumb.

Lets just say they did some very shady things last season and it would I think be poetic justice.

What sort of shady things though? Whether it's fact or conspiracy I would still like to know.

Basically they had two players that werent really owned by the club (West Ham) their contracts were owned by a third party. It was just a mess. Thats just like the short version of it. I'm sure the others can get into further details about it, since I really didnt follow it that much.

they got my club sheffield united relegated i hope west ham go down i cant stand them after what they did us and liverpool the cheating bastards

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Arsenal have made a bid £9m move for Newcastle's Nigerian striker Obefami Martins. (News of the World)

Leicester have launched a £1.5m bid to sign unsettled Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy. (Sunday Mirror)

Liverpool have targeted Gremio midfielder Carlos Eduardo, dubbed 'the new Ronaldhino'. (News of the World)

Cardiff and Sheffield United are set to make a shock bid for Oldham striker Craig Davies, who only joined the club in the summer. (News of the World)

West Ham are set to sign Blackburn midfielder Tugay. (Sunday Mirror)

Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko is wanted by Major League Soccer chiefs in America. (Sunday Mirror)

Birmingham are poised to sign Senegal star Amdy Faye. (News of the World)

Tottenham want Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen. (News of the World)

Newcastle are set to land Atletico Madrid's Peter Luccin in the next 48 hours. (News of the World)

Birmingham are also closing in on midfielder Luccin. (Sunday Mirror)

Middlesbrough could offload midfielder Jason Euell to Premiership rivals Sunderland. (Sunday Mirror)

Preston want to sign Coventry marksman Dele Adebola. (News of the World)

Watford have targeted West Brom forward Nathan Ellington to replace Darius Henderson. (Sunday Mirror)

Bristol City have made an inquiry about unsettled Millwall striker Darren Byfield. (News of the World)

Birmingham are interested in signing Marseille's star midfielder M'Bami. (The People)

Sunderland are ready to swap striker Stern John in a deal to bring Kenwyne Jones from Southampton. (The People)

Fulham are lining up a bid for Monaco's Czech striker Jan Koller. (The People)

Bolton's 29-year-old Senegalese defender Abdoulaye Faye claims Newcastle have offered him a £40,000-a-week contract. (The People)

Crystal Palace boss Peter Taylor wants to snap up out of favour Leicester striker Matty Fryatt. (The People)

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is ready to revive their interest in Fenerbahce's Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Appiah. (The People)

Arsenal are trailing Ajax left-back Urby Emanuelson. (The People)

OTHER GOSSIP
Former Tottenham striker Jurgen Klinsmann is to lead an American bid to buy the club. (The People)

Micah Richards is set to sign a new four-year deal at Man City that will eventually send his wages soaring to £50,000 a week. (News of the World)

Carlisle are considering moving for ex-Newcastle player Lee Clark to take over at Brunton Park. (Sunday Express)

David Beckham's team LA Galaxy want German legend Jurgen Klinsmann as their new manager. (News of the World)

Leicester will axe manager Martin Allen this week. (News of the World)

Boss Simon Grayson could quit Blackpool as the Championship side stall over a new contract. (News of the World)

Leicester owner Milan Mandaric wants ex-Wigan boss Paul Jewell to replace Allen is he is sacked. (The People)

this ones for you DeNiro

Darlington 2-2 Notts County
A last-gasp goal from Richard Butcher saw Darlington drop their first points of the season as Notts County twice came from behind to snatch a draw.
The hosts had two early goals disallowed but Tommy Wright did give them the lead on 40 minutes.

Butcher levelled from close range on 72 minutes before Ian Miller gave the hosts the lead again with a header.

But Butcher seized on some poor defending at the death and slotted past David Stockdale in the Darlington goal.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darlington: Stockdale, Purdie, White, Foster, Ryan, Joachim, Cummins, McBride (Miller 80), Netherthorpe (Wainwright 65), Abbott (Blundell 80), Wright.
Subs Not Used: Oakes, Harty.

Goals: Wright 40, Miller 86.

Notts County: Pilkington, Canoville (Silk 77), Tann, Hunt, McCann, Smith, MacKenzie (Somner 82), Butcher, Mayo, Weir-Daley (Parkinson 59), Dudfield.
Subs Not Used: Sam, Sandercombe.

Booked: Smith.

Goals: Butcher 72, 90.

Att: 3,763

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

And one for Yogi

Middlesbrough v Newcastle

Riverside stadium
Sunday, 26 August
Kick-off: 1330 BST
Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day. Featured game on Score and Final Score.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate is back in training after knee surgery but not yet ready to return.

Fabio Rochemback returns after a ban, but Mido (ankle) is a doubt, as are Andrew Taylor and Luke Young.

Newcastle's fit-again striker Michael Owen will fight it out for place in the starting line-up with Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Shola Ameobi.

Emre (calf) is back in training, but Shay Given, Celestine Babayaro, Joey Barton and Damien Duff are out.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Jones, Davies, Taylor, Riggott, Wheater, Hines, Boateng, Arca, Cattermole, Tuncay, Downing, Johnson, Aliadiere, Yakubu, Mido, Lee.

Newcastle (from): Harper, Forster, Carr, N'Zogbia, Rozehnal, Taylor, Ramage, Cacapa, Enrique, Solano, Milner, Geremi, Butt, Smith, Emre, Viduka, Martins, Ameobi, Owen.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate on the departure of Yajubu:
"We either go home and sulk or roll our sleeves up and get on with it.
"Let's say 'We've got Newcastle on Sunday, a fantastic game, into the breech lads and go and get the win'.

"We have got lads who want that opportunity, and they are looking forward to it."


Newcastle striker Mark Viduka:
"Newcastle fans have yet to see the best of me but perhaps that will all change on Sunday.
"I loved my time at Middlesbrough and if I score I won't celebrate too much.

"But I am a Newcastle United player now and I will be focusing on trying to take the three points home."


BIG-MATCH FACTS
This is the first north-east derby of the Premier League season, as well as the 118th competitive Tees-Tyne derby, 111th in the league, 23rd in the Premier League.

Newcastle did not manage to score in last season's two clashes with their rivals from Teesside.

Victory for Middlesbrough would be the 1,500th of their league history.


up the toon

Team P W D L F A W D L F A GD PTS
1 Chelsea 4 2 0 0 4 2 1 1 0 3 2 3 10
2 Man City 4 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 2 1 3 9
3 Wigan 4 2 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 2 3 3 7
4 Liverpool 3 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 4 1 3 7
5 Everton 4 1 1 0 3 2 1 0 1 3 2 2 7
6 Arsenal 3 2 0 0 3 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 7
7 Portsmouth 4 1 1 0 4 2 0 1 1 2 3 1 5
8 Blackburn 3 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 3 2 1 5
9 Newcastle 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 2 4
10 Aston Villa 3 1 0 1 3 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 4
11 Birmingham 4 0 1 1 2 3 1 0 1 4 4 -1 4
12 West Ham 3 0 1 1 1 3 1 0 0 1 0 -1 4
13 Reading 4 1 0 1 2 2 0 1 1 0 3 -3 4
14 Sunderland 4 1 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 2 5 -4 4
15 Tottenham 3 1 0 1 5 3 0 0 1 0 1 1 3
16 Middlesbrough 3 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 1 2 2 -1 3
17 Bolton 4 1 0 1 4 3 0 0 2 2 5 -2 3
18 Fulham 4 1 0 1 3 3 0 0 2 2 4 -2 3
19 Man Utd 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 -1 2
20 Derby 4 0 1 1 3 4 0 0 2 0 5 -6 1

thanks for the County report..we always draw our games at the start of the season.im going next saturday,so hopefully first win when im there against morecombe..

its years since i went to notts county i think the last time i went i was about ten and we beat you on boxing day whats the ground like now?

what season would that have been?

we have probley the best ground in lg 2 in my view pitty we only get 4-6 k maybe 10k when we play mansfield at home..

roughly 94 ish how many does the ground hold?

cool.it holds 21.500

Im off to watch the man Utd game soon,man they better win or our season is iver with already..

Good luck mate im going to the pub to watch it should be a good game you gotta win

yep,leaving in about 15 mins so ill talk to you tonight if you will be on..

yeah ill be on about 8 ish see you later mate

Toon draw with Smoggies...
I expected better if i'm being honest

Sunday, 26 August 2007
Man Utd 1-0
(HT 0-0) Tottenham
Nani 68

Bookings:
Giggs 42
Brown 54
Bookings:
Huddlestone 63
Berbatov 70
Gardner 75

Middlesbrough 2-2
(HT 1-1) Newcastle
Mido 28
Arca 80
N'Zogbia 22
Viduka 77

Bookings:
Mido 29
Woodgate 48
Young 70
Wheater 82
Sanli 90
Rochemback 90
Bookings:
Butt 49
Milner 88
Smith 90

I think I may have found my team! I'm trying to stay open to all other teams, but Blackburn has really grabbed me. One of the few players in the EPL that I already know is American goalkeeper Brad Friedel. I became a fan of his during the 2002 World Cup. I also enjoyed watching Roque Santa Cruz and Christopher Samba in their last game. After doing a little research I discovered that their team captain, Ryan Nelsen, went to college at Stanford University, right here in the California Bay Area! I'm hoping all of their games are broadcast over here so that I can watch them.

Anything else you all might be able to tell me about them would be appreciated. Like who is their main rival?

Burnley,preston,oldham are there main rivals to be honest they are not that good but you dont want to support a team that wins everything every year you need some ups and downs

3 points for Utd,spurs were unlucky not to get a pen but i think it was a close game,with man Utd having the better chances.

good for you mate finally got your first win under your belt ill catch up with you tommorow De Niro

Next Fixtures are on the 14th.Man thats to long to wait for me..

And here they are,

at least we have got the england game to watch on saturday then again i can see us losing he playing fucking Heskey!

Saturday, 15 September 2007
Birmingham v Bolton, 15:00
Chelsea v Blackburn, 17:15
Everton v Man Utd, 12:00
Portsmouth v Liverpool, 12:45
Sunderland v Reading, 15:00
Tottenham v Arsenal, 13:30
West Ham v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Wigan v Fulham, 15:00

Sunday, 16 September 2007
Man City v Aston Villa, 16:00



Monday, 17 September 2007
Derby v Newcastle, 20:00

Barclays Premier League Table

P GD PTS
1 Liverpool 4 9 10
2 Arsenal 4 4 10
3 Everton 5 3 10
4 Chelsea 5 1 10
5 Man City 5 2 9
6 Newcastle 4 3 8
7 Blackburn 4 2 8
8 Man Utd 5 1 8
9 Wigan 5 2 7
10 Aston Villa 4 2 7
11 West Ham 4 2 7
12 Middlesbrough 5 1 7
13 Portsmouth 5 -1 5
14 Tottenham 5 0 4
15 Fulham 5 -2 4
16 Birmingham 5 -3 4
17 Sunderland 5 -5 4
18 Reading 5 -6 4
19 Bolton 5 -3 3
20 Derby 5 -12 1

Im ganna miss the England game,im driving my Girlfriends cousin to Birmingham Airport,so ill listen to 5 Live..

ah fair one im watching it in the pub but one of mates ratty gets on my nerves because he points out everything that is happening even though im watching it my self for 90 mins he says to me 'did you just see that' and i think well fucking obviously seen as im stood at the side of you with my eyes on the tv!!!

I know it gets annoying when people are constantley talking during the game..

ill tell De Niro sheff utd are playing absolutley crap so far i am really dissapointed hopefully Rpbson will get the sack soon and then we can get stuart Mcall as Manager

Its early days yet,ill sure your form will improve.I bet you are happy about the Owls yhough..

im absolutley lovin it mate even if we dont go up if they go down that will make me happy

Fans blast lack of Saturday games

A new top-flight record will be set on Saturday 6 October when just one Premier League match kicks off at the traditional 1500 BST time.
Only Aston Villa's home game against West Ham starts at 1500 BST, with one game starting at 1245 BST on Saturday and eight games taking place on Sunday.

"This is a matter of great concern," said Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters' Federation.

"It is extraordinary and it will be a dark weekend for football supporters."

Clarke added: "It's symbolic of the way things are going but the views of the match-going fan seem to be bottom of the list of priorities.

The Saturday three o'clock kick-off is a great tradition of English football

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe

"We will certainly bring this up at our next meeting with the Premier League."

Manchester United v Wigan is the other game taking place of Saturday, 6 October but is kicking off at 1245 BST as it is being televised.

Three other matches are being televised on the Sunday, four have been switched because teams involved are playing in the Uefa Cup on the previous Thursday and Manchester City v Middlesbrough has been moved for policing reasons.

The City game was originally due to be played in the last week of the season but as their ground is the venue for the Uefa Cup final, Uefa asked the club to switch their Middlesbrough matches to play at the Riverside on the last weekend of the season.

As United are at home on Saturday, 6 October, City have to play on the Sunday.

A Premier League spokesman said: "It is a combination of factors - teams featuring in Europe, television games and policing issues.


"We always try to give fans as much notice as possible as our research shows that if we do that, then they can make the appropriate travel arrangements."

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said fans' concerns had to be listened to.

"The Saturday three o'clock kick-off is a great tradition of English football and one that supporters, myself included, would like to see continue," said Sutcliffe.

"But I am sure fans whose clubs are competing in the Uefa Cup are happy to trade that off for a place in Europe.

"While TV rights have contributed to the success of the Premier League - money from which is now filtering down to lower league and community football - fans' concerns need to be listened to when fixtures schedules are drawn up

one for you DE NIRO

Manchester United defender Danny Simpson has committed himself to the club by signing a new deal until 2010.
The 20-year-old full-back spent the second half of last season on loan at Sunderland and has since forced his way into the first team squad at United.

Simpson became Black Cats boss Roy Keane's first-choice right back, making 14 appearances as Sunderland went up.

The former United scholar also spent the first four months of last season on loan at Royal Antwerp in Belgium

One for Yogi

Newcastle midfielder Charles N'Zogbia has signed a new five-year contract to keep him at St James' Park.
The 21-year-old Frenchman was linked with a move to Arsenal during the transfer window, but has now pledged his future to Sam Allardyce's side.

"I am happy to sign my contract and I see my future with Newcastle because it is a great club," said N'Zogbia.

"At the end of last season I thought I might leave as I was unhappy but it is all different now with the new boss."

He added: "I have always loved the city, the fans and the club and wanted to stay here.

"I'm delighted now that I'm playing and I'm really enjoying my football."

N'Zogbia, who has already scored twice this season, was called into the France Under-21 squad earlier this week.

Newcastle fought a lengthy legal battle with N'Zogbia's home town club Le Havre after luring him to England as a teenager in September 2004.

I hope the next Blackburn game is televised here. Their win over Manchester City wasn't. I would have liked to see that one.

Do you get many televised prem games in the states? or just weekly highlights?

Arsene Wenger has signed a contract extension with Arsenal that will keep him at the club until 2011.
The Frenchman has extended his current deal, which took him to the end of this season, by a further three years.

"My heart is tied to this football club so signing a new deal was always my intention," said the Arsenal boss.

"It has deep-seated roots and a tremendous heritage. It is my aim to uphold these values and help create new history for future generations."

Wenger's future was the subject of some doubt following the departure of former vice-chairman and his close ally David Dein in April and striker Thierry Henry in the summer.

But Wenger added: "Arsenal is the club of my life. I have been entrusted with complete freedom to implement and execute my plans on what will make the team successful.

"That means I have a responsibility to the fans to deliver silverware and also a responsibility to the players to help turn our potential into prizes."

The new deal is thought to earn the 57-year-old Wenger £4m a year.

Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood added: "It is wonderful news. With Arsene continuing to manage the team, I am sure we can look forward to more exciting football and success on the pitch.

"He has a special ability to develop talented players and turn then into world class stars, a quality that is admired here at the club and indeed around the world."

Wenger recently revealed he was excited about the current squad, that includes the four players he signed in the summer.

"Since the beginning of the season something has been happening in this team," he said.

"They fight for each other, they have a great togetherness and love for the game."

Another indication that Wenger was set to pledge his future to the club was given by playmaker Cesc Fabregas.

The Spaniard revealed in July that he would snub any approach by Real Madrid in order to continue playing under Wenger at the Emirates.

"I am only 20 and all I have to do is enjoy my football and improve - and I want to do that with this team. I will try to win titles with Arsenal and give my all to Arsene Wenger.


"I will always be grateful to him for giving me my chance."

Wenger's side have made a good start to the season - lying second in the Premier League and having ensured their place in the Champions League group stage with victory over Sparta Prague.

Many fancy the Gunners to finish in the top four and challenge in Europe, something that has become a habit for the club under the reign of Wenger.

The Frenchman, brought over by Dein from Japanese side Grampus Eight in 1996, has guided Arsenal to three Premier League titles and four FA Cup triumphs.

The team, who have never finished outside the top four in that time, came close to landing the Champions League title in 2006 but were beaten by Barcelona in the final

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/3914143.stm

see if you can do a better job than McClaren well a 5 yr old could do a better job but this is just for fun

I would like to see Harry Redknapp be given the England job, i think he would be a better job,hes always been succesful at club level with smaller clubs..

I agree see you later mate off to work you will problem getting a drunken txt one day lol

Actually, we get more games then you guys do. If you have Setenta and FSC you can watch all the games.

Yeah, I get those two channels, but I think Blackburn vs. Man City was the only game not televised this last time.

That sucks. But I'm pretty sure almost all of them are shown. I know that Setanta gets the 1st choice game Saturday and the 3rd while FSC gets the 2nd and 4th games live on Saturday. Plus FSC has a game on delayed broadcast.

COME ON ENGLAND,DON'T LET US DOWN TODAY..........

I just saw FSC is showing the Blackburn vs Chelsea game next saturday! I have it set to record in case I miss it.

Any particular matches stand out this next saturday that you guys think I shouldn't miss?

I think most of the games are playing Sunday next week.

...or sunday. Any that you suggest I watch? Any good rivalries, or anything like that?

My mistake only one game Sunday..My team are away to Everton on Saturday so that my highlight,but the main game would have to be the North London Derby between Tottenham and Arsenal..

Saturday, 15 September 2007

Birmingham v Bolton, 15:00
Chelsea v Blackburn, 17:15
Everton v Man Utd, 12:00
Portsmouth v Liverpool, 12:45
Sunderland v Reading, 15:00
Tottenham v Arsenal, 13:30
West Ham v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Wigan v Fulham, 15:00

Sunday, 16 September 2007
Man City v Aston Villa, 16:00

Monday, 17 September 2007
Derby v Newcastle, 20:00

England 3-0 Israel

England produced an inspired display to brush aside Israel in their Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley.

A sidefooted Shaun Wright-Phillips volley from Joe Cole's slanted cross to the far post put England ahead as they took command of the tie.

Michael Owen swivelled on the spot and brilliantly unleashed a precise 18-yard strike to extend the home side's lead.

Israel did not even force a save out of keeper Paul Robinson as Micah Richards headed in a corner to complete the win.


England: Robinson; Richards, Ferdinand, Terry, A Cole; Barry, Gerrard (Neville 70), Wright-Phillips (Bentley 83), J Cole; Owen, Heskey (Johnson 70).

Israel: Aouate; Shpungin, Gershon, Ben Haim, Ziv; Benado (Golan 57), Badir, Tal, Benayoun; Yitzhaki (Tamuz 46), Katan (Zandberg 73).

Att: 85,372.

Fuckin easy should of been ten,owen should of had five

Owens goal was cracker..

You should really wacth the Arsenal Spurs match next Sunday. And make sure you root for Arsenal.

Haha yeah, I saw De Niro mentioned that same game so I set it to record as well. It's on too early for me to watch it live so I will be staying away from this thread until I watch it so I don't ruin the ending.

I watched a Spurs game once already and the team didn't really catch my interest so I'm sure I'll be rooting for Arsenal since I know you're a fan

Michah richards had another excellent game this kid has got some serious talent hopefully he will keep playing well and we will have around for some years.

AC Milan signing Alexandre Pato admits he rejected Chelsea over fears of being unable to handle the rigours of the Premiership.
"Although other clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid were interested, I always knew my destiny," the Brazilian striker told Don Balon.

"I was advised that my style of play was not best suited for English football."

LONDON (AFP) — The Glazer family have strongly denied a report fom the Manchester United Supporters Trust that the club is sitting on a "time bomb" of debt.

A trust report, due to be released Monday, claims that the club's interest payments have increased by 28 million pounds (56 million dollars) this year.

It also claims that increased TV revenue and money from a new shirt sponsorship deal with American insurance giants AIG is being used to service debts.

But a Glazer family spokesman Sunday dismissed the report saying: "The story is inaccurate. Nothing has changed.

"The debts continue to be comfortably serviced by the business, which is performing better than ever.

"As always there have been substantial funds for the manager to purchase players over the summer."

United have spent heavily since the end of last season, recruiting Owen Hargreaves, Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has not been restricted in the transfer market since the Glazers completed their 790 million pound (1.58 billion dollar) takeover in 2005.

United fans have been hit with a 14 percent rise in ticket prices this season but the club has to fund rising player salary demands and keep stars like Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford.

The Trust report claims the Glazer family "continue to face an extraordinary and growing debt problem".

"The interest bill is currently an annualised 100 million (200 million dollars)-plus, of which 73 million pounds (146 million dollars) is payable this year and the other 27 million (54 million dollars) in the future - a ticking debt time-bomb."

The report states that since last year's refinancing, United and the Glazers have been faced with "a series of interest rate rises which have increased the annual debt service bill from 62 million pounds (124 million dollars) a year on the total debt of 660 million pounds (1.32 billion dollars).

Reports have emerged over recent weeks of potential buyers for United based in China and Dubai but the Glazers have stressed that they have no interest in selling and are completely committed to the club.

I read about that,interesting

im sure i just heard on sky sports that they are holding a news conference either today or tommrow i didnt hear it properly

I think its all all media speculation to be honest,im Mean £100 million interest a year.I hope it's all speculation for the clubs future..

the thing is you never know now days as there is so much shady buisness happening

i hope not though it just takes all emphasis away from football

I know what you mean,sad when you see teams going out of buissness for debts of under a million £,when players etcs earn that in a small amount of time..

it is sad look how many small teams could be going out of buisness i think rochdale look like they could be going soon,i mean i hate leeds i really do but look at the state of the club it is appaling but it just goes to show no club is safe anymore.


Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood says he is willing to talk to Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov - but not about selling the Gunners.

Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein heads a company that wants to gain a significant stake in the Gunners after selling his shares to Usmanov.

Hill-Wood told BBC Sport: "The major shareholders have no intention of selling and wouldn't welcome an offer."

"But we will have a dialogue with any principal or major shareholder."



Hill-Wood added: "If they've got some sensible proposals we'll listen to them."

However Hill-Wood's attitude to the possibility of talks with Dein was somewhat different.

"I see no major point in that, I've had 25 years of listening to him," the Arsenal chairman told me.

Dein left the Gunners after Hill-Wood and the other board members rejected his attempts to bring in investment from American billionaire Stan Kroenke.

He sold his 14.58% stake in Arsenal for £75m to Red and White Holdings Ltd - a company co-owned by Usmanov and business partner Farhad Moshiri - and was then appointed its chairman.

The former Arsenal vice-chairman maintained the Gunners would not be able to compete with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool without major foreign investment.

But Hill-Wood maintained the Arsenal board's strategy of fiscal prudence was the right way to go. He said: "I have no objection to foreign investors coming into the Premier League, it's going to be beneficial.

We have always run Arsenal as a business and kept within reasonable bounds

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood

"Most of them are investment people and they're not buying into clubs because they have the passion for the local team they have supported since they were two-years-old.

"They think that football and the Premier League is an attractive investment and they want a return on that.

"That will work in our favour. There will be a more sensible attitude in transfer fees at silly levels and all this sort of thing.

"People putting £100m in are going to want to see how they can make a profit. To go on paying more to players is not justified or sensible.

"We have always run Arsenal as a business and kept within reasonable bounds.

"All this nonsense about needing a billionaire to put a whole lot of money in to help shore up the annual deficit is not going to happen - it's lunacy."


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/6987893.stm

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Turkish midfielder Emre wants to quit Newcastle for Galatasaray but the Magpies want £3.5m for him. (Daily Mirror)

Sunderland manager Roy Keane is weighing up a £2m move for QPR's Dexter Blackstock. (Daily Mirror)

West Brom boss Tony Mowbray is ready to battle Sheffield United for Spurs winger Wayne Routledge. (Daily Mirror)

Hull City boss Phil Brown is giving a trial to Middlesbrough striker Malcolm Christie. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has been warned he will have to wait until next summer if he wants to replace manager Martin Jol with Ronald Koeman. (Daily Express)

Russia boss Guus Hiddink was never in the running to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager last year. (Daily Express)

Russia skipper Andrei Arshavin has taunted England goalkeeper Paul Robinson by saying he is the side's weakest link. (The Sun)

Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney is itching to make a shock return on Saturday against former club Everton. (Daily Mirror)

But Everton keeper Tim Howard is a major doubt after dislocating a finger. (Daily Mail)

Sheffield United's legal bill for fighting West Ham has hit £1m, but they will continue to press with their claims. (Daily Mail)

Derby County are at the centre of a £30m takeover bid from a mystery consortium. (The Sun)

Axed Leicester boss Martin Allen is set to be offered a return to management with Gillingham. (Daily Mirror)

Gary Megson is working for free at Stoke in an attempt to get back into management. (Daily Mail)

Emmanuel Adebayor could miss six games for Arsenal after declaring he wants to play for Togo again. (The Sun)

Lucas Neill has vowed not to let West Ham stop him playing for Australia. (Daily Star)

Chris Coleman is in danger of the sack after just four games at Real Sociedad. (The Sun)

AFC Wimbledon are looking at moving to a site next to their old Plough Lane ground. (Daily Express)

Former Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has turned down the Leicester manager's job. (The Sun)

Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd could join forces with Ken Bates at Leeds. (The Guardian)

France striker Nicolas Anelka says his side will panic if they do not get off to a good start against Scotland. (Daily Record

Leeds are welcome to Fat Fred

I dont know how true this is but i heard i rumor that real madrid are lining up a 17 million pound move for Michael Owen

they don't need him.they only sold him 2 years ago..he should stay in england and im 99% sure its just rumors..

i hope its only a rummor

he wants first team football and he will get that in the Premiership..

Yeah i agree with you mate i like to see him in England as he always seems to play better then in international matches.are you watching the match tommrow?

of course,i have to meet the missus from tram stop so ill miss first 10 mins..

A must win game tonight for England,cmon boys don't let us down..

England 11 v Russia

Robinson
Richards
Ashley Cole
Terry
Ferdinand
Barry
Gerrard
Wright Phillips
Joe Cole
Owen
Heskey

its a must win game

Drunken Fifer locked up for punching Sir Alex
A DRUNKEN Scots football fan was behind bars today after he admitted punching Sir Alex Ferguson in the groin near a London train station.

Kevin Reynolds, 43, who had downed half a bottle of vodka and several cans of strong lager, launched the unprovoked attack on the Manchester United boss as he waited for his driver outside Euston Station.

Sir Alex, 65, was left winded and crouching in agony as his Fife-born attacker yelled the football chant: "Fergie, Fergie shut your mouth."

Reynolds tried to run from the scene and headbutted a police community support officer who came to Sir Alex's aid. He then shouted before letting out a torrent of racist abuse at him and other officers.

Clean-shaven Reynolds, who was wearing a navy open neck t-shirt with the L’Oreal logo, admitted four charges relating to the violent outburst.

The homeless alcoholic has a shocking 105 previous convictions including several assaults and had only been released from prison five days' earlier.

Carol Tod, prosecuting, told City of Westminster Magistrates' Court: "On Monday September 10 this year at ten past four in the afternoon Sir Alex Ferguson was waiting for his driver outside Euston Railway Station. He noticed the defendant staggering towards him and thought he was going to ask him for money.

"The defendant suddenly struck out at Mr Ferguson with his right fist, which caught him in the groin area."

Doubled up in pain the football boss asked Reynolds: "What the hell are you doing."

The thug replied: "I'm sorry Fergie, I didn't know it was you."

He swung his arms out to shout: "Fergie, Fergie, shut your mouth," which was said in court to be a well-known chant among Scottish football fans.

Ms Tod continued: "He then walked off saying nothing further. Sir Alex stood in pain and amazement and couldn't believe what had happened."

Friends travelling with him immediately called for help and police arrested Reynolds nearby. Sir Alex suffered "soreness and tenderness" but did not need hospital treatment.

After drinking a cup of tea he continued on his way to represent the Society for Multiple Sclerosis at a charity event organised by City traders to commemorate the 9/11 terror attacks.

Reynolds denied the assault in interview claiming he was "playing around" with Sir Alex, who was born in Glasgow.

District Judge Daphne Wickham said she did not have the power to jail him for long enough and committed him for sentence at Southwark Crown Court on a date to be set.

She said: "I don't think the first victim, Sir Alex Ferguson, regarded this as a joke. He was at first sympathetic to him – he seemed very surprised when he was struck by him."

Reynolds, of no fixed address, admitted one count of common assault on Sir Alex, one charge of causing actual bodily harm to PCSO Peace Towula, and two counts of racially aggravated harassment.

This article: http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=1460332007

Heres a article for Bibble

Potted histories of the Premier League usually contain a caveat when mentioning Blackburn Rovers' 1995 title along the lines of 'aided by Jack Walker's millions, Kenny Dalglish was able to build a side that broke the domination of Manchester United'.

The odd man out among the roll-call of Premiership champions, Blackburn under Dalglish were an excellent side who played with two centre-forwards and always used wingers yet, aside from the sniping over money they were also criticised as being a rather functional outfit.

They netted 80 goals in that title-winning campaign however and a points tally of 89 would have seen them finish level with Manchester United had it been repeated last season.

Rovers spent plenty of course and broke the transfer record on a couple of occasions, firstly to sign Alan Shearer and then Chris Sutton but they did not have a huge squad of big-earners, snapped up to keep them away from other clubs and relying on the rotation system to keep them all happy.

In reality, with the new Sky money kicking in, Blackburn did not have the kind of financial advantage over the rest of the clubs that Chelsea did at the beginning of the Abramovich era although they were well-placed to take advantage of the fact that clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool had not yet gotten their heads around football's 'brave new world'.

The vast majority of Dalglish's signings were British, the likes of Tim Sherwood, Paul Warhurst and Stuart Ripley, bought with the financial backing of a local man who wasn't interested in taking over any old football club, only the one he had supported all his life.

A little over ten years on and in a football world dominated by owners from Russia, Thailand, Iceland and the USA it seems almost quaint by comparison.

Fast forward to today and Blackburn again have an image problem (the problem being of course that they are not from London, Manchester or Liverpool). Still locally-owned but no longer able to complete at the very top end of the transfer market, Mark Hughes has built a top-quality side that again make good use of wide players and rarely fall into the trap of playing just one man upfield.

Strongly criticised in some quarters for what is seen as their physical approach, Rovers possess attacking players such as Morten Gamst Pedersen, David Bentley and Benni McCarthy who collectively would be worth at least £25m if they were to be sold.

Not that they are on their way however. Blackburn at present does not seem to be a place that players are keen to leave. Aside from a mega-money bid from one of the top four clubs, where would they go? Lucas Neill chose West Ham and whatever he says publicly must realise now how much greener the grass is on the Ewood Park turf.

David Moyes had it right when he said recently, responding to criticism of Blackburn from Arsene Wenger: "Football is a strong sport and there are tackles and challenges, which are part of the rules.

"I see Blackburn as better than people give them credit for."

The sniping is unlikely to stop. Blackburn as a town and as a team remains unfashionable. For being pragmatic and solid at the back and yet dangerous when going forward, Hughes will be criticised whereas Jose Mourinho has been lauded.

Rovers fans though can look forward to more cup runs, more decent league finishes and more European football over the next few years so I'm sure they won't be too worried.


heres a cool website for you Bibble enjoy

http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/History/0,,10303,00.html

Croatia are winning 6-0 away to andorra

not suprising although we cant do it

did you see the article about fergie in the above post?

I read about it early today.the wanker thought he was a look a like.

Poor Fergie

Hes a tough bastard i bet though Old Fergie

i bet he his.coming from goven one of the toughest parts in scotland..

who did fergie play for in his footballing days

Queen Park 58-60
St Johnstone 60-64
Dunfermline 64-67
Rangers 67-69
Falkirk 69-73
Ayr Utd 73-74

Fuck me that was quick i didnt know that he played at that standard what position did he play? for a guess im gonna say midfield

Correct,The best managers never had a major sucessfull playing carrer

Clough
paisley
Stein
Revie
Fergie
Wenger


Etc

Absolutley spot on there mate i mean look at the best managers at the minute Fegie Wenger Mourinho,Benetez not one ever stood out in there playing career,whos man u got this weekend ? Blades have got wolves at home and i will be there

Look at my signature at the bottam..

Im going to the County game on saturday. Daganam and redbridge at home(our first ever meeting)..

ok everton

enjoy it mate will they bring many fans?

just going for a bath be back in 15 mins mate

Im off to watch the football.

probley not couple of hundred if that..

ok im wactching it to speak to you tommrow mate

England 2 Russia 0

Michael owen 7,31

get in there..top goals

great goals mate i think thats 40 for owen now

England (2) 3 Russia (0) 0

Michael Owen left Russia reeling like a bear with a sore head last night, the England striker twice showing his magnificent predatory instincts to put Steve McClaren's men back on track to qualify for Euro 2008. The poacher also turned goal-maker, setting up Rio Ferdinand to really get the party started at Wembley.


When Owen came calling in the first half, Russia's centre-halves displayed all the woodenness of Babushka dolls. Poor in the air, slow on the ground, they were left utterly exposed when England's No 10 gained possession, and utterly distraught at his emphatic finishes.


High and mighty: Michael Owen shoots over Russia goalkeeper Viacheslav Malafeev to put England 2-0 up
In typically clinical fashion, Owen lifted his international tally to 40 goals in 85 appearances, within sight of Jimmy Greaves' 44. Greaves would certainly have enjoyed Owen's nervelessness and accuracy in placing the ball past Russia's hapless goalkeeper, Viacheslav Malafeev.

If Russia's marking was non-existent, the visitors also paid for Guus Hiddink's cautious first-half tactics which invited England to attack, almost at will, with Gareth Barry again outstanding alongside Steven Gerrard. Barry rarely wasted the ball, and rallied the team when Russia hinted at a revival midway through both halves.

McClaren appears to have realised that partnerships work best, not a collection of individuals. Gerrard clearly enjoyed operating with Barry.

This has not been a good few days for Frank Lampard. Ditto Wayne Rooney, who returns to the fray shortly for Manchester United, but must prove he can form a proper England alliance with Owen.


Emile Heskey was terrific as the broadsword to Owen's rapier, making his accomplice's second with a powerful flick, and he deserves a continued run in the side. McClaren may have an unconvincing air in public, but no one can now question the belief coursing through his players. Suddenly, all the old doubts seem distant. England do boast some class acts, Gerrard and Owen in particular. A summer sojourn in the Alps looms into focus. If Croatia look certain to qualify for Euro 2008, particularly after hitting Andorra for six yesterday, England are now favourites to follow them to Austria and Switzerland.

England could have still done without the Wembley announcer crowing: "It's nearly time to book your tickets to Austria.'' As they departed, the Russians noted such arrogance and England's players will hope such hubris does not return to haunt them in a Moscow ambush on Oct 17.

Yet with three games remaining, England require only five points to guarantee qualification, provided one of them is collected before 100,000 screaming Moscovites. One thing is for sure: Hiddink will need to be far more adventurous on home plastic.

Hiddink had sprung a surprise here, omitting the sparkling talents of Alexander Kerzakov and Vladimir Bystrov for a more cautious approach, inviting England on to them. Owen and company accepted gleefully. England tore into the retreating Russians, Barry dominating central midfield, Heskey controlling the airwaves and Owen as sharp and hungry as a lion.

The feel-good mood began within seven minutes. Barry, relishing his chance here, curled the ball in at the second attempt, and Russia's centre-halves appeared fixated by John Terry. As red shirts crowded around England's captain, the ball fell to Owen, unmarked and dangerous 10 yards out. The ball seemed to stick slightly under his foot, but Owen dug it out and stroked it sweetly past Malafeev and in off a post. The legs may have slowed a fraction, but the awareness of where the goal is remains as sharp as ever.

England then had to negotiate some awkward moments. Danger lurked in this young side of Hiddink's, particularly when the ball was at the clever feet of Andrei Arshavin, who briefly began to impose his exceptional talent on proceedings. Suddenly, a few nerves spread through English ranks as the Zenit St Petersburg attacker began finding space. Only a great piece of covering by the alert Barry stopped one Arshavin break.

Moments later, Arshavin crossed and the ball fell to Konstantin Zyryanov, who turned brilliantly in the box and swept the ball past Paul Robinson. Russia celebrated wildly but the Swedish referee, Martin Hansson, cut their cheers dead, indicating handball by Zyryanov. Russia were livid, and replays indicated that the ball struck the midfielder's chest. Hiddink certainly believed it had and showed his anger, arguing with the fourth official.

Russia came again, almost equalising through Dmitry Sychev's header and then Arshavin's long-ranger, both of which Robinson saved. The Spurs goalkeeper, lifted by McClaren's show of faith, looked a far more assured presence last night.

great game pity scotland won how the fuck have they beat france twice? and now they are top of the leaugue

i glad scotland won to be honest,i hate the french and it will be good for the games if scotland qualify.Boring if england just qualify all the time from the home nations..

Sorry mate i have to disagree i dont like the french but i cant stand the scottish and they absolutley dispise us in the last world cup i was working in Aberdeen and all the scotish fans had trinidad and tobago shirts on the only country i want to do well apart from us is the Northern irish team

Fair enough

although it would be good if they went through and we played them then we could knock them out lol

They never get through to the knock out stages..I remember euro 96 when we thrased holland 4-1 and there 1 goal took them through..

Thursday, 13 September 2007
International Match
Brazil v Mexico, 1:00
Colombia v Paraguay, 1:40
Honduras v Ecuador, 2:30
Peru v Bolivia, 2:00
Blue Square Premier
Forest Green v Salisbury, 19:45

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, 14 September 2007
Coca-Cola Football League One
Bristol Rovers v Leeds, 19:45
Swansea v Carlisle, 19:45
Tranmere v Luton, 19:45
Blue Square Premier
Torquay v Halifax, 19:45
Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League
Llanelli v Aberystwyth, 19:30
Newi Cefn Druids v Caersws, 19:30
Eircom League Premier Division
Cork v Longford Town, 19:45
Drogheda Utd v Derry City, 19:45
Shamrock v Galway Utd, 20:00
St Patricks v Bray, 19:45
Waterford v Bohemians, 19:45
FIFA Women's World Cup
Argentina v Japan, A, 10:00
England v Germany, A, 13:00
N Korea v Nigeria, B, 13:00
Sweden v USA, B, 10:00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, 15 September 2007
Barclays Premier League
Birmingham v Bolton, 15:00
Chelsea v Blackburn, 17:15
Everton v Man Utd, 12:00
Portsmouth v Liverpool, 12:45
Sunderland v Reading, 15:00
Tottenham v Arsenal, 13:30
West Ham v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Wigan v Fulham, 15:00

Coca-Cola Football League Two
Notts County v Dag & Red, 15:00 lol

Sunday, 16 September 2007
Barclays Premier League
Man City v Aston Villa, 16:00

For DE NIRO

Howard Wilkinson has resigned his position as technical director of Notts County - hours after chairman Jeff Moore announced his own departure.
Wilkinson managed the Magpies in 1982/83 before spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds and Sunderland, and a stint as the FA's technical director.

He returned as a non-executive director of County in 2004, becoming technical director in June 2006.

But the club announced on Monday afternoon that he had resigned.


The duo's resignations came on the same day that Moore revealed that he would relinquish the chairmanship once the shareholders and board had elected his successor.

"When I was first approached to become chairman at the end of the 2005-06 season, I was surprised and flattered," Moore told County's website.

I no longer feel it is fair to Notts County to continue as chairman while being unable to afford the requisite amount of time

Departing Notts County chairman Jeff Moore
"But my position as chief executive of the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) is a full-time role.

"I no longer feel it is fair to Notts County to continue as chairman while being unable to afford the requisite amount of time."

County have also launched a five-year business plan entitled "Vision 2012", in which the club is aiming to reach the Championship within five years.

Come on you Pies.need to win played 5 drawn 4 and lost 1

Your doing better than us we are playing absolutley shite at the minute and wolves will be a hard match its always difficult against them i want to beat them so bad as i have not forgiven them for beating us in the playoff final a few years back

Were fourt from bottom at the mo..

it is only early though plenty of time yet come christmas we will know a little more how things are going to go

thats right mate,we should be making play offs easy with the team we have,were not consistant enough,cant remember the last time we went more than 10 games unbeaten..

I hope you do mate anyways im off now ill send you a txt when im coming back on see you later

OK See you later mate..

Good old England!
good old Michael Owen!

I hope Maclaren keeps this team for the next game(injuries permitting of course). It is the best looking side england have fielded for a couple of years!

Now everybody is praising Mclaren,typical.

Was a great game though,good to see the players with smiles on there faces at the end..

Yes mate,i agree!

Gareth Barry must keep his place in the england team he has played so well in these last two games,if lampard was to come back and take his place that would be disgraceful and even though i think heskey is shite he to has played well he looks well with owen up front

Rooney in squad to face Everton

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Wayne Rooney will travel to Goodison Park for tomorrow's Barclays Premier League fixture against Everton.

The 21-year-old, who has been out since fracturing his foot against Reading on the opening day of the season, has been training well for the Reds this week, according to Sir Alex. He is in the squad to face his former club, but the manager admitted he is unsure how Rooney will be used, if at all, against his former club.

"Rooney has trained very well," the Reds boss told reporters on Friday. "He'll travel with us to Goodison, but whether I start him, put him on the bench or leave him out until Wednesday, that's something I have to decide."

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the manager also confirmed that Louis Saha is ready for action after completing 45 minutes against Sunderland earlier this month, while the Reds are boosted by Cristiano Ronaldo's return from a three-match suspension.

Owen Hargreaves, who missed both of England's Euro 2008 qualifiers this week with a thigh strain, trained on Friday morning but remains doubtful for the Reds' trip to Merseyside.

"There's not a lot wrong with Owen," added the boss. "He trained well today (Friday). But I don't know whether we'll risk that against Everton. It's more likely he'll play in Lisbon on Wednesday."

The news isn't quite so good for Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea, who were both injured on Wednesday night playing for their countries. Fletcher limped off against France and could be out for six weeks, while O'Shea appeared to pick up a knee injury in the Republic Of Ireland's loss to the Czech Republic and also faces a couple of weeks on the sideline.

A lot of good games this week, with the best being Arsenal Spurs of course. Arsenal to win 2-0. RvP and Cesc.

Does Blackburn have a chance against Chelsea?

Chelsea are a top team but Blackburn are much improved these days and very hard to beat!
A draw may be on the cards!

Newcastle will beat Derby on Monday night tho.....put your mortgage on it

I predict Derbys first win of the season on Monday..

Saturday, 15 September 2007
Barclays Premier League
Birmingham 1-0 Bolton
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
Portsmouth 0-0 Liverpool
Sunderland 2-1 Reading
Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
West Ham 3-0 Middlesbrough
Wigan 1-1 Fulham


The Coca-Cola Football League Championship
Preston 1-0 Sheff Wed
Sheff Utd 3-1 Wolverhampton

Coca-Cola Football League Two
Notts County 1-0 Dag & Red

Barclays Premier League : Table
15 Sep 15:30
| Home | Away
Team P W D L F A W D L F A GD PTS
1 Arsenal 5 3 0 0 6 2 1 1 0 4 2 6 13
2 Liverpool 5 1 1 0 7 1 2 1 0 4 1 9 11
3 Man Utd 6 2 1 0 2 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 11
4 Everton 6 1 1 1 3 3 2 0 1 5 3 2 10
5 Chelsea 5 2 0 0 4 2 1 1 1 3 4 1 10
6 Man City 5 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 2 2 2 9
7 Newcastle 4 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 5 3 3 8
8 Blackburn 4 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 0 3 2 2 8
9 Wigan 5 2 0 0 4 0 0 1 2 2 4 2 7
10 Aston Villa 4 2 0 1 5 3 0 1 0 0 0 2 7
11 West Ham 4 0 1 1 1 3 2 0 0 4 0 2 7
12 Middlesbrough 5 1 1 1 5 4 1 0 1 2 2 1 7
13 Portsmouth 6 1 2 0 4 2 0 1 2 3 6 -1 6
14 Tottenham 6 1 0 2 6 6 0 1 2 3 5 -2 4
15 Fulham 5 1 1 1 6 6 0 0 2 2 4 -2 4
16 Birmingham 5 0 1 1 2 3 1 0 2 4 6 -3 4
17 Sunderland 5 1 0 1 1 2 0 1 2 2 6 -5 4
18 Reading 5 1 0 2 2 5 0 1 1 0 3 -6 4
19 Bolton 5 1 0 2 5 5 0 0 2 2 5 -3 3
20 Derby 5 0 1 1 3 4 0 0 3 0 11 -12 1

Barclays Premier League Top Scorers
Team TOT
Anelka Bolton 4
Lampard Chelsea 3
Sibierski Wigan 3
Torres Liverpool 3
Alonso Liverpool 2
Chopra Sunderland 2
Dempsey Fulham 2
Downing Middlesbrough 2
Etherington West Ham 2
Fabregas Arsenal 2
Geovanni Man City 2
Healy Fulham 2
Jerome Birmingham 2
Kanu Portsmouth 2
Lescott Everton

3 1-0s on the trot for Utd

First win of the season for County..

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal Congrats AP



Good call there Yogi, Chelsea 0-0 Blackburn

Samba took quite a kick to the head in that game and had to be carried out. If any of you hear news about his health please keep me updated here! He is my favorite player now that I've watched a couple of games, that would be my luck if he is seriously hurt!

What a game. Cesc's goal and Ade's second goal was brilliant. And nice to see whose on top of the league now.

Also, Clint Dempsey scored again for Fulham. Thats awesome, love to see the Americans do good.

im pleased for all you guys whose teams have won today well done my team won as well so i am well happy ill post some match reports later for your relevant teams.

Emmanuel Adebayor scored twice as Arsenal came from behind to beat Spurs and go top of the Premier League.

Gareth Bale curled in a 15th-minute free-kick to put Tottenham ahead before Paul Robinson twice denied Adebayor.

Abou Diaby hit the bar as Arsenal pushed on, then Dimitar Berbatov was thwarted by a last-ditch Kolo Toure tackle and Adebayor blazed over.

Arsenal equalised when Adebayor nodded in before Cesc Fabregas' drive put them ahead and Adebayor volleyed a third.



Chelsea suffered frustration at the hands of determined Blackburn as the Blues were held at Stamford Bridge.
Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel kept Chelsea at bay with a fine save from Michael Essien and a vital late block from Andriy Shevchenko.

Chelsea were furious when Salomon Kalou's 57th-minute close-range finish was controversially ruled offside.

Petr Cech saved well from Robbie Savage, while Blackburn lost defender Christopher Samba with a head injury.



Sheffield United 3-1 Wolves
James Beattie's second-half double helped Sheffield United to come from behind to beat Wolves at Bramall Lane.
Stephen Elliott had put Wolves ahead, slamming home the rebound after Stephen Ward's shot hit keeper Paddy Kenny.

But Beattie levelled after the break when he pounced on a weak defensive header to head past Wayne Hennessey.

When Gary Breen brought down Beattie, the striker added a second from the penalty spot, and Jon Stead tapped in United's third in stoppage time.


Notts County 1-0 Dag & Red
Neil MacKenzie grabbed the only goal as draw specialists Notts County finally recorded their first win of the season.
In a poor first half, Jason Lee had the best chance but his header was turned away by Daggers keeper Tony Roberts.

Substitute MacKenzie had only been on the pitch for 10 minutes when Spencer Weir-Daley headed down, and he finished from eight yards after 83 minutes.

Shane Huke had Dagenham's best chance but he volleyed wide from a corner as County held on in stoppage time.

For Yogi

Derby v Newcastle

Pride Park
Monday, 17 September
Kick-off: 2000 BST
Coverage on the BBC Sport website & BBC Radio Five Live.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Derby hope to give striker Kenny Miller, who has been out with a hamstring injury, a debut.

Craig Fagan starts a four-game ban and Darren Moore (knee) is a doubt, while Dean Leacock (toe) and David Jones are pushing for starting places.

Newcastle will make a late check on striker Michael Owen after his two outings for England.

Mark Viduka (hamstring) should be fit, but Emre is a doubt after picking up a knock playing for Turkey.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Derby (from): Bywater, Griffin, Moore, Malcolm, Teale, Davis, Camara, McEveley, Todd, Oakley, Mears, Pearson, Howard, Price, Earnshaw, Miller, Jones, Leacock, Lewis.

Newcastle (from): Harper, Given, Enrique, N'Zogbia, Rozehnal, Taylor, Cacapa, Faye, Edgar, Beye, Milner, Geremi, Butt, Smith, Pattison, Viduka, Martins, Ameobi, Owen.

Both Man Utds and Countys goals came in the 83rd minute.Freeky

If you missed the Arsenal Spurs match, I recommend watching it because it was a great game.

And I just finished watching some other and great to see Liverpool and Chelsea drop points.

so which is the best team in the MLS?

heres one for chopper

Ze Maria set for Blades transfer

Ze Maria played 43 times for Brazil
Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson is confident of completing a deal for Brazilian trialist Ze Maria next week.
The 34-year-old former Inter Milan, Parma and Perugia defender has been training with Robson's squad this week after leaving Spanish side Levante.

Robson said: "I'm going to make a decision on Ze Maria early next week.

"I'll be speaking to him and the people involved with him and if we can come to some agreement there's every chance I will take him on board."

Ze Maria left Levante during the summer and has recently been linked with a return to Italy with Lazio.

He can play at right-back or on the right wing and has won 43 caps for Brazil in total.

DC United. And I am willing to say that they could be a decent team in the Championship. They are a good team and class of the MLS by far.

I'm not a big MLS fan, but I am glad they are reactivating the San Jose Earthquakes back here in the Bay Area. It is still always fun to go to pro games, even if the team isn't that great.

So could they beat sheff united?

And i was right Derby 1- 0 Newcastle

Sorry Mate

Argh, I just realized that I don't actually get the Setanta Channel. And it looks like FSC doesn't have the Blackburn game next weekend. Now I have to decide if it's worth it to pay an extra 15$ a month to maybe get a game or two during that time period. I may just have to watch my team every few weeks...

Urgfghhh!
Newcastle were awful...
for a second i thought we had Souness back as manager

Sheffield united drew 2-2 with Blackpool tonight fair result i suppose james Beattie scored another two what a great signing he has turned out to be the one plus from tonight is sheffield Wednesday have lost again, beautiful

whats going on with sheff wed, i was thinking plays off maybe at the start of the season.Brian laws looked like he had something good going when he took over.

They need to go one a 25-30 gam undeaten now to go up..

No No No we dont want them to win a game all season

i think laws has one more game if they lose that he will get the sack i dont want him to have get the sack though as i like how they are palying at the minute

Man u playing tommrow night arent they?

Yep,Sporting Lisbon away.

hard one is Rooney back?

If we score first we will be OK.yep rooneys back,dont konw if he will start though.

Probably be better for him if he didnt start ease him back in nice and easy god i can remember his Champions league debut when he scored a hat trick unbelieveable

Well, Setanta is also great this time of the year because you get all the Champions League games. They only ones they dont get are the one on ESPN and the one that gets tape delayed on ESPN classic. But if you get espn deportes, you can see some of the other CL games but its not in English. I think Setanta is worth it, but I try to see all the games. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the information AP, I'm still considering adding Setanta.

I'm already completely hooked on the EPL, and more so Blackburn. Unfortunately I don't have time to watch many games, so I figure I will learn about all of the teams and players slowly as I watch each and every Blackburn game.

I've tried to watch some other games, and I enjoy the sport, but Blackburn for some reason has been the team to steal my loyalty. It's been fun cheering for a team that isn't "my team" because they are the local team geographically speaking. I hope to visit England someday, hopefully within the next few years, and a football game or two is at the top of my list of things to do.

Is it generally difficult to get tickets to matches (this question is for everybody)?

no not really for teams like arsenal man u you might struggle but to you would get a ticket for Blackburn with ease all the detailes will be on Blackburns official site that i gave you

Blackburn along with Newcastle and Chelsea are the teams i hate to watch on TV for somereason.Don't ask me why..

I cant stand watching Tottenham,Arsenal or Bolton

oh and Wednesday,leeds,Barnsley and Rotherham lol

Notts play Rotherham on Saturday away,i was thinking of going.

You should go have a pint in worksop before you travel on to rotherham

I normally go with the supporters club.

ah on the coach?

If i had a car i would go to all the away games.

i like to travel by train i dont why i suppose it just feels like part of the day out.

Carlos Queiroz is frustrated with life as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United and is considering his future - according to a newspaper report.



zoom - galleria The Sun reports that Carlos Queiroz, Manchester United's assistant manager, is ready to leave Old Trafford.

Queiroz, 54, is reportedly frustrated with being Number Two - albeit to the 'Godfather' of English-based managers in Sir Alex Ferguson - and is looking at other options.

He is currently in his second spell as Ferguson’s assistant after a brief and unsuccessful tenure Real Madrid's manager.

The Sun quotes Queiroz as saying: “I need to reflect on what I want to do in this last part of my career.

“In December I’m going to stop and think about myself.

“My contract is perpetual and caters for various options. But I only have one life and one career. I am going to think about it and go for the route that makes me most happy.”

Ferguson has previously said he would like Queiroz to succeed him at Old Trafford, but with Scot showing no signs fo slowding down let alone stepping down, the Portuguse assistant may not be prepared to wait.

He said: “I read Sir Alex said that one day he would like me to be United’s main coach. That is one reason I am in this project but I’m not desperate about it.

“In your personal and professional life you always have more ambitions.”

One option would be a return home. He said: “To coach in Portugal is a possibility

Saturday, 22 September 2007
Barclays Premier League
Arsenal v Derby, 15:00
Fulham v Man City, 17:15
Liverpool v Birmingham, 15:00
Middlesbrough v Sunderland, 15:00
Reading v Wigan, 15:00


The Coca-Cola Football League Championship
Blackpool v Colchester, 15:00
Bristol City v Burnley, 15:00
Cardiff v Preston, 12:45
Charlton v Leicester, 15:00
Crystal Palace v Sheff Utd, 15:00
Ipswich v Coventry, 17:20
QPR v Watford, 15:00
Scunthorpe v West Brom, 15:00
Sheff Wed v Hull, 15:00
Southampton v Barnsley, 15:00
Stoke v Plymouth, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Norwich, 15:00


Coca-Cola Football League One
Brighton v Yeovil, 15:00
Carlisle v Bristol Rovers, 15:00
Cheltenham v Tranmere, 15:00
Crewe v Millwall, 15:00
Leeds v Swansea, 15:00
Leyton Orient v Hartlepool, 15:00
Luton v Port Vale, 15:00
Northampton v Huddersfield, 15:00
Nottm Forest v Gillingham, 15:00
Southend v Doncaster, 15:00
Swindon v Bournemouth, 15:00
Walsall v Oldham, 15:00
Coca-Cola Football League Two


Accrington Stanley v Mansfield, 15:00
Chester v Brentford, 15:00
Chesterfield v Barnet, 15:00
Dag & Red v Bury, 15:00
Hereford v Bradford, 15:00
Lincoln City v Grimsby, 12:00
Milton Keynes Dons v Darlington, 15:00
Peterborough v Morecambe, 15:00
Rochdale v Macclesfield, 15:00
Rotherham v Notts County, 15:00
Stockport v Wrexham, 15:00
Wycombe v Shrewsbury, 15:00



Sunday, 23 September 2007
Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa v Everton, 14:00
Blackburn v Portsmouth, 15:00
Bolton v Tottenham, 15:00
Man Utd v Chelsea, 16:00
Newcastle v West Ham, 13:30

Hes a great coach,but he knew what he was getting into when he took came back after leaving real Madrid, i don't think hell take over from Fergie

Keano or Mark Hughes

i think either keane or steve Bruce

I can see england getting rid of Mclaren and him taking over

that would be terrible for you

The subject has been altered per request, but if you reply to a post w/ the old subject, you'll still see the old subject on the home page. Eventually it'll work out...

Barclays Premier League Top Scorers


Anelka Bolton 4
Adebayor Arsenal 3
Dempsey Fulham 3
Fabregas Arsenal 3
Lampard Chelsea 3
Sibierski Wigan 3
Torres Liverpool 3
Alonso Liverpool 2
Bale Tottenham 2
Bowyer West Ham 2
Chopra Sunderland 2
Downing Middlesbrough 2
Etherington West Ham 2
Geovanni Man City 2
Healy Fulham 2

Thats so awesome. But he really should have 5 goals, he missed two sitters. lol And I think he's towards the top for assists too. it's just cool to see an American up with the best players.

He is a good player,but he won't be on that list for too long..

Yes he will.

Arsenal up 1-0.

he be lucky to get 10 goals in the season.Ill bet

Wednesday, 19 September 2007
UEFA Champions League
Arsenal 3-0 Sevilla
Barcelona 3-0 Lyon
Fenerbahce 1-0 Inter Milan
PSV 2-1 CSKA Moscow
Rangers 2-1 VfB Stuttgart
Roma 2-0 Dynamo Kiev
Slavia Prague 2-1 Steaua Bucuresti
Sporting 0-1 Man Utd

UEFA Cup
Lens 1-1 FC Copenhagen

The Coca-Cola Football League Championship
Cardiff 1-2 Watford
Southampton 1-1 Colchester

rsenal made a confident start to their Champions League campaign with a comfortable win over Sevilla.

Cesc Fabregas' shot deflected in off Julien Escude to put Arsenal ahead at the break, with Jesus Navas and Freddie Kanoute going close for the visitors.

Robin van Persie made it 2-0, tapping in from Fabregas's free-kick and Sevilla never threatened to come back.

Eduardo sealed the points in injury time with a cool finish after good work by Alexander Hleb and Fabregas.

The Champions League debutants showed they were not daunted by the occasion when Navas's long-range shot fizzed just over the top of Manuel Almunia's goal.

But having survived this early scare, Arsenal went on the attack themselves, calling Sevilla keeper Andres Palop into action twice in quick succession.

First, Van Persie drifted across the boundary of the box before his off-balance shot forced Palop to flap the ball clear.

Shortly afterwards, Palop spilled Flamini's daisy-cutter shot but redeemed himself by pouncing at the feet of Emmanuel Adebayor who was following up.

606: DEBATE
Your reaction to Arsenal's win

Palop could hardly be blamed when Fabregas put Arsenal ahead, as he looked to have the shot covered until the deflection off Escude sent the ball to the opposite corner of the net.

Tomas Rosicky limped off shortly after the restart as the game took a while to get going in the second half, but just as Arsenal were starting to feel a one-goal lead was not enough, the second goal came along.

Fabregas curled in a free-kick from the left after a foul on Flamini, and Bakary Sagna's flicked header put it right on the foot of van Persie, who thumped it into the roof of the net from two yards out.

Adebayor's physical presence caused the visitors problems all night, and he came within inches of making it 3-0 with a superb diving header from Sagna's curling cross which shaved the outside of the post.

Arsenal's lead was never seriously under threat, and even when Daniel Alves did manage to curl over a rare cross from the right, the impressive Sagna was first to the ball to clear the danger.

Deep into stoppage time, substitute Eduardo put the icing on the cake with a close-range tap-in after the visiting defence was pulled apart by Hleb and Fabregas.




Cristiano Ronaldo scored a second-half header on his return to Sporting Lisbon to ensure Manchester United's Champions League campaign started with a victory.

Ronaldo won warm applause from the home fans for his subdued response to converting Wes Brown's cross after 61 minutes of a low-key encounter.

Wayne Rooney made a quiet comeback after recovering from a broken foot.

And United were grateful to keeper Edwin van der Sar, who made superb saves from Liedson and Tonel.

606: DEBATE
Our second half performance on an awful pitch was great

Roonaldez

Rooney, as expected was restored to United's line-up for the first time since sustaining his injury in their opening Premier League fixture against Reading.

Carlos Tevez dropped down to the bench, but Rooney and Ronaldo fed on scraps in a first 45 minutes in which United seemed set on containment.

Van der Sar made a stunning save to keep them on level terms after 27 minutes, diving to save one-handed from Liedson's rising drive.

Nani, another United star returning to his former club, saw a shot deflected narrowly wide after 32 minutes, but then picked up a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Miguel Veloso.

Ronny audaciously tried his luck from 35 yards from the resulting free-kick, but Van der Sar saved comfortably.

Ronaldo started to influence affairs after the break, sending in a cross which was just too high for Ryan Giggs, who failed to control his header.

He made no mistake with his own headed opportunity as United took the lead after 61 minutes.

Brown was the creator with a fine right-wing cross, which Ronaldo diverted past Vladimir Stojkovic with a diving header.

Ronaldo's celebrations were muted as Sporting fans generously applauded his goal, against the club he left four years ago, aged 18.

Nani almost made it a double for United's former Sporting stars with a swerving long-range effort that Stojkovic palmed to safety with 20 minutes left.

It was the signal for Sir Alex Ferguson to withdraw Rooney, who had made a very quiet return after injury, with Louis Saha coming on.

Van der Sar had been excellent for United, and he showed his quality again when he turned away Tonel's header when it looked certain he would turn home Veloso's cross.

Ronaldo left to a standing ovation with four minutes left, but limping slightly, which will be a worry with Chelsea awaiting Manchester United this weekend.

United had been in control after the break, although Sporting substitute Simon Vukcevic shot narrowly wide late on.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sporting: Stojkovic, Abel, Tonel, Anderson Polga, Ronny (Bruno Pereirinha 74), Izmailov (Vukcevic 55), Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Romagnoli (Purovic 67), Djalo, Liedson.
Subs Not Used: Tiago, Paredes, Farnerud, Gladstone.

Booked: Romagnoli. Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Giggs (Anderson 76), Ronaldo (Tevez 86), Rooney (Saha 72).
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Pique, Evans, Eagles.

Booked: Nani, Van der Sar.

Goals: Ronaldo 62.

Att: 39,514

Just rembered you have got Chelsea on sunday ill definetly be out watching that one the local pub i go to is full of Manc fans should be a good game

i predict 1-1

I predict 1-0 2-1 or a 1-1 to Utd of course

Thats pretty good considering he's not an out and out striker.

Edit- WOW. Jose is gone. This is just crazy.

Chopper, I see you were trying to figure out how to post a picture of your teams logo? I admit, your logo looks a lot better than mine



The cool thing is that my last name is Rose, so it sort of fits in with the logo of Blackburn (I found that out after I already chose them as my team).

yeah that is cool Bibble and thanks for posting my teams emblem

Holy shit i cant belive this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Chelsea will make a further statement on Thursday regarding the club's vacant managerial position.


Jose Mourinho dramatically left Stamford Bridge in the early hours of Thursday morning after over three years in the job.

Former Chelsea midfielder Didier Deschamps was initially installed as the favourite to replace Mourinho at the helm.

But reports now suggest Blues owner Roman Abramovich could turn to Avram Grant to pick up the mantle in West London.

Grant arrived at the club in the summer as director of football following a spell at fellow Premier League side Portsmouth.

The Israeli is expected to be placed in caretaker charge of Chelsea for Sunday's showdown with champions Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However, rumours claim Grant could be given the position on a more long-term basis due to his close links with Abramovich.


Emergency

Chelsea are moving to replace Mourinho who is understood to have contacted five senior players on Wednesday afternoon to inform them of his departure.

Peter Kenyon, the club's chief executive, Bruce Buck, the chairman, and Abramovich's key aide, Eugene Tenenbaum, were called to an emergency meeting at Stamford Bridge to discuss the emerging crisis.

The club eventually confirmed Mourinho's departure in the early hours of Thursday when they posted a statement on the club's official website.

The statement read: "Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have agreed to part company today (Thursday) by mutual consent."

Many of Chelsea's staff and players had been at a Fulham Broadway cinema as they watched a screening of 'Blue Revolution' - a new documentary about the Abramovich years.


Ignored

But senior players like captain John Terry and England midfielder Frank Lampard were absent and the remainder, except a reluctant England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, refused to talk to the media.

Mourinho also attended the evening but ignored the waiting media and looked decidedly glum.

It is thought the impasse between Mourinho and Abramovich came to a head after their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa earlier this month.

Mourinho has been at loggerheads with the Russian since their disagreement over the lack of funds to sign players during last January's transfer window.

The Portuguese - whose £5.2million a year contract was due to expire in 2010 - has been dismayed by the constant watering down of his authority


http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_2741855,00.html

Shit,i can't beleive Mourinho has left,good riddance.

you must admit this is a bit of a shock i knew he was unhappy but fuck me i didnt expect him to leave only six games in to the season.


How are you today mate?

im good mate,its a sock indeed,if he was going to go then i would have thought pre-season.

Hopefully there will be a chelsea excedos now,..

Ha Ha well from what ive read on the net none of the Chelsea players are happy about this as they all love Mourinho especially Lampard i can know see him going abroad at xmas also i can see terry moving on possily to Man u

He won't go to Utd no chance,hes just signed the long contract hes a chelsea man for life i think.Lampard may go,sheve and others...

This is great..

a pound bet terry leaves before the end of the season

sheva he will be the first to go i think he'll go back to Milan

I bet u 2 pound he will stay..

Your on

Liverpool duo Daniel Agger and Xabi Alonso are out for up to six weeks with metatarsal injuries.


Agger suffered his problem while playing for Denmark last week, and Spanish midfielder Alonso also picked up his injury on international duty.

Both players were able to feature in last weekend's 0-0 draw with Portsmouth, but missed Tuesday's UEFA Champions League game with Porto.

Alonso was taken off against Pompey and was then forced out of training early ahead of the 1-1 draw with Porto in Portugal.

Scans on the injuries have now shown that Agger and Alonso have suffered stress fractures, and are out for a minimum of four weeks.


No surgery

Club spokesman Ian Cotton told Liverpool's official website: "Neither player will require surgery, but we expect them to be out of action for between four and six weeks.

"Xabi Alonso has suffered a stress fracture to the fourth metatarsal in his left foot and Daniel Agger has suffered a stress fracture to the second metatarsal in his right foot."

Reds boss Rafa Benitez should have sufficient options to cover the absence of Alonso in midfield, but the injury to Agger will be a blow.

Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia are now the only senior recognised centre-backs available for selection, although Benitez has previously admitted he could shift Alvaro Arbeloa inside from a full-back role.

countdown to Mourinho departure DE NIRO i know your lovin this so heres some more,

2005: September - Chelsea appoint Frank Arnesen as director of scouting and youth development.

2007: January 10 - Mourinho rejects claims that he has faced dressing-room unrest over summer signing Michael Ballack's contribution to the team.

January 11 - Rumours Mourinho could leave Chelsea in the summer surface after he accused the Stamford Bridge board of refusing to back him in the January transfer window.

January 13 - Mourinho drops Andriy Shevchenko for a Premier League clash with Wigan.

April 15 - Secures an FA Cup final meeting with Manchester United with a 2-1 extra-time win over Blackburn. Shares a hug with Abramovich, raising suggestions of a warming in relations between the pair.

May 1 - Chelsea are defeated on penalties by Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals. Shevchenko had ruled himself out of the second leg citing an injury, with Mourinho reported to be furious. The Ukrainian did not feature for the Blues again until a 0-0 draw with Blackburn on 15th September.

June 26 - Avram Grant appointed Chelsea's director of football.

July 12 - Mourinho warns Grant not to interfere with team affairs.

September 2 - After a good start to the season, Chelsea lose 2-0 at Aston Villa, prompting Abramovich to leave the directors box before the final whistle.

September 18 - The Blues follow up a home draw with Blackburn with a 1-1 stalemate with Norwegian club Rosenborg in the Champions League. Only 24,973 supporters attend the match and boos ring out at the final whistle.

September 20 - A Chelsea statement confirms Mourinho has left the club by mutual consent.

He will be the next coach of Portugal or Real Madrid.

Yeah i agree im leaning more towards portugal now then maybe in a year or two he will go to Madrid if he does well at Madrid they will treat him as a god,wow what a good time for you to play chelsea mate lol

Hopefully,

Mourinho expecting £25m pay-off

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is in line to receive up to £25m in compensation after his departure from Stamford Bridge, BBC Sport understands.
The Portuguese was swiftly replaced on Thursday by former director of football Avram Grant after three years in charge.

But he still has another three years to run on his reputed £5.2m-a-year deal.

Lawyers for both sides are still working on the severance package that will include confidentiality clauses.

According to BBC football correspondent Jonathan Legard, discussions are said to be well advanced as the split was seen coming.

Legard has also been told Mourinho was feeling a sense of relief since the departure.

"He's felt boxed-in from demands on high, he's felt boxed-in from the boardroom in terms of boardroom dealings," Legard said.

"And he's felt under pressure from those alongside him in the dugout, namely the man who has succeeded him, Avram Grant."

Thursday, 20 September 2007
UEFA Cup
AEK Athens 3-0 SV Red Bull Salzburg
Aberdeen 0-0 Dnipro
Anderlecht 1-1 Rapid Vienna
Aris Salonika 1-0 Real Zaragoza
Artmedia Bratislava 1-2 Panathinaikos
Atletico Madrid 4-0 Kayseri Erciyesspor
Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 Uniao Leiria
Bayern Munich 1-0 Belenenses
Dinamo Bucuresti 1-2 IF Elfsborg
Dinamo Zagreb 0-1 Ajax
Empoli 2-1 FC Zurich
Everton 1-1 FC Metalist Kharkiv
FC Groningen 1-1 Fiorentina
FC Midtjylland 1-3 Lokomotiv Moscow
FC Sion 3-2 Galatasaray
FK Austria Magna 2-0 Valerenga
FK Sarajevo 1-2 Basle
Getafe 1-0 FC Twente
Groclin Dyskobolia 0-1 Crvena Zvezda
Hammarby 2-1 Braga
Hapoel Tel-Aviv 0-0 AIK
Heerenveen 5-3 Helsingborgs IF
Larissa 2-0 Blackburn
Lokomotiv Sofia 1-3 Rennes
Mlada Boleslav 0-1 Palermo
Nurnberg 0-0 Rapid Bucuresti
Rabotnicki Kometal 1-1 Bolton
SK Brann 0-1 Club Brugge
Sampdoria 2-2 AaB
Sochaux 0-2 Panionios
Sparta Prague 0-0 Odense BK
Spartak Moscow 5-0 BK Hacken
Tampere United 2-3 Bordeaux
Tottenham 6-1 Anorthosis Famagusta
Toulouse 0-0 CSKA Sofia
Zenit St Petersburg 3-0 Standard Liege

What you all think about this guy Kerlon from Brazil, and his Seal Dribble? Have you seen what he does? It's amazing! I'd be frustrated if I was the other team, but I can't exactly fault the guy. I mean if he is that skilled to do that then I think he should be allowed to!

It'll end up with him getting hurt though I think. One of these days someone is going to take a kick to his head to try and stop him.

What do you think of it? Should he be allowed to do that?

If you have,then why not flaunt it..

Anyone been watching the womens World Cup?
I see the US girlies trounced our lovely England girlies today 3-0
I hope they go on to win it now and give Germany a good trouncing along the way

Arsenal 5 Derby 0.

Ade with a hattrick and Cesc scored again and had 2 assists. He's on fire.

Saturday, 22 September 2007
Barclays Premier League
Arsenal 5-0 Derby
Fulham 3-3 Man City
Liverpool 0-0 Birmingham
Middlesbrough 2-2 Sunderland
Reading 2-1 Wigan


The Coca-Cola Football League Championship
Blackpool 2-2 Colchester
Bristol City 2-2 Burnley
Cardiff 2-2 Preston
Charlton 2-0 Leicester
Crystal Palace 3-2 Sheff Utd
Ipswich 4-1 Coventry
QPR 1-1 Watford
Scunthorpe 2-3 West Brom
Sheff Wed 1-0 Hull
Southampton 2-3 Barnsley
Stoke 3-2 Plymouth
Wolverhampton 2-0 Norwich


Coca-Cola Football League One
Brighton 1-2 Yeovil
Carlisle 1-1 Bristol Rovers
Cheltenham 1-1 Tranmere
Crewe 0-0 Millwall
Leeds 2-0 Swansea
Leyton Orient 2-4 Hartlepool
Luton 2-1 Port Vale
Northampton 3-0 Huddersfield
Nottm Forest 4-0 Gillingham
Southend 3-2 Doncaster
Swindon 4-1 Bournemouth
Walsall 0-3 Oldham


Coca-Cola Football League Two
Accrington Stanley 1-0 Mansfield
Chester 0-2 Brentford
Chesterfield 0-1 Barnet
Dag & Red 1-1 Bury
Hereford 4-2 Bradford
Lincoln City 1-2 Grimsby
Milton Keynes Dons 1-0 Darlington
Peterborough 1-1 Morecambe
Rochdale 1-1 Macclesfield
Rotherham 1-1 Notts County
Stockport 2-1 Wrexham
Wycombe 1-1 Shrewsbury

COME ON UTD,BEAT THE CHESLSKI SCUM

Boooo, no way Obi Mikel(sp) should have got a straight red. 1-0 United at half with Tevez getting the goal righ before half.

Good to see Man Utd back in the top pile after the worrying start they had.

While it was great to take 3 points from Chelsea,its not safe to write there chances off just yet.

Its looking like another one of those seasons where any team can beat any team.

The team looking the most impressive this season as much as i hate to say it is "Arsenal",they ve took a couple of years to gel but this could be there season.Hopefully im wrong.

Barclays Premier League Table
23 September 2007 17:56

P GD PTS
1 Arsenal 6 11 16
2 Man Utd 7 4 14
3 Man City 7 3 13
4 Liverpool 6 9 12

5 Newcastle 6 4 11
6 Chelsea 7 -1 11

7 West Ham 6 3 10
8 Aston Villa 6 3 10
9 Everton 7 0 10
10 Blackburn 6 1 9
11 Portsmouth 7 0 9
12 Wigan 7 1 8
13 Middlesbrough 7 -2 8
14 Birmingham 7 -2 8
15 Sunderland 7 -4 8
16 Reading 7 -6 7
17 Fulham 7 -2 6


18 Tottenham 7 -2 5
19 Bolton 7 -4 4
20 Derby 7 -16 4

good win for Newcastle

And Vidukas off the mark..

Yes mate,but he had already scored one against the Smoggies!
Good result for us without looking that good!
Much better defensively where we have always been cack

My mistake,Owen came off injured again looks like another spell on the sidelines...

Owen is a bit of a waste of space for Newcastle at present mate,yes
He has done the biz for England lately tho so i will give him a pass...for now

I think hes just been unlucky at the moment.

The Newcastle Jinx

i fell so sorry for owen i really do i like the kid


Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Carling Cup
Arsenal v Newcastle, R3, 19:45
Blackpool v Southend, R3, 19:45
Burnley v Portsmouth, R3, 19:45
Luton v Charlton, R3, 19:45
Man City v Norwich, R3, 19:45
Reading v Liverpool, R3, 19:45
Sheff Utd v Morecambe, R3, 19:45 come on you Blades
West Brom v Cardiff, R3, 19:45



Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Carling Cup
Aston Villa v Leicester, R3, 19:45
Blackburn v Birmingham, R3, 20:00
Fulham v Bolton, R3, 20:00
Hull v Chelsea, R3, 19:45
Man Utd v Coventry, R3, 20:00
Sheff Wed v Everton, R3, 19:45 come on you TOFFEES
Tottenham v Middlesbrough, R3, 20:00
West Ham v Plymouth, R3, 19:45

Saturday, 29 September 2007
International Match
South Africa v Botswana,
Barclays Premier League
Birmingham v Man Utd, 17:15
Chelsea v Fulham, 15:00
Derby v Bolton, 15:00
Man City v Newcastle, 12:45
Portsmouth v Reading, 15:00
Sunderland v Blackburn, 15:00
West Ham v Arsenal, 15:00
Wigan v Liverpool, 15:00




Football fixtures

CollatedEnglish Scottish International European Other
Please note: Fixtures are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made.

Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Carling Cup
Arsenal v Newcastle, R3, 19:45
Blackpool v Southend, R3, 19:45
Burnley v Portsmouth, R3, 19:45
Luton v Charlton, R3, 19:45
Man City v Norwich, R3, 19:45
Reading v Liverpool, R3, 19:45
Sheff Utd v Morecambe, R3, 19:45
West Brom v Cardiff, R3, 19:45
FA Cup Qualifying
London APSA v Brentwood Town, R1, 19:45
Needham Market v Grantham, R1, 19:45
Willenhall Town v Barnt Green Spartak, P, 19:45
Blue Square Premier
Cambridge Utd v Aldershot, 19:45
Droylsden v Burton Albion, 19:45
Ebbsfleet United v Crawley Town, 19:45
Forest Green v Stevenage, 19:45
Oxford Utd v Salisbury, 19:45
Rushden & D'monds v Grays Athletic, 19:45
Stafford Rangers v Histon, 19:45
Torquay v Weymouth, 19:45
Woking v Exeter, 19:45
Scottish League Challenge Cup
St Johnstone v Brechin, Quarter Final, 19:45
CIS Insurance Cup
Falkirk v Dundee Utd, R3, 19:45
Hamilton v Kilmarnock, R3, 19:45
Hearts v Dunfermline, R3, 19:45
Inverness CT v Gretna, R3, 19:45

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Carling Cup
Aston Villa v Leicester, R3, 19:45
Blackburn v Birmingham, R3, 20:00
Fulham v Bolton, R3, 20:00
Hull v Chelsea, R3, 19:45
Man Utd v Coventry, R3, 20:00
Sheff Wed v Everton, R3, 19:45
Tottenham v Middlesbrough, R3, 20:00
West Ham v Plymouth, R3, 19:45
CIS Insurance Cup
Dundee v Celtic, R3, 19:45
East Fife v Rangers, R3, 19:45
Hibernian v Motherwell, R3, 19:45
Partick v Aberdeen, R3, 19:45
FA Tesco Women's Premier League
Blackburn Ladies v Birmingham Ladies, 19:00
Bristol Academy v Cardiff Ladies, 19:00
Charlton Women v Chelsea Ladies, 19:00
Everton Ladies v Liverpool Ladies, 19:00
Leeds Utd Ladies v Doncaster Rovers Belles, 19:00
Watford Ladies v Arsenal Ladies, 19:00
FIFA Women's World Cup
Germany Women v Norway Women, Semi-Final, 13:00

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Thursday, 27 September 2007
Blue Square Premier
York v Halifax, 19:45
FIFA Women's World Cup
USA Women v Brazil Women, Semi-Final, 13:00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, 28 September 2007
FA Cup Qualifying
Moneyfields v Team Bath, R2, 19:45
Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League
Connah's Quay v Welshpool Town, 19:30
Port Talbot v Aberystwyth, 19:30
Rhyl v Airbus UK, 19:30
Carnegie Irish Premier Division
Dungannon Swifts v Glenavon, 19:45
Eircom League Premier Division
Bohemians v Sligo, 19:45
Bray v Shamrock, 19:45
Derry City v Cork, 19:45
Galway Utd v St Patricks, 19:45
Longford Town v Drogheda Utd, 19:55
UCD v Waterford, 20:00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, 29 September 2007
International Match
South Africa v Botswana,
Barclays Premier League
Birmingham v Man Utd, 17:15
Chelsea v Fulham, 15:00
Derby v Bolton, 15:00
Man City v Newcastle, 12:45
Portsmouth v Reading, 15:00
Sunderland v Blackburn, 15:00
West Ham v Arsenal, 15:00
Wigan v Liverpool, 15:00
FA Cup Qualifying


Bamber Bridge v Burscough, R2, 15:00
Barrow v Colwyn Bay, R2, 15:00
Basingstoke v Newport County, R2, 15:00
Belper Town v Hucknall, R2, 15:00
Billericay v Maidstone, R2, 15:00
Billingham Town v Fleetwood Town, R2, 15:00
Blyth Spartans v Radcliffe Borough, R2, 15:00
Bognor Regis v Havant & Waterlooville, R2, 15:00
Boreham Wood v Bedford Town, R2, 15:00
Boston Utd v Buxton, R2, 15:00
Bradford P A v Whitby, R2, 15:00
Brockenhurst v Maidenhead Utd, R2, 15:00
Bromsgrove v Nuneaton, R2, 15:00
Cambridge City v Chasetown, R2, 15:00
Carshalton Ath v Wealdstone, R2, 15:00
Chesham v Stotfold, R2, 15:00
Chippenham v Hallen, R2, 15:00
Cirencester v Clevedon Town, R2, 15:00
Clitheroe v Spennymoor, R2, 15:00
Consett v Workington, R2, 15:00
Corsham Town v Bashley, R2, 15:00
Crowborough Athletic v Staines Town, R2, 15:00
Dartford v Camberley Town, R2, 15:00
Debenham LC v AFC Wimbledon, R2, 15:00
Dinnington Town v Cheadle Town, R2, 15:00
Dorchester Town v Paulton, R2, 15:00
Dulwich Hamlet v Chalfont St Peter, R2, 15:00
Dunstable v Lewes, R2, 15:00
Eastbourne Borough v Edgware Town, R2, 15:00
Enfield v Hillingdon Borough, R2, 15:00
Erith Town v Heybridge Swifts, R2, 15:00
Fisher Athletic v Margate, R2, 15:00
Fleet Town v Mangotsfield, R2, 15:00
Folkestone Invicta v Windsor & Eton, R2, 15:00
Gainsborough v Stocksbridge P S, R2, 15:00
Gateshead v Vauxhall Motors, R2, 15:00
Glapwell v Market Drayton Town, R2, 15:00
Halesowen v Bedworth, R2, 15:00
Hampton & Richmond v Braintree Tn, R2, 15:00
Hamworthy Utd v Eastleigh, R2, 15:00
Haverhill Rovers v Hitchin, R2, 15:00
Hayes v Herne Bay, R2, 15:00
Hednesford v Alferton, R2, 15:00
Hemel Hempstead v Chelmsford, R2, 15:00
Hendon v AFC Hornchurch, R2, 15:00
Horden CW v Woodley Sports, R2, 15:00
Horsham v Bury Town, R2, 15:00
Hythe Town v Dover, R2, 15:00
Kettering v Redditch, R2, 15:00
Kirkley & Pakefield v Leighton, R2, 15:00
Liversedge v Kendal Town, R2, 15:00
Matlock v AFC Telford, R2, 15:00
Merthyr v AFC Totton, R2, 15:00
Oxford City v Weston-S-Mare, R2, 15:00
Prescot Cables v Guiseley, R2, 15:00
Quorn v Evesham, R2, 15:00
Ramsgate v Corby, R2, 15:00
Rushall Olympic v Sutton Coldfield Tn, R2, 15:00
Skelmersdale Utd v Southport, R2, 15:00
Soham Town Rangers v Solihull, R2, 15:00
St Albans v Bishops Stortford, R2, 15:00
Stalybridge v Hyde, R2, 15:00
Stamford v Gedling Town, R2, 15:00
Stourbridge v King's Lynn, R2, 15:00
Sutton Utd v Woodford Utd, R2, 15:00
Tamworth v Worcester, R2, 15:00
Tonbridge Angels v Maldon, R2, 15:00
Truro City v Bath City, R2, 15:00
Ware v Thurrock, R2, 15:00
Welling v Barkingside, R2, 15:00
West Auckland v Newcastle B'field B.P., R2, 15:00
Worthing v Walton & Hersham, R2, 15:00


The Coca-Cola Football League Championship
Barnsley v Cardiff, 15:00
Burnley v Crystal Palace, 15:00
Colchester v Scunthorpe, 15:00
Coventry v Charlton, 15:00
Hull v Ipswich, 12:30
Leicester v Stoke, 15:00
Norwich v Sheff Wed, 17:20
Plymouth v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Preston v Bristol City, 15:00
Sheff Utd v Southampton, 15:00
Watford v Blackpool, 15:00
Coca-Cola Football League One



Bournemouth v Carlisle, 15:00
Bristol Rovers v Leyton Orient, 15:00
Doncaster v Cheltenham, 15:00
Gillingham v Leeds, 15:00
Hartlepool v Walsall, 15:00
Huddersfield v Luton, 12:00
Millwall v Swindon, 15:00
Oldham v Crewe, 15:00
Port Vale v Southend, 15:00
Swansea v Brighton, 13:30
Tranmere v Northampton, 15:00
Yeovil v Nottm Forest, 15:00


Coca-Cola Football League Two
Barnet v Rotherham, 15:00
Bradford v Wycombe, 15:00
Brentford v Stockport, 15:00
Bury v Accrington Stanley, 15:00
Darlington v Peterborough, 15:00
Grimsby v Hereford, 15:00
Macclesfield v Chester, 15:00
Mansfield v Dag & Red, 15:00
Morecambe v Milton Keynes Dons, 15:00
Notts County v Chesterfield, 15:00
Shrewsbury v Rochdale, 15:00
Wrexham v Lincoln City, 15:00

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Ronaldinho has already agreed a five-year deal worth £58m to join Chelsea - but has yet to decide if he will move to Stamford Bridge. (The Sun)

Middlesbrough will send out an SOS to Australia striker John Aloisi - a free agent after leaving Alaves - to solve their striker crisis. (Daily Mirror)


Under-pressure Spurs boss Martin Jol has already negotiated a £4m pay-off from White Hart Lane after accepting the board want to replace him. (Various)

Chelsea and England captain John Terry faces censure from the FA after attempting to snatch the red card from referee Mike Dean's hand as he showed it to Mikel Jon Obi at Old Trafford. (Daily Mail)

Michael Owen will miss England's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia after scans revealed he needs surgery on his groin problem. (Daily Mail)

But Newcastle actually hope he will be ready to play again after just 10 days rest. (The Sun)

Everton have warned £11.25m record buy Yakubu to work harder or stay on the sidelines. (Various)

Former Israel star Eyal Berkovic says it is "disgusting and disrespectful" that Avram Grant - the man who ended his international career - has been handed the job as Chelsea coach. (The Sun)

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is ready to risk Fernando Torres at Reading in the Carling Cup after leaving him out of his starting-line up for their last two Premier League games. (Various)

Lyon skipper Juninho apparently insists his side will not get "caught short" in the Champions League against Rangers - despite admitting he hid in the toilet during a bust-up with coach Alain Perrin. (Daily Record)


Former Tory heritage minister David Mellor was lampooned and his appearance ridiculed on breakfast television in Israel after criticising Roman Abramovich and questioning Avram Grant's credentials to coach Chelsea. (The Guardian)

I can never understand how they pay crazy amounts on players and leave them out of the team

Yakubu
Torres

Let them come on loan to Bramall Lane if they want id welcome them with open arms....

I bet you would..

Were OK we have Jason Lee

Newcastle away to Arsenal in Cup tonight
Hard game eh?
Arsenal will play the kids but they are better than half the teams in the Premiership to start with

Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Carling Cup
Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle
Blackpool 2-1 Southend (After Extra Time)
Burnley 0-1 Portsmouth
Luton 3-1 Charlton (After Extra Time)
Man City 1-0 Norwich
Reading 2-4 Liverpool
Sheff Utd 5-0 Morecambe
West Brom 2-4 Cardiff

some real shocks tonight

im well pleased with the Blades tonight especially as Billy sharp got two im pleased for him as he was starting to get abit down so this has done his confidence the world of good

Fifa is set to hand England a boost over a possible bid for the 2018 World Cup by changing the rotation policy for the tournament, BBC Sport understands.
The Fifa executive committee meets in Zurich in two weeks, and BBC sports editor Mihir Bose said: "New bidding for 2018 opens the door for England.

"Under the new proposal, it rules out Africa, which stages 2010 and South America, which will stage 2014.

"But the Football Association are not sure they want to bid for it yet."

The current rotation policy favoured by Fifa means the continents take it in turns to host the World Cup.
However, under the new format, only the last two continents which hosted the tournament would be ruled out of the bidding process.

Bose added: "This could mean an Ashes bidding war, if both England and Australia want to try for 2018.

"But any country from Europe, Asia or Oceania could theoretically make a bid."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has publicly supported the possibility of football's showpiece event coming to England in 11 years' time and has appointed former sports minister Richard Caborn as his World Cup ambassador.

But Bose added: "Fifa has made no decision over 2018, yet Gordon Brown has gone out on a limb and said he is determined to bring the World Cup to England.

"I've spoken to people inside Fifa and they are asking why he's launched a bid when there isn't even a bid to be launched.

"The problem the FA has got is that they want to know they are going to be successful before they launch a bid.

"It is still possible a bid will not be made - it has to be made by the FA after all, not the government."

Michael Owen has been ruled out of England's two Euro 2008 qualifiers in October with a tear in his groin.
The 27-year-old will see a specialist on Thursday to determine whether he also needs a hernia operation.

"It will be three weeks out and he will miss England with his groin," said Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce.

"Michael would miss England anyway with his groin tear so we might as well check up to see whether he needs a hernia operation."

Owen, who has a 3cm tear in his abductor muscle, is understood to have seen a surgeon in Bradford earlier this week to determine the extent of his hernia problem
It has been suggested that as a result of the surgeon's findings Owen will have an operation in Germany on Friday carried out by Ulrike Muschaweck.

Allardyce added: "Owen will probably need another operation but the other specialist has not told us that yet.

"Whoever does the surgery cannot say whether he needs a hernia operation or not until they have seen him, unless they are magic and they can see over here from Germany."
England face crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia on 13 and 17 October.

Owen netted three times in September's qualifying victories over Israel and Russia after missing the majority of the 2006-07 campaign because of a cruciate ligament injury suffered at the 2006 World Cup finals.

He limped out of Newcastle's match on Sunday and was also substituted during the Magpies previous game, a 1-0 defeat at Derby on Monday 17 September.

A hernia operation could rule him out of action for two months.

England boss Steve McClaren is already without Emile Heskey, who partnered Owen up front for both those wins, after the Wigan striker suffered a broken metatarsal on 15 September.

Joe Cole is also suspended for the Estonia game, although Wayne Rooney is available.



OWEN'S INJURY RECORD AT NEWCASTLE
31 Dec 2005: Breaks metatarsal at Spurs, misses several months
24 Mar 2006: Foot has still not healed, Newcastle announce he has had minor surgery to tighten a screw in his foot
29 Apr 2006: Returns against Birmingham but is in pain afterwards and misses last game of season
20 Jun 2006: Injures knee playing for England, misses all but last three games of following season
20 Jul 2007: Injures thigh in pre-season, misses start of season
25 Sep 2007: Sam Allardyce reveals groin tear and hernia concern

its a shame he must feel like shit

Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Carling Cup
Aston Villa 0-1 Leicester
Hull 0-4 Chelsea
Sheff Wed 0-3 Everton
Tottenham 2-0 Middlesbrough
West Ham 1-0 Plymouth
CCR3: FT Man Utd 0-2 Coventry

Did Man U have a full side out De Niro?

Man Utd: Kuszczak, Bardsley (Brown 45), Evans (Carrick 56), Pique, Simpson, Nani, Martin (Campbell 45), O'Shea, Eagles, Dong, Anderson.
Subs Not Used: Heaton, Eckersley.

Booked: Pique.

As you can see not a full strengh team.

No not even close Thats what you get when you dont play a full strengh side,well the treble out the window for you know anyway concentrate on the leaugue and europe

oh not long and it will be time for the FA.Cup first round draw

Sheff utd v Notts County lol

we have to get to the 3rd round before you enter the draw.that would be good though.

Yeah definetly, or Notts v Newcastle get Yogi down for a beer!!

we would get thrashed.lol

you never know mate

Newcastle are pretty shit (only joking Yogi )

Blackburn 3-0 Birmingham City

Ferguson was left seething after United's lame exit to Coventry
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was left "flabbergasted" by his young side's performance after their Carling Cup exit to Coventry.
The Sky Blues won through 2-0 and Ferguson said: "I did not expect that at all. I am not interested in giving reasons or mitigating circumstances.

"We have trumpeted these young lads a lot, so what has happened tonight was a big shock for us all.

"We didn't cope with the battle at all - it was just a very bad performance."

The Scot made 11 changes to the side that beat Chelsea at the weekend, with the likes of Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson handed their senior debuts.

But the reshuffle backfired as the hosts' lacklustre display was punished by a fired-up Coventry side.

Ferguson added: "You want to give these boys a chance and we have not had the opportunity to do that until tonight.

"Some of those players have got good ability but that was very disappointing, believe me. All we can ask now is that they learn from this very quickly."

And he refused to talk up the benefits of a reduced workload on his squad in what could be a long hard season.

"I'm never happy to lose, nor to go out of a cup," he said. "That is absolutely not an issue at all."


Do you think United have the weakest overall squad among the big four?

I wouldn't say the weakest, the most inexpirenced maybe even though most of who played last night have been on loan for months on end to teams last season.

Also Arsenal and Liverpool have both gots foreign youngsters and they always seem to be better adapt to the game than the home talent..

No you are quite right mate....

Newcastles Utd are Notts County wannabes, they have the same kit and even the same nickname..lol

yogi at least your a leaugue above us with counless millions in the bank and Mickey o shit i wish i was in your position

True,true....

Full draw for the fourth round of the Carling Cup:

Luton Town v Everton
Portsmouth v Blackburn Rovers
Chelsea v Leicester City
Sheffield United v Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur v Blackpool
Bolton Wanderers v Manchester City
Coventry City v West Ham United
Liverpool v Cardiff City

Good tie for Sheff Utd..

Coventry City have been rewarded for their victory against Manchester United with a home tie against West Ham in the fourth round of the Carling Cup.
Cardiff striker Robbie Fowler has been given a dream tie at old club Liverpool after scoring in the win at West Brom.

Championship side Leicester are handed a plum tie at holders Chelsea after the Foxes knocked out Aston Villa.

Luton, the only League One side left in the draw, play Everton at home, while Blackpool travel to Tottenham.

Plus, there are all-Premier League ties between Portsmouth and Blackburn and Bolton and Manchester City.

Championship outfit Sheffield United will play Arsenal at Bramall Lane.

The ties will be played the week commencing Monday 29 October.

Just watched Newcastle done by Man City. not a bad first half but they out-classed us in the second
We were poor!

Sunderland 1 - 2 Blackburn

sheffield united lost again on saturday i dont know whats happning so far this season

hopefully we will get a win against cardiff tommorow night at least Beatties playing well 25 goals hopefully this season

Wednesday, 03 October 2007
UEFA Champions League
Benfica v Shakhtar Donetsk, D, 19:45
Besiktas v FC Porto, A, 19:45
Celtic v AC Milan, D, 19:45
Lazio v Real Madrid, C, 19:45
Liverpool v Marseille, A, 19:45
Rosenborg v Schalke 04, B, 19:45
Valencia v Chelsea, B, 19:45
Werder Bremen v Olympiakos, C, 19:45


Saturday, 06 October 2007
Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa v West Ham, 15:00
Man Utd v Wigan, 12:45

The Coca-Cola Football League Championship
Blackpool v Plymouth, 15:00
Bristol City v Sheff Utd, 17:20
Cardiff v Burnley, 15:00
Charlton v Barnsley, 15:00
Crystal Palace v Hull, 15:00
Ipswich v Preston, 15:00
Scunthorpe v Watford, 15:00
Sheff Wed v Leicester, 15:00
Southampton v West Brom, 15:00
Stoke v Colchester, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Coventry, 15:00


Sunday, 07 October 2007
Barclays Premier League
Arsenal v Sunderland, 12:00
Blackburn v Birmingham, 15:00
Bolton v Chelsea, 15:00
Fulham v Portsmouth, 16:10
Liverpool v Tottenham, 15:00
Man City v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Newcastle v Everton, 15:00
Reading v Derby, 14:00

Hopefully Man Utd will score a few goals on Saturday..

I was a big Blackburn fan for this game Blib!
Your boys done me proud

Hopefully Sheffield united will just win on saturday

I actually get to see the Blackburn game this weekend on FSC, so I have it set to record. I won't get to watch it until the next morning so I will be ignoring this thread until I have watched it! Even if they lose I don't want to ruin the ending, although I think they have a chance to get another win against Birmingham City. What do you think?

Blib,have you been following blackburn in the Uefa Cup they are playing to night in the 2nd round 2nd leg.But they are losing from the first game 2-0

Blackburn 0 larissa 2

The Uefa Cup is a tounemant of european countires.

Thursday, 04 October 2007
UEFA Cup
AIK 0-1 Hapoel Tel-Aviv (agg 0-1)
AZ 0-0 Pacos Ferreira (agg 1-0)
AaB 0-0 Sampdoria (agg 2-2) (AaB win on away goal rule)
Ajax 2-3 Dinamo Zagreb (agg 3-3) (After Extra Time)
Anorthosis Famagusta 1-1 Tottenham (agg 2-7)
BATE 0-2 Villarreal (agg 1-6)
BK Hacken 1-3 Spartak Moscow (agg 1-8)
Basle 6-0 FK Sarajevo (agg 8-1)
Belenenses 0-2 Bayern Munich (agg 0-3)
Blackburn 2-1 Larissa (agg 2-3)
Bolton 1-0 Rabotnicki Kometal (agg 2-1)
Bordeaux 1-1 Tampere United (agg 4-3)
Braga 4-0 Hammarby (agg 5-2)
CSKA Sofia 1-1 Toulouse (agg 1-1) (Toulouse win on away goals rule)
Club Brugge 1-2 SK Brann (agg 2-2) (SK Brann win on away goal rule)
Crvena Zvezda 1-0 Groclin Dyskobolia (agg 2-0)
Dnipro 1-1 Aberdeen (agg 1-1) (Aberdeen win on away goals rule)
FC Copenhagen 2-1 Lens (agg 3-2) (After Extra Time)
FC Metalist Kharkiv 2-3 Everton (agg 3-4)
FC Twente 3-2 Getafe (agg 3-3) (Getafe win on away goal rule)
FC Zurich 3-0 Empoli (agg 4-2)
Fiorentina 1-1 FC Groningen (agg 2-2) (Fiorentina win 4-3 on penalties)
Galatasaray 5-1 FC Sion (agg 7-4)
Hamburg 3-1 Litex Lovech (agg 4-1)
Helsingborgs IF 5-1 Heerenveen (agg 8-6)
IF Elfsborg 0-1 Dinamo Bucuresti (agg 2-2) (IF Elsborg wins on away goals rule)
Kayseri Erciyesspor 0-5 Atletico Madrid (agg 0-9)
Lokomotiv Moscow 2-0 FC Midtjylland (agg 5-1)
Odense BK 0-0 Sparta Prague (agg 0-0) (Sparta Prague win 4-3 on penalties)
Palermo 0-1 Mlada Boleslav (agg 1-1) (Mlada Boleslav win 4-2 on penalties)
Panionios 0-1 Sochaux (agg 2-1)
Rapid Bucuresti 2-2 Nurnberg (agg 2-2) (Nurnberg go through on away goal rule)
Rapid Vienna 0-1 Anderlecht (agg 1-2)
Real Zaragoza 2-1 Aris Salonika (agg 2-2) (Aris Salonika win on away goal rule)
Rennes 1-2 Lokomotiv Sofia (agg 4-3)
SV Red Bull Salzburg 1-0 AEK Athens (agg 1-3)
Standard Liege 1-1 Zenit St Petersburg (agg 1-4)
Uniao Leiria 3-2 Bayer Leverkusen (agg 4-5)
Valerenga 2-2 FK Austria Magna (agg 2-4

Blackburn 2-1 Larissa (agg 2-3)

Larissa players celebrate after reaching the group stage
Blackburn came from behind to beat Larissa but were knocked out of the Uefa Cup 3-2 on aggregate and miss out on the group stage of the competition.
Larissa scored a crucial goal when Cleyton converted from 12 yards after creating space with a neat sidestep.

Rovers equalised with a Matt Derbyshire penalty after keeper Elias Kotsolis brought down David Dunn.

Stephen Warnock then finished superbly for Rovers early in the second half but Larissa held out to win the tie.


Interview: Blackburn boss Mark Hughes

It was a valiant effort by Rovers after the break, with David Bentley particularly threatening.

But they ultimately paid for a poor performance in Greece, where they lost 2-0, and a disappointing first-half showing at Ewood Park.

606: DEBATE
Give your reaction to Blackburn's Uefa Cup exit

The visiting supporters made the bulk of the noise in the opening stages - and the volume increased further when their team took the lead.

Cleyton was left in far too much space after collecting Panagiotis Katsiaros' cross from the left and had time to place his shot in the bottom corner.

The Larissa striker underlined his goal threat again later in the half, eluding Dunn but drilling his strike wide of Brad Friedel's goal.

Rovers, unchanged from the team that beat Sunderland in the Premier League, started the tie poorly and were caught offside on several occasions.

But the home team did eventually threaten after 27 minutes when Chris Samba got the better of former Leicester and Newcastle defender Nikos Dabizas only to direct his header over the crossbar.

Dunn should have done better after being played in by Tugay but his first touch was heavy and he could not get the required power on his effort, while Derbyshire later pulled a shot wide.



Derbyshire equalised for Rovers from the penalty spot

And Larissa, playing with great composure and confidence, threatened again through Nektarios Alexandrou, whose shot on the half-volley was deflected wide.

But when it seemed as though Blackburn would go into the break with their European hopes all but extinguished, they pulled a goal back.

Kotsolis was perhaps harshly adjudged to have brought down Dunn and Derbyshire slotted home the spot kick at the second attempt.

The Larissa keeper saved the first effort but only after illegally advancing off his line.

And six minutes after the start Warnock's excellent finish put Rovers ahead on the night after he latched on to a ball forward by Bentley.

Rovers poured forward, with Derbyshire just failing to convert a cross from Warnock and the Greek team struggling to contain Bentley.

Blackburn brought on Morten Gamst Pedersen and Benni McCarthy and the home team created several half chances.

Samba looped a header over the keeper but also over the crossbar.

And as the match wore on Larissa gradually regained a measure of control after coach George Donis brought on an extra defender and played out the final minutes for a famous aggregate victory.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Blackburn boss Mark Hughes:
"If we are honest over the two legs we left ourselves with too much to do.
"Fair play to the lads, we kept going and won the game and that is a positive but we are disappointed as we have enjoyed our games in Europe.

"Good luck to Larissa, they played well over the two legs."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blackburn: Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Ooijer, Warnock, Mokoena (Pedersen 63), Kerimoglu, Derbyshire (McCarthy 69), Bentley, Dunn (Savage 78), Santa Cruz.
Subs Not Used: Brown, Khizanishvili, Rigters, Kane.

Booked: Kerimoglu, Samba, Warnock.

Goals: Derbyshire 45 pen, Warnock 51.

Larissa: Kotsolis, Galitsios, Dabizas, Foerster, Katsiaros, Kiriakidis, Alexandrou (Kotsios 56), Fotakis, Sarmiento, Bakayoko (Gikas 90), Cleyton (Kalantzis 78).
Subs Not Used: Kipouros, Parra, Venetis, Bahramis.

Booked: Sarmiento, Kotsolis, Cleyton, Fotakis.

Goals: Cleyton 17

Att: 20,741

Ref: Claudio Circhetta (Switzerland).

Unlucky Bibble

I'm still learning, what is the uefa cup? or the Champions tournament (I believe it's called)?

hope this helps,

The UEFA Cup (also known as European Cup 3, CE3 or C3) is a football competition for European club teams, organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). It is the second most important international competition for European football clubs, after the UEFA Champions League. Clubs qualify for the UEFA Cup based on their performance in national leagues and cup competitions.

It began in 1971 and replaced the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. In 1999 the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup was abolished and merged with the UEFA Cup. While the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup is considered a pre-cursor to the UEFA Cup for records purposes, this does not apply to the Cup Winners' Cup.

Sevilla FC are the current holders of the UEFA Cup having won the competition for the second year in a row with their latest triumph occurring in Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, on 16 May 2007. They beat fellow Spaniards RCD Espanyol on penalties.

The final for the 2007-08 season will be hosted by Manchester.

The UEFA Cup was first played in 1971 with English team Tottenham Hotspur F.C. being the first winner. The 'one club per city' rule, inherited from the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, was dropped in 1975. English club Everton F.C. had finished fourth in the English league and could thus qualify but were barred from entry because city rivals Liverpool F.C. had also qualified by coming second. Everton appealed, saying the rule was an unfair anachronism, and UEFA agreed to overturn it.

The competition was traditionally open to the runners-up of domestic leagues but in 1999 the competition was merged with UEFA's third European competition, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. Since then, the winners of domestic cup competitions have also entered the UEFA Cup. Also, clubs eliminated in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League and the third placed teams at the end of the group phase could go on to compete in the UEFA Cup. Also admitted to the competition are three Fair Play representatives, eleven UEFA Intertoto Cup winners, and winners of some selected domestic league cup competitions.

The winners keep the trophy for a year and after handing it back they can keep a replica which is four-fifths the size of the original trophy. The regulations also state that the original trophy is handed to any club that wins the UEFA Cup three times in a row or five times overall though this has yet to occur as of 2007.

Three teams have achieved the great accomplishment of winning their domestic league, domestic cup and the UEFA Cup in the same season, those being Galatasaray in 2000, F.C. Porto in 2003 and PFC CSKA Moscow in 2005.


[edit] Qualification
See also: UEFA coefficients
Qualification for the competition is based on UEFA coefficients with more places being offered to the more successful nations. Usually places are awarded to teams who finish in various runners-up places in the top-flight leagues of Europe and the winners of the main cup competitions. A few countries have secondary cup competitions but the only countries which currently grant a UEFA Cup place to their secondary cup winners are England and France.

If the previous UEFA Cup title-holders are not eligible to take part in either of the current UEFA club competitions (UEFA Champions League or UEFA Cup) by virtue of their domestic form, the UEFA Administration may, at the request of the association of the club concerned, admit this club to the current UEFA Cup competition. Its participation will not be at the expense of the contingent of its association.

Qualification can be quite complicated if one team qualifies for European competition through two different routes. In all cases, if a club is eligible to enter the UEFA Champions League then the Champions League place takes preference and the club does not enter the UEFA Cup. The UEFA Cup place is then granted to another club. If a team qualifies for European competition through both winning a cup and league placing, the "spare" UEFA Cup place will go to either the cup runners-up or the highest placed league team which has not already qualified for European competition, depending on the rules of the national association.

Qualification for the UEFA Cup can also be attained in two other ways:

The eleven winners in the third round of the UEFA Intertoto Cup enter the UEFA Cup at the second qualifying round stage from the 2006-07 season.
Three more berths are given to federations that finish above a certain level in UEFA's Fair Play table. The top-placed federation automatically receives a Fair Play entry and two other federations gain berths via a draw among all other federations that meet qualifying criteria. In all cases, the recipient of a country's Fair Play entry is the highest-placed team in the Fair Play table of that country's top league that has not already qualified for Europe.
More recently, clubs that are knocked out of the qualifying round and the group stage of the Champions League can also join the UEFA Cup, at different stages (see below).


[edit] Competition format
The current competition format was first adopted for the 2004-05 season. The major change was the introduction of a group stage and two qualifying rounds instead of one. Additional changes were introduced for 2006-07 season due to the changes in the UEFA Intertoto Cup format.


[edit] Current format
The UEFA Cup starts with two knockout qualifying rounds held in July and August. Participants from associations ranked 18 and lower enter the first qualifying round, and participants from associations ranked 9-18 join them in the second qualifying round. In addition, three places in the first qualifying round are reserved for the Fair Play winners, and eleven places in the second qualifying round are reserved for the UEFA Intertoto Cup winners.

Winners of the qualifying rounds join teams from the associations ranked 1-13 in the first round proper. In addition, losers in the third qualifying round of the Champions League also enter this round, and another place is reserved for the title-holders. There are 80 teams total in this round.

After the first round proper, the 40 survivors enter a group phase, with the clubs being drawn into eight groups of five each. Unlike the Champions League group phase, the UEFA Cup group phase is played in a single round-robin format, with each club playing two home and two away games. The top three teams in each of the eight groups advance, 24 in total, where they are joined by the eight third-place teams in the Champions League group phase.

After the group stage there is a winter break. From this point, knockout play resumes, with two-legged ties leading to the one-off final, which is held at a neutral ground meeting UEFA's criteria for a four star stadium.

Seeding is used to protect stronger teams in the qualifying rounds, first round and group stage

i can see Bolton turning Chelsea over this week,and Liverpool hammering Tottenham

I hope Bolton can at least get a draw,but i think chelski will win,

Saturday, 06 October 2007
Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa 1-0 West Ham
Man Utd 4-0 Wigan

The Coca-Cola Football League Championship
Blackpool 0-0 Plymouth
Bristol City 2-0 Sheff Utd
Cardiff 2-1 Burnley
Charlton 1-1 Barnsley
Crystal Palace 1-1 Hull
Ipswich 2-1 Preston
Scunthorpe 1-3 Watford
Sheff Wed 0-2 Leicester
Southampton 3-2 West Brom
Stoke 2-1 Colchester
Wolverhampton 1-0 Coventry

Sunday, 07 October 2007
8 premier lg games this afternoon

Barclays Premier League
Arsenal v Sunderland, 12:00
Blackburn v Birmingham, 15:00
Bolton v Chelsea, 15:00
Fulham v Portsmouth, 16:10
Liverpool v Tottenham, 15:00
Man City v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Newcastle v Everton, 15:00
Reading v Derby, 14:00

Sunday, 07 October 2007
Barclays Premier League
Arsenal 3-2 Sunderland
Bolton 0-1 Chelsea
Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham ----late goal for Liverpool
Man City 3-1 Middlesbrough---- another convincing win
Newcastle 3-2 Everton---- good to see owen score
Reading 1-0 Derby ----derby still not scored away

HT Fulham 0-0 Portsmouth still playing

Good result for the Toon

Another goal for Owen, if i was Maclaren i would keep him on the bench for the Estonia game and use him for the game on the Wednesday.

Blackburn 2 - 1 Birmingham City

Another win for the Rovers

In the three games I have seen on t.v. I have noticed that Blackburn plays very strong most of the game, but the last 20-30 minutes or so the other team seems to take control and take more shots. Is that typical of most teams, or is that just Blackburn trying to defend to preserve the lead?

I'm really enjoying watching Bentley, Santa Cruz and Samba. Plus Brad Friedel. I am looking forward to the Rovers playing some of your teams that you guys like here. It looks like De Niro's Manchester United will be the first on Nov. 10th. That will be a fun game to watch, but I can't imagine Blackburn winning. I'm sure you'll enjoy watching your team beat up on a team you don't like eh De Niro?

Blackburn is always a tricky team to face especilly at Eward Park. But i think Utd will just sneak it,

Blackburn vs Man Utd has draw written all over it!
Get your money on it!

Sorry don't listen to Toon fans..

Draw.. ha

Good point!
What do we know about good football eh...

Neil Warnock new Palace manager they are quite welcome to him

Do Sheff Utd fans have hard feelings for Neil,hes a legend

Former County manager as well.

I appreciate he took us up but the mans a arse he is embarrising

You will find him hilarious mate, now that he is not managing your team

At least he isn't afraid to say what he's thinking, i have respect for the man, he must have had more fines that Pete Doherty

Warnock Confirmed as Palace boss

Crystal Palace have appointed former Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock as their new manager as a replacement for Peter Taylor, who was sacked on Monday.
Warnock, who had been out of work since resigning from the Blades at the end of last season, said: "This will be my last job. And I can offer a lot.

"The chairman Simon Jordan and I are ambitious people who want to achieve."

Jordan added: "I chose Neil because he is a winner, he has a desire to be successful and he leads."

The 58-year-old Warnock has enjoyed six promotions during his 21-year managerial career.

And with Crystal Palace 19th in the Championship table, he will be hard pushed to make that seven this season.

But both Warnock and Jordan insisted they have set no target for the club this campaign, simply stating in unison they only "want to win as many games as possible".

Warnock knows there is no easy route to success and made it clear he will be looking for the players to step up.

He said: "The players have to want to give everything otherwise you will just get steamrollered.

"We have got to have desire, first and foremost, to be able to win anything. That is what I will be looking for."


Asked whether Warnock will be provided with funds to bolster the squad, Jordan made it clear that he will support his new manager - as long as he feels the requests are reasonable.

"If Neil needs something and he has a good reason for it, he will get it. If he does not have a good reason for it, then he won't.

"But I know Neil is determined to do a good job. I always used to benchmark our progress I at Palace by the results we had against Neil Warnock's Sheffield United.

"I know I have the right man. It is the dream ticket. We both say what we mean and we mean what we say."

Warnock revealed that he will be bringing Mick Jones and Keith Curle to the club as part of his coaching staff.

I can see warnock taking them up

Give a year of two,it took him nearly 10 years to get Sheff Utd promoted.

Jesus would struggle to get Palace promoted

If Ian Dowie can do it..

Dowie is a good manager,its that chairman they have down there. What a tosser he is!
I can see him and Warnock clashing a bit!

True,Simon Jorden is a Slym Ball.

A rich one though

Heres One

Would be rather be rich and hated or Poor and loved..

Poor and loved!
Honest

You?

Trickey one.

i wouldn't mind money,But i think i would rather be loved than hated..

Yes,money is nice but its not everything!
I know a lot of people who have more money than me and some of them are miserable with their lot in life.
A kid at work,in his 40's,no wife or kids. Works all the o/t possible and earns a fortune. When does he spend his cash? Never cos he's always at work moaning about how hard his life is....
Some people eh?

Back to Football..

Campbell poised to replace Terry

Sol Campbell is set to replace injured England captain John Terry for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia at Wembley on Saturday.

Terry was ruled out after a scan on a knee injury and is facing a battle to face Russia in Moscow on Wednesday.

I personally think John Terry is overated,not cause im a Utd fan,but the media are going on all the time how good he his.ive always admired Sol Campell and glad he is back in the fold.

Oh yeah football.....
Got no probs with Campbell coming back in,i have always though he was better for country than club anyways and he was'nt half bad at club level.
I know what you mean about Terry. He's good but not that good!

Thank You,someone is finally on the same wave length as me on John Terry.

If i was Maclaren i would give a debut to Lescott hes been in great form this season Evertons topscorer,i mean its only Estonia our Youth Team would beat them.

Yes Lescott has done really well this year,i remember an FA Cup game a few years back when he was still playing for Wolves against the Toon. He was still in his teens and he kept Shearer quiet that day(no mean feat) and Wolves won 3-2. It was a while ago,Bobby Robson was still the manager!
I believe that Jonathon Woodgate is the best,natural centre-half in the country...but of course he is a crock so he is a big miss
Young Steven Taylor is the future of course,along with Micah Richards,that young man is a monster!

Ive not really seen much of Steven Taylor,but Micah Richards is a monster and will be in the England setup for years to come hopefully.

Most definitely!

5 years time michah richards will be englands top player and captain ill put money on it

Captain,not topscorer.

i said top player

Sorry my mistake..

No problem mate

COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, 13 October 2007
European Championship Qualifying
Armenia v Serbia, A, 16:00
Azerbaijan v Portugal, A, 17:00
Belarus v Luxembourg, G, 16:00
Belgium v Finland, A, 19:45
Croatia v Israel, E, 19:15
Cyprus v Wales, D, 17:15
Denmark v Spain, F, 19:00
England v Estonia, E, 15:00
Faroe Islands v France, B, 16:00
Greece v Bosnia-Herzegovina, C, 19:30
Hungary v Malta, C, 15:20
Iceland v Latvia, F, 17:00
Italy v Georgia, B, 19:50
Liechtenstein v Sweden, F, 18:00
Moldova v Turkey, C, 19:00
Poland v Kazakhstan, A, 19:30
Rep of Ireland v Germany, D, 19:45
Romania v Holland, G, 18:15
Scotland v Ukraine, B, 15:00
Slovakia v San Marino, D, 14:00
Slovenia v Albania, G, 19:30

Half time

Group B
HT Scotland 2-1 Ukraine (1500 BST)


Group E
HT England 3-0 Estonia (1500 BST)
Player Rater

Good results for both teams eh?
Scotland are going to qualify,i can just feel it!

I hope Scotland qualify and knock the frogs out..

a

That Lescott needs to sort his hair out does he not?
I've never seen the like of that before.....

I know what you mean,i was thinking the same thing..

Boring lampard should be back in the team, for Wednesdays game, if we don't win then we know what the problem is.

Barry is playing some great stuff at the minute..

Yep!
totally agree.
Keep the same team,its winning and playing well!
Thats what we want.

My team to face Russia

Robinson(though i prefer James)
Richards
Ferdinand
Terry (if fit though i prefere campell)
P Neville
Barry
Gerrard
Lampard
J.Cole
Owen
Rooney

That lot will do the job mate
I think we will win pretty comfortably out there!

are we through if we draw?

Erm not sure mate!
We are 5 points ahead of them but they have a game in hand?
Is that right?
Anyways never mind talking about draws,we are going to win!
WIN i tell ya

I sure hope so,there on a bit of a roll

P W D L F A GD PTS
1 Croatia 10 8 2 0 25 4 21 26
2 England 10 7 2 1 21 2 19 23
3 Russia 9 5 3 1 14 4 10 18
4 Israel 10 5 2 3 17 11 6 17
5 FYR Mace 9 2 2 5 7 11 -4 8
6 Estonia 11 1 1 9 3 21 -18 4
7 Andorra 9 0 0 9 2 36 -34 0

I think Israel are definitely out of the equation now are'nt they?

Looks like it,they had a good start as well.

They did but when they played us at Wembley the other week they were awful. Dead negative!

Terry passed fit for Russia test

Captain John Terry has been declared fit for England's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia on Wednesday.

The Chelsea defender missed England's 3-0 win over Estonia after picking up a knee injury in training, but was given the all-clear to play.

Everton defender Joleon Lescott is expected to make his first start at left-back for England in Moscow.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard is likely to start on the bench again as England keep faith with a 4-4-2 system.

Terry travelled to Moscow on Monday and was given the green light to take his place in the starting line-up after a training session on Tuesday.

Come on England

Remember its a 4pm Kick Off..

Yes!
Still off sick with my bad foot

Shit oh mighty, its out of our hands now. It was going so well.

When is Mclaren ganna drop paul robinson.

Russia 2-1 England

England's hopes of reaching Euro 2008 hang by a thread after Russia came from behind to win in Moscow.

Steve McClaren's side looked on course to qualify courtesy of Wayne Rooney's spectacular 29th-minute volley.

Steven Gerrard missed a glorious chance before Roman Pavluchenko scored from the spot after 69 minutes following Rooney's foul on Konstanin Zurianov.

He struck again from close range four minutes later - now Russia will qualify if they beat Israel and Andorra.

It capped a dramatic turnaround on the Luznikhi Stadium's artificial pitch after England had looked in no trouble until Russia coach Guus Hiddink introduced Pavluchenko in the second half.

Now England's fate is no longer in their own hands, and McClaren will be looking to Israel to get a result against Russia on 17 November to at least keep their hopes alive until the clash with Croatia at Wembley four days later.

England as expected, were without captain John Terry after he suffered a recurrence of his knee injury in training and Sol Campbell came in as replacement.

McClaren will have been peturbed to see the synthetic surface being heavily watered before kick-off, a move clearly designed to make conditions more favourable for Hiddink's side.

Russia had plenty of possession in the early exchanges but England's revamped defence, with Everton's Joleon Lescott in for injured Ashley Cole, protected keeper Paul Robinson.

England suffered an anxious moment after 11 minutes when Aleksandr Kerzhakov tumbled under a challenge from Joe Cole but Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo rightly ignored their penalty claims.

Robinson was called into action when he turned a low drive from Zurianov on to an upright in the 25th minute - and four minutes later England were ahead.

Michael Owen met Micah Richards' punt forward with a prodigious leap, and Rooney was lurking to chest down and lash a brilliant volley high past Russia keeper Vladimir Gabulov.

England survived in comfort until half-time, and should have doubled their advantage four minutes after the interval.

Gareth Barry's free-kick found captain Gerrard totally unmarked at the far post, but he steered a tame finish wide with the goal at his mercy.

And Richards just failed to apply the finishing touch to a Rooney flick as England tried to seal the three points.

Russia took advantage of England's generosity in front of goal to turn the game on its head in the space of four minutes.

Rooney was the villain after 69 minutes, hauling down Zurianov to concede a penalty, even though the initial offence took place outside the area.

Substitute Pavluchenko slammed home the penalty and struck again after 73 minutes, pouncing to score from close range after Robinson parried Alexei Berezutsky's shot.

The dramatic turn in fortunes forced McClaren into a triple substitution, sending on Peter Crouch, Frank Lampard and Stewart Downing for Lescott, Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

But it was Russia who almost added a third when a rebound off Rio Ferdinand bounced inches wide with Robinson beaten.

England threw everything forward in the closing stages, but Russia held out.

BBC

The US Switzerland match is just getting ready to kick off. Should be a good game even though we suck on European soil.

And ouch, that sucks that you guys lost.

Disaster,disaster,disaster,disaster....
Did i mention disaster

As the fall out continues i would like to point a couple of things out here!
#1. Israel might yet do us a favour and get a result against Russia! Unlikely i know but you never know eh?
#2. Although Maclaren deserves all the flak cos he is the coach after all,what about this so called "golden generation" of English footballers? If they are so golden how come they have never come close to winning anything?

Thank God for our rugby team is all i have to say on the matter

I cant see Russia slipping up to be honest..I don't thnik England will beat Croatia as well.

The players must take the blame for sure as well..

The rugby team failed as well...
So did Lewis Hamilton....
What a poxy week for English sport

At least Man Utd won for me.

Ive got a 2-1 win on for tonights game Newcastle

That score would do for me mate

So I just finished the Liverpool Everton match and wow did Everton get jobbed. How the hell was that not a penalty on Carra. at the end. What a joke.

At least Arsenal won.

Arsenal next 2 games..

liverpool away
Man Utd Home

we will see after these 2 games if they have what if takes..

Blackburn beat Reading 4-2. They haven't lost in a while.

Arsenal beat Slavia Prague 7-0 earlier today in the CL. Two goals with two goals from Theo and Cesc.

And Hleb was awesome. My MOTM.

To be honest, I hope they do. It'll be refreshing to have a young team who didn't really spend mega-bucks on new players. Ferguson surprised and disappointed me in pre-season with the players he bought and the money he spent for them.

Great result for the Toon the other night...
and yes Arsenal were awesome last night
good to see a bit of young Walcott!

Wenger has said that Walcott should be picked again for England,i think hes still to young at the moment..

What do you guys think..

He looks the part but he does'nt play regularly enough for my liking!
I vividly recall cursing Sven for taking him to the World Cup when he had'nt played for Arsenal,convinced myself he was a super secret weapon who would win the trophy for us,then feeling angry when he never got on the pitch
When we came home i promptly forgot about him cos he was'nt playing!
Getting a bit of a go now and as i said above,he looks good,pacy and sharp!

Hes a good player, but hes at the wrong club,for me hes a weaker version of rooney...

I doubt he will ever be a regular for the Gunners but every time he gets a game for them he cannot fail to look good cos they play such good,attractive,attacking football!

My mate got 10 to 1 for them to win the Prmiership at the start of the season. We all laughed at him,you know losing Henry and such.
It's not looking bad for him now eh?
Big test next 2 games though,Liverpool and Man U. is it not?
Wonder if Walcott gets a game then?

At the moment i can't see him making the first 11 in the prem.More of a squad player.

He seems to be settling well at Arsenal.They are playing very well at the momnet but hopefully Man Utd will beat them next week..

I thought you might say that

Ill be pleased with a draw at the Emirates or maybe well give them a taste of there medicane this season after what they did last year.

Henry last minute goal to make it 2-1 when they was 1-0 down..

Wankers..

I remember that game!

Finnally sheff u win away from home if it wasnt for Beattie we would be up shit creek and it smells awful up there

robson out!!

Same with Notts County,we've just sacked our manager..

This is a good one..

Scots close in on England ranking

Scotland are on the verge of overtaking England after rising to their highest position in the Fifa world rankings.
Despite their 2-0 loss in Georgia, the Scots have moved from 14th to 13th - two places behind England, who fell to 11th from ninth after losing to Russia.

The top nine teams will be seeded for the 2010 World Cup qualifying rounds.

Argentina head the rankings, Brazil are second, Italy third, the managerless Republic of Ireland are 32nd, Northern Ireland 36th and Wales 58th.

If Scotland maintain their current position, they will qualify for the second group of seeds, a significant improvement from their Euro 2008 campaign, where they were among the fourth-ranked teams.

And their position could improve further if the Scots beat world champions Italy in their final Euro 2008 qualifier on 17 November, a match they must win to reach the finals next year.

It is a tough assignment for Walter Smith's side against the World Cup holders, but they have reason for hope after taking maximum points from their previous home qualifying games against the Faroes, France, Georgia, Lithuania and the Ukraine.

England's hopes of finishing in the top nine have been severely dented following their defeat in Moscow.

The battle for qualification from Group E is now out of England's hands.

Croatia need only one point from their remaining two games to qualify. Russia will qualify if they win their remaining two games, while England, who play Croatia at Wembley in their last game, need Russia to slip up.

Meanwhile, the Republic's failure to qualify for the tournament in Austria and Switzerland led to the Football Association of Ireland terminating the contract of manager Steve Staunton by mutual consent.

I wish we still had the Home Internationals like in the old days
We could play them through the season instead of some of these pointless friendlies! At least then we could have games with a bit of edge,some bite and something to win at the end...
Like a big,shiny trophy

I hate friendlies

I know what your saying,there was talk of bring back the Home internationals,which they stopped in the mid 80's,only England wasn't up for this..

I would like these games brought back,give the jocks a good thrasing..

[quote=Yogi Barrabbas]I wish we still had the Home Internationals like in the old days

it would be great to have these back to be honest though i was very young when they were still playing these games but i know my dad and older brother used to go every game

Those sweaty socks need to be put in there place

And the Jocks.Lol

They are closing in on our rankings!
They might beat us
Imagine the shame?

My Gaffers a sweaty sock as well i would never hear the end of it

Thats so stupid. Are you telling me the likes of Derby, Wigan, Boro, etc wouldnt love to have Theo on their team? Give me a freaking break. It seems that you guys forget that he's only 18. He will be a star and it will be with Arsenal.

i ment that i can't see him making Arsenals first 11 reguler in the premiership.

Never know, he's still very young and with RvP gone for 6 weeks, he will have to get more playing time.

We'll see. Still a bit too early for england i say

Wednesday, 24 October 2007
UEFA Champions League

AC Milan 4-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
Benfica 1-0 Celtic
Besiktas 2-1 Liverpool
Chelsea 2-0 Schalke 04
Marseille 1-1 FC Porto
Real Madrid 4-2 Olympiakos
Rosenborg 2-0 Valencia
Werder Bremen 2-1 Lazio

The Coca-Cola Football League Championship

Bristol City 2-1 Southampton
Cardiff 2-3 Wolverhampton

Liverpool face a uphill task of now getting past the group stages.

They always seem to get luck in this competition,so don't write them off yet..

One for chopper

Blades reveal big jump in profits

Sheffield United have announced operating profits of £6.3m for the latest financial year.
Taking transfers into account, retained profits for the year ending June 2007 were £500,000, compared to a loss of just under £8m for the previous year.

The Championship side's turnover increased by 68% to £45.8m, but wages rose 67% on the year before.

"We are not solely dependent on Premier League football to progress, but it is a principle objective," the club said.

Launching the new figures, Blades chief executive Jason Rockett added: "I am pleased to be able to report a retained profit for the first time in many years."

That'll be down to Chopper spending all his wages in the club shop

No chopper spends all his money in the club pub...LOL

thanks lads you know me to well

its good to see we are making a profit though,i see martin jol has resigned its a shame really as i think he has done well with spurs

Hes not a bad coach,i just think that games have gone against him,i hope he stays in England though hes a good charecter

yeah deinetly, the english press have lost him his job

It wouldn't be the first time.

Venables,Hoddle,Dalglish(Newcastle)Souness Liverpool the list is endless the english press love to build someone up and then take them down it seems to be our thing the US press love there superstars and keep them at the top we love to ours to look like shit

Thats what sells newspapers.

i know but why does no other country do it apart from us,i just dont get it

Yes,fully agree
The UK sports press suck big time!

Saturday, 27 October 2007

Barclays Premier League
Birmingham v Wigan, 15:00
Chelsea v Man City, 15:00
Man Utd v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Portsmouth v West Ham, 17:15
Reading v Newcastle, 15:00
Sunderland v Fulham, 15:00

The Coca-Cola Football League Championship
Bristol City v Stoke, 15:00
Burnley v Southampton, 17:20
Cardiff v Scunthorpe, 15:00
Charlton v QPR, 12:45
Coventry v Colchester, 15:00
Hull v Sheff Utd, 15:00
Ipswich v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Leicester v Barnsley, 15:00
Preston v Plymouth, 15:00
Sheff Wed v Blackpool, 15:00
West Brom v Norwich, 15:00

Coca-Cola Football League Two

Notts County v Wrexham, 15:00

bryan robson is a c***t

Good results for Chelsea and Man. Utd.
Usual away form rubbish for Newcastle

yes it was a excellent day for Chelsea and Man u yesterday i still think Arsenal will win the league though

This is interesting

Fifa has dropped its policy of rotating the World Cup between continents, opening the way for England to bid to stage the tournament in 2018.
The Football Association has expressed an interest in the event, with Prime Minister Gordon Brown's backing.

But a number of other strong contenders are expected, including China, Russia, Australia and the USA or Mexico.

Countries belonging to confederations that hosted the two preceding tournaments are barred from applying.

For 2018, that would rule out bids from Africa or South America, with South Africa hosting the tournament in 2010 and Brazil poised to be confirmed as 2014 hosts this week.

The decision is expected to be confirmed at a news conference later on Monday.

BBC Radio 5 Live's sports news correspondent Gordon Farquhar said Fifa thought they had made a "tactical mistake" in their rotation policy in that the continents were deciding internally who their candidates should be.


"It worked OK for Africa because there was competition but for South America, they all stood squarely behind Brazil and that was the only candidate put forward.

"I think there's a concern that when you do that you don't get the best possible outcome because you don't have candidates competing against one another."

With four continental bodies able to bid for 2018 (Asia, Oceania, Concacaf and Europe) Farquhar believes there will be a 2018 bid from Australia and is also anticipaing one from England.

"Who knows, there is the prospect of the US or even Canada, Jamaica or Mexico coming forward from Concacaf," he said

Just found a cool website where you can view all the goals form the games over the weekend..from all divisions

Chopper and Yogi will enjoy this for sure..

Goals

I couldn't find the video on that link...

when the link opens,straight ahead is

"Free Highlights" every team every goal etc.

you really cant miss it

It told me I am "in a geographical location unable to view this content".

I've been wanting to see Samba's last second goal to beat Tottenham.

Maybe its only avaliable to UK viewers.

Sorry..

What a prejudiced website

By the way, I know I'm the only Blackburn fan here but has anyone else noticed that they are playing well? I'm looking forward to the next couple of matches against Liverpool and Manchester United.

They are playing extremely well,they always been a good team under Mark Hughes.

You may beat Liverpool but not Man utd..

I think you are right, but it should still be fun.

If the game was at Ewood Park then it would be differant,but Utd are just to good at home..But you never know..

Mines not working at home,,but was at work..Mine also says "im in a geographical location unable to view this content"..

Strange

Blackburn are playing very well!
I am not a big fan of Mark Hughes but he does the business as a manager for sure!
I also like that Rocque Santa Cruz chappie they have signed. what a good player he looks!

I wish we had him at BDTBL (Beautiful down town Bramall Lane)

Yeah, Santa Cruz and Bentley are really fun to watch up front. Plus Samba throwing his tall body all over the place to defend (and sometimes score to win a game last second!)

I am slowly learning the rest of the league and the players through Blackburn. When they play a team, I enjoy learning who the opposing players are as well. You guys have definitely got me hooked on the Premier League. I'm not sure whether to love you for it, or get mad that I have to find time to follow it

Thats good that we've turned an "american" on to "football" only 100 million to go..

We're getting there

Pitty about there choice of teams..LOL

My prediction for tonight

Sheff u 2-0 Arsnel

Come on Blades!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you going..I think Aresnal 3-1

1-0 already,that wasn't long..

Even Arsenal's youth team are untouchable!
They are very impressive this season,the Gunners!

We'll see on Saturday..

I thought you might say that....
It will be a good game for a neutral to watch!

Speaking of good games for neutrals to watch?
Week after?
Newcastle play Sunderland....
Should be lively

Good you get to many games Yogi, i know how passionate you geordies are about football.

Should be a good game..

I had a season ticket for nigh on 15 years mate but as the family grew something had to give
Still get to odd games,there are always tickets floating about but the games are always on the TV so we never miss out really!
Geordies are so football daft its just daft
All anybody talks about is football and everybody walks around with black and white shirts on even in the middle of winter!
We are like a herd of zebras...
Or a pack of bar-codes