The decision to select a GB football team for the 2012 Olympics has brought a mixed response within the game. Some players have welcomed the decision and suggested they would be keen to play, while managers and the football federations have questioned the fact it will impinge on their members preparations for their league programme. The very fact the Euro Championships will also be taking place some weeks earlier only goes to underline the worries that some football managers are likely to have and why they will be hesitant to release some of their players for the Olympics.
The ruling for the Olympic teams is the players must be 23 years of age or under; although three players over that age can also be included within the squad.
With that in mind I have included my Olympic XI for Team GB
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Click on the image below to see the GB XI
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Team compiled by Josh Sheridan
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Man United are scoring goals for fun and Rooney is certainly living up to his promise of trying to emulate Lionel Messi’s goal record this season. Wazza is on fire at the moment and shows what a real difference 12months make in football.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Manchester United blogs that includes Park Ji Sung the better alternative; Jose looks to gazump Fergie, while United keep tabs on Brazilian duo.
We also look at the best Manchester United articles around the web this week
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Greatest Premier League XI?
Do transfer deals suggest the age of the ‘selling club’ is over?
Why Barca isn’t United’s objective…for now anyway
Why Park Ji-Sung will prove the better alternative
Rooney v Aguero
Can Manchester keep setting the pace?
Hernandez v Welbeck v Berbatov – who should get the nod?
Jimmy Greaves: Easy for Manchester clubs to make capital
Fergie and Wenger warned off £30m+ bids…for now!
Fergie keeping tabs on Vitesse duo
Jose looking to gazump Fergie with offer
Best of WEB
Scapegoats For When Man Utd Don’t Win – Fashionable? – Red Flag Flying High
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Anderson and on and on – United Rant
VIDEO: Wayne Rooney talks ‘that’ goal with Nike – The Busby Way
How The Football Association Has Outdone Itself – Yet Again – The United Religion
When all the talk should have been about Tottenham doing one over their fiercest rivals, we found ourselves talking about sickening and
distasteful chants aimed towards Adebayor.
We know Adebayor likes to cause controversy, in the past he has done things that he has openly regretted and said things he wishes he could take back, but that is no excuse for the verbal bashing he received at the hands of Arsenal supporters (only a minority). Wenger, Redknapp, players and fans came together this week and said it has gone too far, a line has to be drawn because it has gone too far.
Hearing the fans chant such disregardful songs, must have brought such nightmares and horrific images back to Adebayor. What he had to witness back in Cabinda, and then being reminded and hearing people rant “it should have been you, it should have been you, shot in Angola,” you cannot imagine what kind of emotions were running through the Togolese striker.
We all love a bit of banter, that’s what gets the fans ticking aswell as the players, but the horror scenes witnessed at White Hart Lane was just pure sick. How can people wish death upon another person, he hasn’t done anything wrong, all he did was move from one club to another, and for that he deserves to die. What is wrong with people?
Adebayor was not the only player to be attacked this past weekend. We saw scenes of fans throwing items at the Liverpool players during their 2-0 win over rivals Everton. This has to stop or someday someone can actually get hurt. Football is meant to be a game of passion not violence.
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Roberto Carlos was a victim during his match against Krylya Sovetov when fansstarted to throw bananas at him. Maybe fun to a minority of people, but it certainly wasn’t for him or his family to witness. It affected him in such a way that he was forced to walk off the pitch.Maybe that is the answer, players should just walk off, or the match should be postponed. Something has to be done, because by simply just banning the culprits, it doesn’t change anything, someone will just follow the antics.
As expected, last week’s north London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal was a heated affair, as much off the pitch as on it. Many of the chants from the fans inside White Hart Lane cannot be repeated, as ex-Gunner Emmanuel Adebayor was the subject of plenty of abuse.
On the pitch Kyle Walker became a Spurs hero by smashing home a winner from all of 30 yards, but as the final whistle blew that wasn’t the end of the action. Much like the whole John Terry and Wayne Rooney situation, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Tottenham coach Clive Allen didn’t shake hands. What’s being said between the pair here?
Leave your suggestions below…
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This week you can win a copy of Arsenal – The Making of a Modern Superclub!
Based on unprecedented access granted to the authors, including exclusive interviews with Arsene Wenger and key board members, current and former players, this book looks in detail at the club’s transformation into a global superpower under the stewardship of their French manager right up to the end of the 2010/11 season.
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Check out our Caption Competition Gallery for some inspiration and to see the winners so far.
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In Chelsea’s 5-3 home defeat to Arsenal last weekend, Frank Lampard reached a special milestone in becoming only the 5th player to play 500 Premier League games. Previously the feat had only been managed by Ryan Giggs, Gary Speed, Sol Campbell and David James.
It came as no surprise to those who follow the game, Lampard has been an automatic choice in his ten years at Stamford Bridge and it was the same at West Ham for the 4 years previous to that.
In those 500 games Lampard has scored an impressive 144 league goals, his strikerate one that most strikers would be proud of. Indeed, Lampard is the Premier League’s most prolific goalscorer from midfield.
Sir Alex Ferguson once said of Lampard, ‘There are very few midfielders today who can play 130 Premiership matches in a row. But there are freaks and that’s freakish.’ Frank would go on to play 164 consecutively before a virus kept him out. A veiled compliment from Ferguson maybe, but a compliment nonetheless and one that summed up Lampard as a player.
Lampard has long had a reputation as a model professional, first on the training pitch, last off it. Furthermore, on the pitch Lampard retains an exceptional disciplinary record, despite playing in the heart of midfield week in week out Lampard has received a mere 50 yellow and 3 red cards in his 500 appearances.
Earlier this season large parts of the mainstream media were queuing up to write off Lampard. The England veteran responded in the only way he knows how, by doing his talking on the pitch. A goal away at Valencia, a hat-trick away at Bolton and the opener in last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal surely confirmed that there is life in Lampard yet.
This article should not just be about Lampard however, it should be an appreciation of the dedication of those who have played week in, week out at the very top level to reach such a milestone.
Ryan Giggs is the leading Premier League appearance maker, at 579 games and counting. Giggs made his debut in the very first Premier League season, and has famously scored in every one since. He may have received stick in the United dressing room for releasing his very own fitness DVD recently, yet who can argue considering the players exceptional longevity. Giggs was monumental in the second half of the season for United last season and it would be foolish to write the Welshman off just yet.
In the other 3 players to play over 500 games, Gary Speed, Sol Campbell and David James were all flawless in their commitment to the cause throughout their careers. Such players are a rare breed.
Looking at the next players set to reach the milestone only gives further indication to the sort of character that plays so many top flight games. Emile Heskey (496) is the next on the list to reach 500, Jamie Carragher (472) is less than a full season away, while Phil Neville (466) will harbour ambitions to reach the milestone in his time as Everton captain.
Of course an element of luck in avoiding a multitude of injuries is essential, yet no one will deny that the players near the top of the appearance list are consummate professionals.
Naturally in professional football players have different lengths to their playing career, it is often the case that most footballers, once they have made it, will stay at the top level for a long time. However most players suffer injuries, or a dip in form, or find that they no longer meet the standards of the division they are in, there is normally something that sends a player into decline.
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The players mentioned in this article are the exception, model professionals and truly outstanding sportsmen who push themselves to remain at the top of their game for many years beyond what is expected.
Have your say on the likes of Lampard and Giggs, the games model professionals. Comment and follow me on Twitter @CamHumphries
A summer of speculation has been followed by three months of outstanding individual performances from Luka Modric, within a side that have surpassed all expectations to this point. So have Tottenham now convinced Modric that White Hart Lane is his long term home?
It was no secret; and Spurs fans should remember this; that the Croatian midfielder wanted to leave the North London club in the summer when Chelsea showed their interest in him. The Blues had three bids for the 26-year-old rejected by Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy during the transfer window, even though Modric claimed he wanted to join the West London club.
The unsettled talented midfielder refused to play in Spurs’ opening game of the season, claiming his head was not in the right place, but Levy stated that Modric was not for sale at any price and told the player to focus on his game at Tottenham. The final bid of £40million from Chelsea would have been a record income for Spurs who did not spend a large amount of money themselves in the summer, another possible reason for Modric’s decision to move on.
After meetings with Levy, Harry Redknapp, Modric and his representatives, it was declared that Modric will stay and help push Spurs to fight for Champions League qualification for next season. Something that looks a real possibility as the club currently sit third in the Premier League, with a game in hand on all of their rivals. It is no coincidence that Modric has been in stunning form, running the midfield with his new partner in crime, Scott Parker, who together make up the best centre midfield in the division currently.
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Tottenham are currently on a ten game unbeaten run in the league and will look to continue that with a winnable trip at West Brom tomorrow. Both Emmanuel Adebayor and Rafael van der Vaart are now scoring goals, with the pace of Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale causing all sorts of problems for opposition defences with their pace and attacking wing play. Summer recruit Brad Friedel has been protected fantastically by a now fit Ledley King and Younes Kaboul after long term injury has set back Michael Dawson. The whole team are now coming together to create one of the best sides seen at White Hart Lane for many years and surely Modric must be pleased that he was forced to stay.
Many people thought Levy was incorrect when he said that he felt Spurs could be on par Chelsea this season and forced a player to stay against his will, but it appears that he could be right once again. Tottenham are three points clear of fifth place Chelsea, who are stuttering under new boss Andre Villas-Boas and could be on the verge of going out of the Champions League after a defeat to Leverkusen on Wednesday night. Modric would have been a perfect addition to the Blues squad but his stay at White Hart Lane has proven to be the correct decision, with six months of the season remaining, Spurs definitely have the ability to finish above the Stamford Bridge club.
One thing that must be commended is Modric’s attitude. He wanted to leave the club, but Levy stood firm. He felt he had more chance of winning trophies in West London, understandable perhaps, but Tottenham have everything in place to surpass Chelsea and Modric may now be seeing that this season. A new stadium and training ground are on the horizon with European footballer the aim on a regular basis and a possible challenge for the title in the not too distant future.
Can we compare Modric to another player who wanted out of their club this summer? Carlos Tevez.
The Argentinean striker has caused no end of problems in Manchester since he was denied a summer move away from the club and is currently in Argentina refusing to return to England. Tevez ‘rufused’ to play for City according to manager Roberto Mancini and has not played since, whereas Modric has kicked up no such fuss, continuing his fine form for Spurs and looking happy on the field with his current team mates. His agent has not publicly demanded anything and the player is showing no sign of resentment towards the club.
Chelsea may well come back in for Modric in January, but Levy will once again decline their approach, with the possibility of an extended contract at White Hart Lane and Champions League football to entice the Croatian to remain at Spurs.
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Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has stated that his squad are the reason for the club’s successful start to the season, and has downplayed his own role in Spurs’ revival.
The White Hart Lane outfit find themselves in third place in the Premier League standings going into the new year, and are in line for a top four finish this term.
Many are touting Spurs as potential title contenders, and Redknapp feels the club’s progression is largely down to the players.
“I think it is good players,” the tactician told Mirror Football.
“They are good lads and good characters. It is knowing who can do what for you and getting the best out of them. That is the key, really.
“But first and foremost, it is no coincidence that the top teams are the ones with the best players.
“At the start of the year, if you sent Sir Alex Ferguson to Wigan, they are not going to win the league. He will be doing well if he kept them up. Players are what they are – and you need good ones,” he concluded.
Tottenham take on Norwich at Carrow Road on Tonight, and can go four points clear of London rivals Chelsea with a win.
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QPR have completed the signing of Lazio striker Djibril Cisse on transfer deadline day, who joins the Loftus Road club for an undisclosed fee.
The fiery attacker only moved to the Stadio Olimpico back in the summer, but struggled to command a place in Edoardo Reja’s first team.
Rangers manager Mark Hughes is delighted to have Cisse on board, and has revealed that he has been a long-term admirer of the forward.
“I’ve watched him for many years and always been impressed by what he brings to the table,” Sparky told the club’s official website.
“He’s a huge threat to opposition’s defences. He’s got great pace, power and movement and that’s something we will hopefully benefit from.
“His goal record is there for everyone to see. He’s scored goals wherever he’s played. His record speaks for itself.
“He was desperate to come here once we showed our interest in him and we can’t wait to get the best out of him,” the coach admitted.
Cisse also stated his admiration for Hughes, and is looking to recapture his best form at the London club.
“When I talked to the manager, he spoke highly of the club and where he wants to take it over the next few years. He wanted to sign me at Manchester City and now I am finally here with him at QPR.
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“The English league is the best in the world. It is the league that suits me the most. I’m really happy here and I can’t wait to repay the club’s confidence in me, to get back to where I want to be as a player,” the French striker concluded.
Unthinkable as it sounds, the possibility of Real Madrid becoming a plc has been discussed in the past.
To be fair, it has never been taken too serious, but it has been mentioned sporadically over the past ten years.
Obviously the comparison between the Glazers (who own Manchester United) and Florentino Perez is a very short run contest in my wholly honest opinion. It does not take a financial whizz kid to ascertain who’s strategy makes more sense – not least because the Glazers borrowed 80 pct of funds against the football club.
Their idea was to service the ludicrous debt by structuring it annually with high interest whereas Perez just seems to be relying on shirt sales and marketing strategy to pay back his loans.
But would that solve anything? The evidence suggests not. In the early 1990s, a new law obliged every club to become a plc, with four exceptions – Real Madrid, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna, who were given special exemptions for socio-cultural reasons.
Shares were issued and the slate wiped clean. It was supposed to be a panacea. The theory was simple: presidents would be more careful risking their own money. They were not. Often their fans would not let them…
Look back over the clubs who have competed in the Champions League recently and the situation is alarming: Valencia‘s debt was more than €600m going into this year. Like Real Madrid (who sold the their training ground for €447m to the council in 2001, wiping out their €278m debt), a property deal was supposed to be their salvation. However, the market crashed at just the wrong time.
Now Valencia have two stadiums – one they cannot sell and another that work has only just resumed on after a lengthy delay due to lack of funds.
According to the third largest shareholder at Atlético Madrid, their debt is above €300m.
In the summer Villarreal failed to pay their players for the first time because the ceramics industry from which their owner, Fernando Roig, makes his money has been hit hard by the crisis. Deportivo La Coruña are more than €120m in debt.
Over the past few seasons, Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad have been relegated and, with no parachute payment to break the fall, went into administration.
Real Sociedad’s president at the time was a certain Astiazarán, now the league’s president. This culture needs to stop, it will strangle the longevity of La Liga’s ability to challenge and grow as a worldwide domestic competition
According to the latest Deloitte football finance report, La Liga’s revenues grew by eight per cent to €1.622m in 2009-10, the highest relative and absolute growth of any of the ‘big five’ leagues.
However, much of the growth was driven by Real Madrid and Barcelona whose collective revenues increased by €69m. Which clearly show’s the unjust imbalance of TV rights/revenue proportioning that go on within the La Liga dividends and the facts are that policies in Spanish football are often driven by the two powerhouses of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
According to reliable statistics Madrid have 13.2m fans while Barcelona have 10.4m. Valencia are third with 2.1m. Nearly two-thirds of all football fans in Spain support one of the big two. And supporters of other clubs almost invariably choose Madrid or Barcelona as a “second” team.
The dominance is felt most on TV – and that is the crux of the issue, the precarious foundation upon which Spanish football is built. Unlike elsewhere – and even Italy is going collective – Spanish clubs negotiate individual television deals.
“The lack of a centralised deal is the biggest problem we face,” Tebas says. The reason is clear. Madrid and Barcelona will earn approximately €120m in rights each year until 2013. Last season’s third-placed side, Sevilla earn around €20m; Valencia, currently third, make under €30m – less than Portsmouth.
Right throughout the league, the imbalance is extraordinary. Competing is impossible.
The problem is the league are powerless to impose a collective deal, although they continue trying. There is so many splits of opinions that it is impossible to get unanimous agreement on anything in the way of legislation. Your probably thinking ”isn’t that the main reason blocking SPL reform at the minute?” Yes.
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There is a lot of talk about Premier League debts, but this is a much more serious overall situation, particularly when one considers the state of the Spanish economy. You have to ask yourself, where is La Liga’s long term strategy and policy heading?
The 2009/2010 figures compared to the Barclays Premier League show the revenue deficit compared to what the clubs spend is a terrifyingly obvious precedent that was set that summer, followed in the summer of 2010 with the likes of Hercules spending large amounts of money they simply did not have the capacity to re-emburse throughout the Season.
Article courtesy of from the excellent El Centro Campista
The N17 Give Back Event is an opportunity for Tottenham fans to put something back into the community local to The Lane as well as a chance to meet the Welsh Wizard Mr Cliff Jones, his son Steve and Rob White, son of the Spurs Legend John White. Also taking part is Daniel Wynne – The Voice Of Tottenham!
Cliff Jones will be talking about his life and Steve and Rob will be sharing tales of what it was like having a Legend as a dad! Together with Daniel’s Spurs Quiz and book signings, the event is to be hosted in the Haringey Irish Community Centre.
Tickets are for nothing at £20. The venture benefiting HAVCO and the Tottenham Foundation with all the monies raised on the day going to where those organisations can do the most good locally.
The Give Back Event is seeking volunteers to pitch in with some light odd jobs for small privately owned businesses on the day. All the information you need to find out more is here.
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