15-point penalty
Leeds have been told by the Football Association that there will be no further inquiry into their 15-point penalty.
United were handed the punishment last month after a turbulent summer which saw them enter administration until Ken Bates' controversial deal to buy back the club.
The club's initial appeal against the deduction was rejected at a meeting of all Football League chairmen before the season started, but they had hoped they would be given the chance to have their case heard by an independent review panel.
But tonight they received notification that the FA do not feel it is right to carry on appealing.
A statement on the club's website read: 'Leeds United have been informed by the Football Association that they do not believe it appropriate for there to be any further inquiry into the decision and the process adopted by the Football League surrounding the club's 15-point deduction.'
Chief executive Shaun Harvey added: 'We are amazed that the Football Association do not feel it is appropriate to intervene in a matter which we believe is fundamentally wrong and sets a dangerous precedent for the future.
'We will fully reflect on this surprising decision and are taking the advice of our legal team. We will not be making any further comment at this time.'
United, who were deducted 10 points in May after going into administration, were hit with the further penalty last month when they were handed their Football League share.
They have, however, already wiped out the entire deduction after winning their first seven Coca-Cola League One games and sit on six points as they look to bounce straight back into the Championship under manager Dennis Wise.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Leeds lose out in demand for inquiry
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Next in line to succeed Henry?
The tall striker netted a hat-trick against Derby and has been in top form this season.
With five goals in his last two Premier League games, the unpredictable Togolese striker, who according to Wenger brings a strong physical impact to the side, is currently in the form of his life.
He caught up with ESPNsoccernet's Bruno Salla for a quick interview.
Q. Arsenal have been the target of many critics during the off season but now lead the Premier League with 16 points. Is this revenge for the team?
A. No it's not. We are just very happy. At the start of the season, people wouldn't give us a chance to finish ahead of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. We accepted it, but we really wanted to show those people that they were wrong.
We have a very talented team, that plays attractive football and which can win a trophy this season. Predictions don't interest me much, in May we will see who will be Champions.
Q. One of the main differences with last season is that Arsenal are competitive at home, impressive I should even say. What has changed?
A. The confidence. It is getting better and better each day, as last season we were struggling on the pitch due a lack of confidence. We started the championship with two or three draws and it affected us. We didn't know what to do, we were not playing intelligently. So far this season, the team is playing without pressure, just focusing on its football and with confidence. It is a good thing for the players and the coach. We are happy all together; we always try to go forward on the pitch with the desire to win.
Q. Does this make Arsenal a serious contender for the title this season?
A. It is too early to say that. The road is still very long. We just want to keep on improving and going one step further each game. We are playing very well currently and we learn a lot. Everybody has seen how mature we have been so far and now each player knows how to play for 90 minutes. Even when we are behind, we don't panic. We have to keep this dynamic. We control the ball, that makes everything easier and makes it more difficult for our opponents.
Q. When Thierry Henry left, it's fair to say some of the players and fans were expecting the worst. Were you also worried?
A. When Thierry left, I guess many players, like me, had doubts. Thierry was very important for the team and the club. He was carrying all the pressure on his shoulders when the team wasn't playing well, although he wasn't responsible for it he was the one that was criticised. And he was OK with that. He didn't complain. This season, there is no star in the changing room, if there's something wrong the whole team is criticised and not only one man. We are all in the same boat.
Q. Did you fear that Arsène Wenger would not extend his contract?
A. Yes. If he also left, then we would have been knocked out, like a hammer to the head. He stayed and that is great news, a relief. He is doing an excellent job.
Q. When talking about Henry's successor, people pointed out Robin Van Persie and Eduardo but not yourself. Did that upset you?
A. It's just part of a footballer's life I guess. You have to give the people the freedom to judge. And for most of them, it is still Robin or Eduardo, there's nothing I can say about that. I can only play well and we will see the outcome at the end of the season. Then we will see who has replaced Thierry. It is useless to say 'It's me' or 'It's him'. The squad is young; we are willing to win trophies together and not to think about who is going to be the new Thierry.
I don't ask myself too many questions, I'm focussed on the pleasure I can get from playing on the field. Against Tottenham, for example, I scored a beautiful goal and I was very happy afterwards. But gaining the three points for the team was the most important thing and we also achieved that.
Q. Are you back in your best shape after the injury troubles you have been through over the summer?
A. I was feeling really well physically and mentally before my injury in Austria. That was really hard to accept and to live with at the start. It really affected me. I knew I would miss the first two or thee games of the season and there's nothing more important than the summer's preparation. But now I'm back and I'm playing. I can't play three games a week yet as I'm not at 100% - perhaps only 80% I'd say. It will take some time but I will get there.
Q. Since the World Cup in Germany, you have been refusing to play with the Togolese team. What's going on and will you change your mind?
A. There were many controversies surrounding the bonus issue. The problems are still there and though we are trying to solve it will take time. When you are African you have to learn to handle these things (laugh). We have a very important game at home against Mali in October and we have to concentrate on winning to qualify for the African Nations Cup.
Arsenal flourish in age of change
Operating where potential is the operative world and the value of an asset can be multiplied if used for a different purpose, Wenger's ability to reinterpret players means he sees more than flesh and bones where others identify more than mere bricks and mortar.
Where some players' positions are set in stone, Arsenal's must be altogether more malleable. More than any of his contemporaries, Wenger has shown a willingness to alter his charges' duties. The two latest to discover his zeal to amend them are Gilberto Silva and Emmanuel Eboue. The Brazilian's solidity was invaluable in midfield last season, but there is increasing evidence that Wenger views his future in defence.
If Gilberto's outings at centre-back last season were seen as an emergency measure and his first appearance of the season there, against Manchester City, was a consequence of Philippe Senderos' late withdrawal, Arsenal's business at the end of the transfer window was telling nonetheless.
It involved the arrival of an anchor midfielder, Lassana Diarra, and the departure of a central defender, Johan Djourou, albeit on loan. Excluding Gilberto, that has left Arsenal with three specialist centre-backs and five central midfielders.
Moreover Diarra, like his fellow Frenchman Mathieu Flamini, is best suited to the holding role in midfield that was Gilberto's domain.
Add in Abou Diaby's physicality, which compounds his physical resemblance to Patrick Vieira, and his aptitude for a tackling role is evident. Cesc Fabregas' emergence as the dominant figure in the centre of pitch means a solitary spot is available alongside him and Arsenal's 'Invisible Wall' is, it appears, becoming a defensive barrier.
But while Gilberto moves backwards, Eboue appears to be making the opposite journey. In his brief career as a first-choice, the Ivorian has emerged as the most exhilarating right-back in the Premier League.
Now Eboue, the closest equivalent to Cafu seen in England, seems to have been told to make his turbo-charged bursts from a more advanced position on the right flank. The sale of Freddie Ljungberg, following 12 months after Robert Pires and Jose Antonio Reyes made their final Arsenal appearances in the Champions League final, has left a shortage of specialists on the wings.
If some measures since then - such as the very right-footed Diaby's occasional station on the left of midfield - appear a stop-gap, others, like Eboue's move, have an air of permanence about them. This is, in part, because of the recruitment of Bakary Sagna, who shares many characteristics with Eboue. The French right-back's assured start, especially on his Champions League bow against Sevilla, suggests he has been signed as a first choice.
The ability to identify the attributes that would enable a player to prosper elsewhere has long been a hallmark of Wenger's.
Others deployed on the flanks have been, or will be, subject to his conversions. Tomas Rosicky and Alexander Hleb both arrived as central midfielders. Neither has been fully remodelled as a winger, as their tendency to drift infield shows, but both are perceived differently in the Premier League than they were in the Bundesliga. Prior to that, Pires and Ljungberg, hitherto usually central players, found themselves redefined as the wide midfielders. Theo Walcott, meanwhile, knows his long-term switch will be to a striking role, even if it will not happen for several seasons.
The precedent for that has been set. Thierry Henry was an exceptionally quick winger when Wenger bought him. He left as Arsenal's record goalscorer and the most notable example of the Arsenal manager's facility to recognise talent and where it could be best deployed.
Henry, however, is not alone. Emmanuel Petit was Monaco's left-back when Wenger persuaded him to divert his taxi to Tottenham to visit his old manager. Within 12 months, he had formed half of an impenetrable barrier Wenger had constructed in front of the Arsenal back four (with Patrick Vieira), helped them to the double and become a World Cup-winning midfielder.
Lauren was recruited as a midfielder and found himself reinvented as a right-back. Kolo Toure spent his first season at Arsenal as a multi-purpose substitute, seen most often in midfield and, unsuccessfully, as a left-back against PSV Eindhoven.
When Tony Adams retired, Toure was placed in the heart of the defence for the Community Shield against Manchester United. It was interpreted as a short-term switch, but was the prelude to a permanent move. Four years later, he ranks among the division's best defenders, his initial season appearing an excellent apprenticeship in Arsenal's ways.
Flamini, having had his, found Wenger had identified qualities the midfielder himself did not know he possessed, enabling him to become an accomplished left-back at the end of the 2005-6 season. It was such an unexpected switch that it prompted the thought: what next? Jens Lehmann, with his temper, would make a fearsome midfield enforcer.
As Pascal Cygan's ventures at left-back (not to mention his displays in the centre of the defence) showed, Wenger's talent-spotting is not flawless.
Yet when comparative unknowns such as Toure and Denilson develop into coveted players, it should give Gilberto and Eboue confidence in Wenger's ability to redefine them. It shows that some of the qualities required to be an Arsenal player - principally technique and pace - enable them to prosper in several positions and such resourcefulness often renders further forays into the transfer market unnecessary.
But just as Arsenal's identity has been transformed under Wenger, so has that of some of their players and perhaps his version of home improvements, including the alterations he is making to Gilberto and Eboue's game, will convert Arsenal back into title challengers.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Young Gunners firing on all cylinders
The functional football displayed by sides such as AC Milan, Chelsea and FC Porto has brought success in Europe's premier competition in the last few years, so as the two teams who have claims to being the most attractive in England and Spain went head to head on a chilly North London evening, the connoisseurs of the beautiful game held their breath and hoped to witness the wind of change.
They were not to be disappointed. So long as Arsene Wenger is manager of Arsenal, and that should be for a considerable period of time, his team will only play with a magical vibe and even though their determination to impress their adoring public occasionally costs them, they will not be changing for anyone.
• Press Pack Rumour: The end for Mourinho?
The same could be said of the Juande Ramos inspired Sevilla, who must be the most highly rated Champions League debutants of all-time. Already ranked 14th by UEFA, their back to back triumphs in the second string European competition over the last couple of years provided the ideal breeding ground for them to enter the big-time as serious contenders from the off.
While winning the UEFA Cup is a very different challenge to lifting the Champions League, FC Porto proved it can be a route to success by claiming the two competitions in 2003 and then 2004, so Wenger's claims Sevilla should be regarded as 'one of the four or five teams who can win' this season's ultimate European prize could not be ignored.
Sevilla boss Ramos did his best to distance his side from such accolades and insisted their 'rookie' status meant they could not be considered among the chief contenders this time around, but the shrewd judges will have placed a few spare pennies on a side that could easily have lifted last season's Spanish title were it not for a desperately overcrowded fixture list at the end of last season.
And from the start of this game, it was clear that Sevilla would not allow first night nerves to get in the way of their ambitions as they attacked Arsenal with the sort of dynamic football that has won them so many friends in the last couple of years. This was very much going to be two sides fighting flair with flair and those of us fortunate to be here prepared for the feast.
Ramos sets up his side with a 4-4-2 formation, with captain Jose Luis Marti a willing unsung hero sitting deep in the heart of the midfield. Danish play-maker Christian Poulsen is given license to pull some strings in the heat of the battle and wide men Jesus Nava and Diego Capel provide width and pace down the flanks. The latter of that duo is very much a rich man's Stephen Hunt, with his shaggy hair and never ending energy very reminiscent of the underrated Reading and Ireland midfield.
Fredi Kanoute's presence up front is crucial to their game plan and whether he is paired with Brazilian Luis Fabiano or Alexander Kerzhakov, a goal threat is always present. Add to that the highly rated Daniel Alves and his bursts forward from a full-back berth and you have an attacking force to be reckoned with.
Even though this was game did not be provide any tangible evidence that Wenger will be proved right in his prediction that Sevilla will challenge for the Champions League crown this season, they showed enough invention and created enough chances to give their backers real optimism for the months ahead.
A deflected first half goal from Cesc Fabregas and second half strikes from Robin van Persie and substitute Eduardo were enough to seal all three points for Arsenal in this opening Group H fixture, though Sevilla provided enough evidence to suggest they will come through this opening phase and pose a threat to sides in the new year.
Looking so comfortable on the ball, they twice went close to finding a late first half leveller through Kanoute and the final score line flattered Arsenal, with Sevilla wasting several decent chances to score their first Champions League goal.
If they were going to find a route back into this game, Marti needed to make the most of the glorious opportunity he had in front of goal after a deflected cross opened up the Arsenal defence, but his scuffed effort summed up what had become a night of near misses for Sevilla. Their final ball often let them down when they got into dangerous positions, but if they do hit peak form at some point in the next few months, they are capable of upsetting the best.
It may be that Sevilla's defensive ranks are exposed a little against the best European strikers this season, yet Ramos still found some positives as his first taste of Champions League action ended in defeat. 'We saw the challenge you face in this competition compared to the UEFA Cup tonight,' said Ramos, somehow managing to get through a press conference without being asked about his links with Tottenham.
'One chance against this quality of opponent and they finish you off, but we may have had more room for mistakes last season. This is why I would not agree with Wenger when he says we have a chance to win the Champions League this season. I still believe we can qualify for the next stage, but we saw tonight that a top side with a strong defence can make it difficult for us.
'Sevilla are still a young team in the Champions League and sides like Arsenal and AC Milan have a history and economic set-up that is better than ours. We can take some lessons from this season and in my view, our bad luck played a part in this game.'While Sevilla were left to rue their missed opportunities, Arsene Wenger could content himself with another night of triumph in what is already becoming a season of vindication for the Arsenal boss. His move to off-load Thierry Henry and put all his faith in the youngsters he has been promoting for many a year was more than a little bold during the summer, but it looks set to pay off in the grand manner.
'It is still very early in the season, but when you see your players all dancing around the pitch and showing so much sprit, it fills you with hope,' admitted the Arsenal boss. 'The final score line in this game does not reflect the real nature of this game because Sevilla are a top side and we have the fortune when we needed it. I now need to keep everyone's feet on the ground because we have had an almost perfect start to this season.'
Wenger then took the opportunity to have a little dig at Chelsea, as Emirates Stadium was packed out for this game just a day after Stamford Bridge was left half-full for the Blues first Champions League game of the campaign. 'The support at this club amazes me and maybe we will need to add some seats onto this stadium sometime,' he added. 'Maybe the football we play attracts more people than other clubs.'
The resolute and brilliantly dogged sides will no doubt have their say, but a re-match between these two teams in the Champions League Final in Moscow next May would be a triumph for style over substance.
At this formative stage of the season, we football fantasists can dare to dream.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Cesc Fabregas This little Spaniard must be one of the finest footballers in Europe just now and he had another inspired game at the heart of the Arsenal midfield.
FOOD WATCH: The pre-match beef stew in Guinness was a bold culinary effort, but it was a major triumph. Regular Insider reading will not be surprised to hear that the ice cream fridge was raided once again.
INSIDER MOAN: The three French journalists sat around me cannot have seen a moment of the game as they had their back to the pitch all night as they talked to each other. My annoyance turned to concern as they started rubbing each other on the cheek mid-way through the second half.
SEVILLA VERDICT: One defeat against an Arsenal side high on confidence does not mean Sevilla's ambitions in this season's Champions League are over, but the manner of the defeat suggested they may not be quite ready to triumph against the best this season. They will entertain anyone who catches one of their games in the next few months all the same.
PRESS PACK RUMOUR:
The rumour that manager Jose Mourinho had left Chelsea on Wednesday night brought carnage to the press room as journalists ran around trying to confirm the scoop and decide whether or not to run with it in Thursday morning's newspapers.
The talk amongst the hacks indicated that Mourinho informed an unnamed Chelsea player of his decision to leave the London club after training, the player then texted a member of the media with the news, which prompted calls to Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon, who denied he had heard any news on the subject.
Mourinho's rocky relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is public knowledge - the current spat about playing/not playing Andrei Shevchenko is often in the headlines - and has made the rumour easier to swallow.
Satisfied Jose settles up and waves goodbye
Goodbye Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho settled a massive compensation package with Chelsea and then declared he was proud of his achievements with the Premier League side.
Mourinho finally agreed on a financial settlement late this evening after agreeing to leave the club by mutual consent earlier in the day.
Chelsea have since appointed their director of football Avram Grant as his replacement.
Mourinho's decision to step down as manager was due to a breakdown in his relationship with the Chelsea hierarchy.
But he is set to land a reported £20million pay-off as compensation for the remaining three years of his contract - worth around £6m a year.
Mourinho said: 'I am very proud of my work in Chelsea Football Club and I think my decision in May 2004 to come to England was an excellent one.
'It was a beautiful and rich period of my career. I want to thank all Chelsea FC supporters for what I believe is a never-ending love story.
'I wish great success to the club, a club that will be forever connected to me for some historical moments.
'I wish the players happiness in football and in their family life. Finally on my wife's and children' s behalf we thank the great professionalism of their school teachers and the beauty of so many friends.'
After a night of negotiations at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea finally released a statement confirming that all contractual arrangements had been sorted out with their former coach.
The statement read: 'Chelsea Football Club has reached agreement on all contractual arrangements with Jose Mourinho.'
Mourinho leaves Chelsea after crisis meeting
Chelsea crisis meeting
Chelsea have confirmed that manager Jose Mourinho has left the Stamford Bridge club by 'mutual consent' after three trophy-laden years at the helm.
He is understood to have contacted five senior players yesterday afternoon to inform them of his departure and by midnight the entire first team squad had learned he was going.
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 last night to discuss the emerging crisis.
The club eventually confirmed Mourinho's departure in the early hours of this morning 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 enjoying a relaxing evening at a Fulham Broadway cinema last night as they watched a screening of `Blue Revolution'` - a new documentary about the Abramovich years.
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.
Former Chelsea player Didier Deschamps has emerged as one of the frontrunners to replace Jose Mourinho as manager at Stamford Bridge.
Deschamps, who captained France to glory in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, is now one of the names in the frame to replace Mourinho.
Deschamps began his coaching career with Monaco before joining Juventus. But he resigned from the Italian club in May 2007 and is currently unemployed.
He spent a year with Chelsea as a player in 1999-2000 - winning the FA Cup.
It is understood 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.
Mourinho's reluctance to play Andriy Shevchenko and the Russian's desire to bring in Avram Grant from Portsmouth to work with the misfiring striker only served to heighten the tension.
The former Israel coach was recruited in the summer as director of football and Mourinho is understood to have simmered ever since.
Now Grant is expected to be in charge for Sunday's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Mourinho's departure will be followed by his backroom staff although assistant Steve Clarke is expected to remain on the payroll for now.
The Portuguese - whose £5.2 million a year contract was due to expire in 2010 - has been dismayed by the constant watering down of his authority.
Abramovich's decision to recruit Dane Frank Arnesen from Tottenham as director of scouting and youth development in September 2005 was compounded further by the arrival of Grant.
But their dismal start to the new Barclays Premier League campaign and their 1-1 draw with Rosenborg in the Champions League on Tuesday only served to heighten the problems and Mourinho decided he had reached the end of the road.
He had won every domestic honour since his arrival in England in the summer of 2004 but the Champions League eluded him.
Although he won the trophy with Porto in 2003, Chelsea were twice knocked out of the
competition at the semi-final stage by Liverpool during his tenure.
The club confirmed Mourinho's backroom staff have also left the club.
Baltemar Brito (assistant manager/coach), Rui Faria (assistant manager/fitness coach) Andre Villas (head opposition scout/first team coach) and Silvino Louro (assistant manager/goalkeeper coach) have all departed.
Mourinho departure timeline
Maurinho Departure
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 - widely believed to have been brought to the club against the Portuguese's will by club owner Roman Abramovich - for a Barclays 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 September 15.
During the close season only Florent Malouda and Juliano Belletti arrive in cash deals, with Arjen Robben, Glen Johnson and Lassana Diarra departing to balance the books as the Chelsea board continue to refuse to match the previous three years' spending.
• 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. Mourinho admitted: ``Of course I am alarmed. I am not happy.''
• September 19 - Reports claim Mourinho has left the club.
• September 20 - A Chelsea statement confirms Mourinho has left the club by mutual consent.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Gunners rubbish Real claims about Wenger
Arsenal have described claims that Real Madrid held talks with Arsene Wenger over their vacant manager's position as 'completely untrue'.
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon suggested the club had spoken with Wenger after parting company with Fabio Capello.
However, the Premier League club refuted Calderon's claims that Wenger ever spoke with the Spanish champions.
A spokesperson for Arsenal told PA Sport: 'It is completely untrue. Arsene Wenger has not had talks with Real Madrid and is committed to Arsenal Football Club.'
Madrid are set to appoint a new coach next week following the Italian's dismissal shortly after guiding the team to the Primera Liga title.
But Calderon claimed, on the club's official website that Wenger was among the managers they had spoken to about replacing Capello.
Calderon said: 'Once we decided that Capello would not continue, [Madrid sporting director Predrag] Mijatovic underwent talks with Schuster, [Ronald] Koeman, [Michael] Laudrup and Wenger.'
Wenger's future has been the subject of intense speculation since the departure of long-term boardroom friend David Dein and, more recently, star striker Thierry Henry to Barcelona.
But it is Schuster, who is under contract with Getafe for a further campaign but has reportedly freed himself from his current contract after Madrid reiterated they would not pay a transfer fee to sign a coach, who is in pole position.
'Schuster has told us that he has solved his situation with Getafe,' said Calderon. 'I am not sure if on Monday he will be at Real Madrid.
'He has always been among the three or four coaches with whom we have spoken. It appears logical that he will be the next coach.
'We would have to negotiate his contract but it shouldn't be a problem.'
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Derby County back to EPL for 2007/2008 season
Diomansy Kamara out runs Seth Johsnon at WembleyPearson, signed from Celtic for £650,000 in January, scored the only goal of the game against West Brom after 61 minutes from a cross by substitute Giles Barnes who had only been on the pitch three minutes.
It continued a remarkable turn-around in fortunes for the Rams who 12 months ago finished 20th in the Coca-Cola Championship and flirted with relegation for much of the 2005-2006 campaign.
Manager Billy Davies has transformed the club since arriving from Preston last summer in place of Phil Brown.
And Davies had more reason than most to celebrate after losing out in a play-off semi-final and final in his last two seasons at Deepdale.
He has put the pride back into a club which won the league title twice in four years in the mid 1970s under Brian Clough and Dave Mackay respectively.
Albion were the better side in the opening 45 minutes but it was a different story in the second half with the Rams inspired by skipper Matt Oakley.
Now the Baggies must try and lift themselves for what is sure to be a rebuilding programme in the summer under Tony Mowbray with question marks hanging over the future of Premiership targets Curtis Davies, Diomansy Kamara and Jason Koumas.
Albion made a purposeful start and Rams keeper Stephen Bywater was called into meaningful action after only 40 seconds to parry away a left-footed drive from Kamara.
But Paul Peschisolido could have made a name for himself on his comeback after 10 minutes when he found himself with only Dean Kiely to beat after good play by Steve Howard only to curl a weak shot straight at the former Portsmouth keeper.
The Rams were indebted to a superbly timed tackle from Tyrone Mears to halt a mazy run into the area by Koumas after he had skipped past three challenges.
The Baggies appealed strongly for a penalty but television replays showed Mears had just nicked the ball away from the Welsh international before making contact and referee Graham Poll was spot on with his decision.
Derby defender Jay McEveley did well to block a far post volley from Zoltan Gera following a deep cross from Kamara but there was little to choose between the sides in the opening half hour.
Peschisolido became the first player to be yellow-carded after 31 minutes after a late lunge at West Brom stand-in skipper Paul Robinson.
Albion defenders Sam Sodje and Paul McShane quickly followed him into the book for similar challenges on Seth Johnson and Howard respectively.
Koumas began to see more of the ball and he carved out a shooting chance for himself but after cutting back inside but could not keep his effort down.
The nearest either side came to a goal in the opening half was when veteran Albion striker Kevin Phillips hit the bar from 15 yards out after Gera had laid the ball into his path two minutes before the interval.
The second half began at a frantic pace with Kiely doing well to save at the feet of Peschisolido while Bywater held onto Koumas' first-time drive.
Mears became the fourth player to be cautioned for fouling Koumas while a cross shot from Derby skipper Matt Oakley was not far off target.
Derby boss Davies brought on the less than fully fit but potential match-winner Barnes for Peschisolido after 58 minutes.
And seconds later it needed a superb reflex save from Kiely to turn over a powerful close range effort from Oakley.
But the Rams were not to be denied and Barnes set up the opener for Pearson after 61 minutes.
Barnes supplied an inviting low ball across the box after beating the offside trap - and Pearson got in front of McShane to slide the ball past Kiely.
Albion lost their composure for a while before rallying but Bywater was equal to anything thrown at him as he denied Jonathan Greening and Robinson.
The final whistle was the signal for scenes of great joy from Davies, his players and the 30,000 Derby fans.
Italian job after 2010 - Ancelotti
Milan boss Ancelotti targets Italy job after 2010
MILAN, May 28 (Reuters) - AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday he would be interested in becoming Italy boss but only after 2010.
Ancelotti, who led his side to their seventh European Cup triumph against Liverpool last week, said he did not want to stay at the San Siro forever.
'I don't think I will coach Milan all my life,' he told Radio Anch'io. 'When this story is finished, I would like to train the national team. But after 2010.'
World champions Italy sit fourth in their qualifying group for Euro 2008 after a stuttering start. Coach Roberto Donadoni was set to announce his squad later on Monday for qualifiers in the Faroe Islands on Saturday and Lithuania four days later.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Former captain back to England squad
Beckham 'delighted' by England return
David Beckham was 'absolutely delighted' to be recalled by England manager Steve McClaren for the friendly against Brazil at Wembley next Friday and the World Cup qualifier against Estonia.
Former England skipper Beckham was dumped by McClaren when he took over as England coach after the World Cup exit last summer.
But today the Real Madrid midfielder was restored to the squad today as McClaren revealed: 'David was absolutely delighted as I knew he would be.
'He is coming into form and deserves to be here. We've got a very big game in Estonia coming up that we have to win and I've got to pick a squad capable of doing that. That's why I've picked David.
'Winning away at international level is very difficult anywhere and we need as much experience as we can get.'
McClaren attributed Beckham's recall to his form during the second half of the La Liga season.
'Since Christmas his form has been very good, I think he can help us win in Estonia and that's why I picked him,' he told Sky Sports News.
'I feel at this moment, that for the Estonia game, we need experience and David certainly provides that. He is in very, very good form. The team needs that.
'David comes back as David Beckham the player, that's what we want on the field, doing what we know he can do.'
McClaren added: 'There will be debate and opinion about it but at the end of the day it's my decision and a decision I think is best for England to produce a winning team that the fans can be proud of. I think David can be part of that.
'He's been picked in the squad and what the team is will be apparent nearer the time.'
Asked if Beckham, who joins Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer on a £125million five-year deal, had a long-term future with England despite his imminent move to the United States, McClaren replied: 'That's for the future. You have to plan for the long term but we have to win in the short term.'
Beckham got England recall
Lalas warning over Beckham England recall
David Beckham's England recall could put him on a collision course with Los Angeles Galaxy if he remains part of Steve McClaren's set-up this year.
England have four crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers during September and October and that would put Beckham out of domestic action for the Major League Soccer outfit, for whom he has signed a five-year £125million deal.
McClaren axed the Real Madrid midfielder after replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach but he has made a dramatic U-turn and recalled Beckham for the friendly against Brazil on June 1 and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia.
Galaxy have sold thousands of season tickets on the back of his arrival, but Beckham's surprise recall could mean he could be on duty for England against Israel, Russia twice and Estonia instead of playing in the MLS.
Galaxy general manager Alexei Lalas admits they are concerned over Beckham's international situation from a business point of view, and hinted he may not be released for any non-competitive games.
Lalas, speaking on BBC Radio Five's Sportsweek programme, said: 'From a business perspective it is not the greatest news because we are selling the team with David Beckham and a lot of people are excited to see him play with the Galaxy.
'We will deal with it from a business perspective, but for us to say one of our players is representing England internationally is a great thing.
'There are business challenges but there is an educated public here when it comes to this international game we play. We recognise that when we are going out and getting these stars, they have responsibilities domestically and internationally.
'It is no different than when our American players are called up to play in different tournaments. We lose them at different times and we deal with it on the field and off it.
'I don't want to stand in the way of a player representing his country but we have to be prudent and understand they have to be the appropriate games. I would think they would have to be competitive matches.
'If it works out scheduling wise, we would be happy to let him go. But he has a responsibility on and off the field to our organisation and to our support. I think he is excited about pursuing that responsibility.'
The Galaxy chief added: 'He recognises that responsibility to the Galaxy and to the sport in the United States. I represented my country and I know what it means. It is something above money, it is something you take with you forever.
'I would never stand in the way of a player doing that as long as it is reasonable and they understand they have responsibilities to the club.
'But we have a responsibility to make sure David's health is looked after. This is a hell of a trip he is going to be taking by coming to the United States and it can take its toll.
'We know when we have players playing in England and they have to come back here for games, it is a very difficult proposition. I think he is up to it to a certain extent, but we will sit down and talk to him.
'Having said that there is a bigger picture and I would never stand in the way of any of our players representing their country.
'When you sit down and talk to David, his time representing England and his time as captain was something he holds dear.'
Lalas also believes Beckham's decision to quit Madrid when his contract ends on June 30 and move to the MLS should not have a bearing on future call-ups as he insists the player's fitness levels will remain high.
But he is realistic enough to understand that the 32-year-old Beckham is probably in a no-win situation by playing in a league that many others regard as being inferior to the rest of the world.
Lalas added: 'I don't think fitness is a problem. I would argue it is much more physically taxing than other leagues. We understand we are still a developing league but I refuse to think a player cannot come to Major League Soccer and develop as well, if not better, than in other leagues in the world.
'If he is lucky enough to be called up while he is playing with the Galaxy, I believe England will be getting a player who is physically and mentally fit and going through a unique experience that is ultimately going to make him a better player.
'But he probably can't win either way. If misses a cross or doesn't score a goal people will say it's because he is playing in America for the Galaxy. If he does do well people will say it is because he is a brilliant player and it doesn't matter where he is playing.'
Galaxy coach Frank Yallop has insisted Beckham will not return to a European club on loan later this year.
Reports have suggested Beckham could return to the Premiership in November following the conclusion of the MLS season.
Everton, Tottenham and Blackburn have been linked with a move, while Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has already expressed an interest.
Yallop told Sky Sports News: 'He won't be going on loan anywhere. He'll be taking a break at that point and getting ready for our pre-season.
'He's shown he's a world-class player, he doesn't need to go back and go on loan anywhere.'
Yallop believes Beckham`s performances will make it difficult for McClaren to drop him again.
'I think David is going to have such an impact when he joins the squad again it will be difficult to leave him out to be honest,' he said.
'We realise David wants to get to the 100-cap plateau and we will never stop him doing that.'
Madrid coach Fabio Capello again praised Beckham's recent form after he helped keep the Spanish giants on course for their 30th Primera Liga title.
Beckham played a pivotal role as Madrid beat Deportivo La Coruna 3-1 at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
Capello said: 'I said (on Friday) that David Beckham was playing better than he has over the last two years.
'He is in extraordinary physical condition. When he puts the ball into the centre he does it with much precision, speed and quality. He is in great shape.'
Friday, May 25, 2007
Victory for Italian soccer
Milan win will help Italy's credibility - Ancelotti
ATHENS, May 23 (Reuters) - AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed his side's 2-1 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final on Wednesday as a victory for Italian soccer.
The 47-year-old said it would go some way towards restoring faith in the Italian game after last year's match-fixing scandal that saw four Serie A clubs punished, including Milan who were only reinstated in the Champions League on appeal.
'Winning the Champions League is completely unexpected in a sense because we had to overcome so many difficulties,' he said.
'I wouldn't call this revenge for the scandal but I do think that Italian football suffered from it, especially Milan, so I would say this is good for Italian football in general. It will help us to regain some of our credibility.'
Ancelotti, who also led Milan to the Champions League title in 2003, stopped short of describing the win as revenge for Milan's defeat by Liverpool on penalties in the final two years ago in Istanbul but drew comparisons between the two games.
'Sometimes, tactically you want to play a game in a certain way but the actual game forces you to change. In Istanbul, the game was more open, more bubbly. This game was tighter, more controlled from the first minute.
'Against Manchester United in the semi-final we were able to play more the way we wanted but tonight we came under considerable pressure from Liverpool.
'And that meant we couldn't get the ball to players like Kaka and Clarence Seedorf who struggled to get into the game. But what we saw tonight was the other face of AC Milan. We saw that it is a tough team.'
Ancelotti, who won the European Cup twice as a player for AC Milan, before becoming coach in 2001, declined, however, to be drawn on his future at the club.
'My market value has certainly increased with this victory but my relationship with Milan is very strong. I have worn the shirt of Milan on the field and that builds a strong relationship. What I have achieved depends a lot on my feeling of belonging.'
Baptista can go
Arsenal are letting me go, insists Baptista
MADRID, May 24 (Reuters) - Arsenal are not going to take up the option to turn Julio Baptista's loan deal from Real Madrid into a permanent move, the Brazilian attacking midfielder has said.
'Arsenal have told me they are not able to buy me and so all I can do is return to Real Madrid,' Baptista told sports daily Marca on Thursday, in a telephone interview from New York.
The 25-year-old international moved to London last August in a one-year loan swap, with Arsenal's Jose Antonio Reyes moving in the opposite direction.
The deal included an option for the clubs to buy the respective players at the end of the season but neither man has consistently impressed during the loan period.
'I have enjoyed my season with Arsenal and in England. I adapted well. I didn't play much at first but finished much better. The first year is very difficult,' Baptista said.
'The English league is very strong and very competitive with great teams. Manchester United and Chelsea are very strong and it is difficult to compete against their great squads.'
In Baptista's absence, Real have come from behind to grab first place in the Primera Liga and with three games left are on course for their first major trophy in four seasons.
'I speak a lot with Robinho and Roberto Carlos and I have wished them all the best for the league. If I am honest I am a little jealous I can't be with them playing for the title,' he said.
'I am keen to know what happens in the last three games and hope they go on to win.'
Baptista joined Real from Sevilla two years ago in a deal worth $24.2 million but failed to make it into coach Fabio Capello's plans when he took over last July.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
The Premier League prepare fixture list for next season
League to prepare fixture list despite Tevez tribunal
The Premier League are to press ahead with preparations for next season's fixture list despite agreeing to set up an arbitration tribunal to rule on relegated Sheffield United's complaints over the Carlos Tevez affair.
The three-man panel is due to be appointed on Friday but any final decision is not likely before the end of June.
The League are to publish the fixtures for the new season on June 21 and are preparing to do so on the basis that the Blades have been relegated and West Ham remain in the top flight.
League chiefs are confident the arbitration tribunal will find they acted strictly according to their regulations in both the disciplinary case against West Ham and in regards to the registration of Tevez.
The Blades will pursue their claim that an independent commission should have deducted points from West Ham and that the League should have cancelled Tevez's registration.
It is more likely however that should they persuade the arbitration panel of their case they would be awarded a compensation payment rather than the commission's decision be overturned.
Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe said he believed the Blades' stand would be justified.
McCabe said: 'I'm here to protect Sheffield United's position against what I firmly believe was an irrational decision.
'I genuinely believe that the arbitration proceedings will reverse decisions.
'Whether that means they are able to reverse decisions to deduct points rather than fines I do not know.
'But I state very clearly when you see the commission hearing minutes say `points should normally be deducted but because it's April not January we're going to fine you', when you consider there are 20 clubs in the Premier League who only play for one thing every Saturday - points, I find it absolutely irrational that you can fine and not deduct points.
'If you clearly breach the rules surely you deduct points because that's what the commission says, but the irrationality says that because it's April not January, we're only going to fine you. I cannot work it out.'
AC Milan beat Liverpool to win Champions League(2006/2007)
Filippo Inzaghi turns to celebrate after forcing in the first for AC MilanEven though Dirk Kuyt's last-minute header raised the prospect of a comeback equally as memorable as the one Liverpool produced in Istanbul two years ago, ultimately only a Greek tragedy was awaiting Rafael Benitez as his side fell victim to AC Milan's Champions League revenge mission in Athens' Olympic Stadium.
There will be no consolation for the Merseysiders' vast following that Milan's crucial opener was a fluke, Andrea Pirlo's 45th-minute free-kick flicking off Filippo Inzaghi to give Pepe Reina no chance.
All they can reflect on is the knowledge that, in a tight contest, infinitely more watchable than Saturday's woeful FA Cup Final, the Anfield men had enough chances to emerge victorious and squandered them.
For once Steven Gerrard's shooting boots failed him when it mattered and with Liverpool unable to find a second in a frantic late scramble, it was Inzhagi's 82nd-minute second that allowed Milan to complete a British hat-trick, having already eliminated Celtic and Manchester United from the competition.
Of far more significance to the Serie A giants, whom some will remain convinced should not have been allowed back into the tournament after initially being expelled in the wake of the Italian match-fixing scandal, is confirmation of a seventh European triumph - only two behind Real Madrid - and a fifth winners' medal for the remarkable Paolo Maldini.
Unlike on that delightful Turkish night two years, it had all begun rather promisingly for Liverpool.
Although they were starved of possession for long spells, Benitez's men largely kept Milan at arm's length.
Javier Mascherano, who won Olympic gold with Argentina on this ground in 2004, was a key factor in the Merseysiders successful smothering operation.
Twice Liverpool's holding midfielder was left for dead by an initial moment of brilliance from Kaka. On both occasions, rather than dive in, Mascherano stayed on his feet, recovered his position and took the ball back.
As Benitez predicted, Milan got their full-backs forward at regular intervals.
However, not only did Marek Jankulovski and Massimo Oddo continually pick out Pepe Reina with their crosses, their enthusiasm to push down the flanks provided Liverpool's wide men with the space to attack.
Jermaine Pennant in particular rose to the challenge.
The speedy former Arsenal man was by far the Reds most effective performer and visibly rose in confidence after having one early shot parried away by Dida.
Pennant gave the Rossoneri defence a torrid time, providing the cross which Gerrard, asked to provide the main attacking support to lone striker Dirk Kuyt, volleyed over.
Gerrard was his usual energetic self but, without direct involvement in the midfield skirmishes, struggled to exert the kind of influence he would have wished.
Instead, Pennant continued to torment Jankulovski, indirectly creating the opportunity Xabi Alonso fizzed wide just before the half hour, then cutting inside to set up John Arne Riise, who drilled over.
The winger linked with Gerrard to set up Kuyt, only for Alessandro Nesta to block.
At that point, with the snarling Gennaro Gattuso booked for one borderline tackle too many on Alonso, Liverpool were by far the more likely scorers.
Unfortunately, just as in Istanbul, a rude shock was awaiting Benitez right on half-time as Inzaghi's desire to hunt a rebound saw him deflect Pirlo's free-kick past Reina.
Ripping intended interval team talks up against Milan is nothing new for Benitez and in the knowledge Liverpool's position was nowhere near as acute as the one he faced before, he opted not to change things until close to the hour mark.
By that stage two years ago, Benitez's side had thrillingly drawn level. This time, not only were they still behind, Milan were starting to get on top.
The arrival of Harry Kewell at least gave the Italians something else to think about, although the momentum was with them and had Pirlo curled home a 20-yard free-kick instead of dipping it over the bar, Liverpool would surely have been doomed.
Pirlo's near-miss ignited Gerrard's fire and Liverpool's talisman should have levelled when he sped onto Kuyt's pass, then flashed past Nesta, only for Dida to save a precise shot aimed at the far post.
It was the Reds clearest opportunity before Inzaghi raced onto Kaka's inspired through ball, rounded Reina and tapped home Milan's second.
A few Italian hearts must have stopped when Kuyt nodded home from close range but instead of the beginning of a comeback, it proved merely to mark the beginning of the end.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Praise for Benitez
Lippi lavishes praise on boss Benitez
Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi has hailed Rafael Benitez ahead of Liverpool's Champions League final against AC Milan.
The Merseysiders have ousted several clubs with arguably stronger squads on their way to the final in Athens and Lippi, who quit the Azzurri post after leading them to glory in Germany last summer, believes their success is largely due to the Spaniard.
'Benitez has the rare characteristics of a great tactician,' said Lippi.
'He gets the best out of his players, especially at a crucial time in a competition, even if his team's quality may be inferior to that of their opponents.
'He is practical and precise.'
Benitez's quality first came to the fore on the European stage in 2003-04 when he led Valencia to a Primera Liga and UEFA Cup double.
He moved to Anfield in the summer of 2004 and led Liverpool to the Champions League final a year later in which they beat Milan on a penalty shoot-out after coming back from a 3-0 half-time deficit.
Lippi, a Champions League winner with Juventus, believes the Rossoneri will have a battle on their hands if they want to avenge that painful defeat in Istanbul.
'Liverpool defend very well,' he added. 'They are strong on the counter-attack and have Steven Gerrard, who controls a strong midfield alongside Xabi Alonso.
'Then they have Peter Crouch in attack, who is an effective forward.'
Lippi has not ruled out a Milan win, however, after being impressed with the way Carlo Ancelotti's side brushed aside Manchester United in the semi-finals.
'I don't want to make any predictions,' he said. 'There is one certainty, though, and that is that Milan go into the encounter in great condition physically and mentally.
'They go into the final in confident mood having played a great game against Manchester United.'
Hargreaves transfer to MU
Hargreaves' £17m Man Utd deal moves closer
Owen Hargreaves expects his £17million move to Manchester United to be completed by the end of the week.
Bayern Munich have already confirmed Hargreaves is leaving the Allianz Arena and while the Red Devils have refused to make any comment on the issue, it is inconcievable the 26-year-old will not become Sir Alex Ferguson's first summer signing.
Although Hargreaves was due to feature for England B against Albania at Burnley on Friday, there is now some speculation Steve McClaren has said he does not need to see the midfielder in action prior to next week's friendly with Brazil and the key Euro 2008 qualifier with Estonia that follows on June 6.
Such a move would leave Hargreaves free to complete the final stages of his United move and the player confirmed further details should be known by the end of the week.
'It has been one of the longest transfer sagas,' he told BBC's Inside Sport.
'I am sure this week we'll hear some new information.'
With Ferguson due to watch the Champions League final in Athens and chief executive David Gill heading out to Malaysia in an attempt to smooth the anger which erupted over United's impending summer tour, the deal may not actually be concluded until the end of the week.
However, having idenitified Hargreaves as one of the men to take the Red Devils forward following their Premiership title triumph this term, Ferguson will eventually tie the Calgary-born player up on a four or five-year contract.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Vfb Stuttgart won Bundesliga title on final day
Having lost the Bundesliga Schalke's beaten players perfrom a lap of woe.
With Schalke leading Bielefeld 2-0, Stuttgart suddenly fell behind against Cottbus. The Royal Blues were on top - for eight minutes, until Thomas Hitzlsperger showed why he was called 'The Hammer' in England, scoring with an unlikely and stunning volley from 20 or so yards out.It was tough on Schalke. But there is some sort of poetic justice to the way this Bundesliga season ended. I'm aware that this sentence will elicit howls of protest from people in Bremen and Gelsenkirchen (Schalke). Perhaps even in Munich, where they always protest about one thing or another. So let me explain what I mean.
I'm sure you all remember my column entitled 'It's good to be back' from way back, meaning August of 2004. That was the month the German Football League (DFL) introduced those stars worn on the players' shirts, representing championships won. Or rather Bundesliga titles won, which is not the same, as our professional league only came into being sixty years after the first national champions were crowned (VfB Leipzig, in 1903).
As you no doubt recall, there was a story about how and why the DFL introduced those stars which, erm, starred VfB Stuttgart quite prominently. For the benefit of the readers who have not memorised all of my 123 regular columns to date, let me not so briefly recap and expand.
VfB Stuttgart were formed in 1893 as a multi-sports club. (The unwieldy abbreviation VfB stands for, believe it or not, Club for Physical Games.) Hmmm, well. As is so often the case in Germany, where those years of foundation are a great source of pride, the year given is not entirely correct.
What was founded in 1893 was actually a club called FV Stuttgart. The 'F' stood for football, but in those days that meant rugby football. It was only some years later that the club also created an association football, or soccer, team.
In April of 1912, FV Stuttgart 93 merged with another club to form VfB Stuttgart. Of course the older club's foundation date was chosen to adorn the new entity's name. I say 'of course' because this is common practice when clubs merge in Germany.
Anyway, considering 1893 is universally accepted as VfB's year of birth, the club should have celebrated its centenary in 1993. But apparently the Swabians, as we shall see, have their own ideas of jubilees or when and how to celebrate what.
Granted, there was a problem in 1993, namely the fourth World Championships in Athletics, which were held at Stuttgart's ground in August. Since this month, the football off-season, would have been the best time to celebrate their jubilee, VfB simply decided to hold many of the planned festivities a year later, in 1994.
I suppose there must have been a few people at the club who felt that this was somewhat incorrect and didn't constitute a proper birthday bash.
At least that's my best explanation for the fact that there was suddenly another flurry of celebratory activity in 2003, on the occasion of the club's 110th birthday. (Which is not a real jubilee, but who cares about semantics?) There were, for instance, a few charming items that got printed, among them a commemorative coin. And players' shirts with four stars on them.
Those stars referred to the four championships Stuttgart could lay claim to at that time, won in 1950, 1952, 1984 and 1992. It was a nice idea - but also a rather bold one, as VfB had not asked the league for permission to wear this garment. This being Germany, the DFL quickly decreed that people couldn't do as they please and, this being football, that there had to be a rule for everything.
This rule was finally formulated and put into practice in 2004. It said that a club could wear one star for three Bundesliga titles won (two stars for five, three stars for ten or more). Yes, read the fine print: Bundesliga titles. That meant neither championships before 1964 nor league titles won in the GDR would count.
The German FA, who ran all of this country's football until the professional leagues won partial independence in 2000, were in favour of honouring all championships, but the DFL held firm and declared, in April of 2005, that the professional game would reward Bundesliga titles only.
VfB Stuttgart celebrate the Bundesliga titleSlyly, and perhaps even mischievously, the FA allowed those amateur clubs which were crowned champions at least once either before 1964 or in the GDR to incorporate a star into their badge.
However, that snubbing of the DFL was of no help whatsoever to VfB Stuttgart. They had instigated all that hullabaloo, all those red tape debates, but were left out in the cold when the dust settled. The DFL's rule meant that only the 1984 and 1992 titles won by Stuttgart would count - meaning no star for you, Swabians. Let alone four.
But Swabians are not only considered diligent, tidy and thrifty in Germany - they are also known for being cunning. And so they came up with an absolutely watertight plan to get their will after all: win the Bundsliga for a third time.
Last Tuesday, three days after VfB had gone two points clear at the top, Tom Bender (the DFL's managing director for marketing and communications, not the American green activist, obviously) declared that Stuttgart would become the sixth professional club permitted to wear a star on the shirt should they end the season in first place.
That's what they have done now, thus earning the right to legally wear the patch of honour that was denied them in 2003. And the team could do one better next weekend, when they contest the German FA Cup final against Nuremberg in Berlin.
So far, only four (West) German teams have ever won the league and Cup double: Bayern, Bremen, Schalke and Cologne. Should VfB become the fifth, I have a hunch they'll try to sneak something by the DFL again.
Perhaps the summer break will see football officials discussing how and where to honour doubles on a shirt.
FA Cup final : Chelsea vs Man Utd (2006-2007)
Didier Drogba scores past Edwin Van der Sar to win the FA Cup for Chelsea
Among the biggest let-
downs of a final where tired legs ensured there was no hope of lofty pre-match expectations being met by England's top two, Drogba produced his 33rd and final goal of an incredible season at just the right time as a penalty shoot-out seemed certain.It was harsh luck on United, who were marginally the better side, but there was so little in the contest they could not really complain and the excellence of Drogba's finish, after playing an excellent one-two with Frank Lampard, was beyond debate.
United did their best to rally but after a draining season, in which they extended every sinew to finish champions, they had nothing left to give as two teams too tired to reach the Champions League final did finally fall on the ropes exhausted.
The evidence of a draining campaign was there for all to see.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Drogba, widely accepted as the best two players in the Barclays Premiership, were virtual bystanders.
Ronaldo was walking by the end of normal time, unable to raise a gallop to aid Wayne Rooney as the United youngster tried in vain to inspire his side to a late winner without the need for an extra 30 minutes.
As usual, Rooney defied his body, pushing it to the absolute maximum.
One admirable burst took him from one box to another without single team-mate able to support.
But like so much in this heavyweight contest, a brief moment of excitement gave way to a sigh of disappointment.
At least there was something to enthuse about after half-time for, after the big build-up, the opening 45 minutes proved to be the dampest of damp squibs.
Aside from Paul Scholes dropping deep and isolating Chelsea's full-backs with a series of eye-catching crossfield passes, the creative element to the game was non-existent.
It was more an exaggerated arm-wrestle in which neither side was prepared to give an inch.
Despite losing so many key men to injury, Chelsea did create the most obvious of what could be classed as opportunities.
Frank Lampard's long-range effort skimmed the top of Edwin van der Sar's net without ever looking like going in it.
The England international also stormed onto Paulo Ferreira's square ball only to find the United keeper's giant frame in the way as he tried to fire into the bottom corner.
With Ronaldo subdued, Ryan Giggs equally muted and Scholes' pinpoint passing not triggering the required response, United looked to Rooney for a spark.
It took the half-time introduction of Arjen Robben for Joe Cole to send a current of electricity through the contest to finally jerk it into life.
The Dutchman's direct running forced United into a defensive rethink but also encouraged Chelsea to shed some discipline too in the hope of gaining a reward.
As gaps started to open, Petr Cech was forced into his first save as Rooney wriggled his way into space and let fly with a powerful 25-yard effort.
That dreaded offside flag rendered Giggs' attempt to ram home the rebound worthless but Cech denied him anyway.
On the cusp of another piece of history, Giggs volleyed United's best chance just over after Scholes had dropped one of his devastating bombs over the Chelsea defence.
Inspired by Robben, Chelsea were getting into the attacking spirit as well and after Scholes had picked up the first yellow card of the contest for upending Lampard, Drogba struck the outside of a post with his low free-kick.
But United were on something of a roll. Cech dived bravely at the feet of Rooney after Terry seemed to lose his bearings on the edge of the six-yard area, then Michael Essien thundered into Giggs to prevent the Red Devils skipper causing havoc after he had beaten the Chelsea offside trap.
Essien produced a replica meaty challenge to snuff out the danger when Rooney skipped past Ferreira in stoppage time, by which point Lampard had almost, but not quite, carved out an excellent shooting chance for himself.
Extra-time brought more evidence of legs drained of energy, plus a moment of controversy as Giggs slid in to meet Rooney's far-post cross.
The United skipper rose to claim the ball had crossed the line as Cech clutched it to his body.
TV replays showed Giggs was correct, although if it had not been for him maintaining his slide to bundle into Cech, he would not have been.
Still, as referee Steve Bennett did not give what appeared to be an obvious foul, United could feel aggrieved, although not as aggrieved as Chelsea would have been if they had fallen behind.
Jose Mourinho could have had no complaint if Rooney had been able to control another inspired Scholes pass.
Instead, not for the first time, Cech came to the rescue with a brave save which, in the end, was to prove so crucial.
Takeover for Leeds United
Sheikh consortium target Leeds takeover
Multi-millionaire businessman Sheikh Samir Mirdad is heading up a Dubai-based consortium interested in taking over Leeds United.
Sheikh Mirdad, chairman of the Dubai-based Linx group of companies, intends to talk to Leeds chairman Ken Bates about his plans for the club, which was put into administration before the final game of the Championship season.
He told the Daily Star Sunday: 'Leeds United is a prestigious club that has, in the recent past, suffered setbacks. My vision is to bring the club back to its former glory.
'The club has a huge fanbase and because of the history and the desire of the people of Leeds to see Leeds United back in top-flight football we think this may be the ideal challenge for us.
'I am very passionate about football and I want to help a lot of other people who share this passion. My intentions should follow the vision that would be shared between me, Mr Bates and the people of Leeds. There is a lot of potential for the club.'
When Bates put Leeds into administration the appointed administrators, KPMG, immediately agreed to sell the club back to a new company headed up by Bates. Bates' deal, along with a bid from local businessman Simon Morris, will be discussed at a June 1 creditors meeting.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Former Leeds boss slams Bates
Ex-Leeds boss slams Bates' 'derisory' creditor offer
Former Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner has branded Ken Bates' offer to pay off the club's creditors as 'utterly derisory'.
And Krasner, an expert in corporate insolvency, has offered to represent the creditors free of charge in a bid to prevent Bates retaining control at Elland Road.
Bates placed Leeds in administration earlier this month and could get the go-ahead to buy the club back as director of a newly-formed company at a creditors' meeting on June 1.
The former Chelsea chairman has offered to settle the club's debts at 1p in the £1 and already has the backing of the club's major creditors who are owed a reported £22million.
But in a letter sent to creditors Krasner said: 'Having now seen the papers in connection with the proposed CVA, it appears that Mr Bates' new company is proposing a dividend of 1p in the £1.
'Effectively, he will have bought the club back debt free for approximately £500,000, including professional costs.
'Quite frankly I consider this offer utterly derisory and unless you agree with this proposal, it is up to you as a creditor to make your voice heard.'
Krasner, whose consortium rescued Leeds from almost certain administration back in March 2004, added: 'Like me, you will have watched with dismay the events surrounding Leeds United over the last few weeks.
'As an ex-chairman of the club I am most upset at the rapid decline of the club over the last 12 months.
'I have had a lot of approaches recently from fellow professionals, acting either for creditors or for third parties, who wish to invest in the club, but do not want to deal with Mr Bates.
'They have all asked me the same question - `What can be done?'
'My answer has always been that if the Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) proposal by the joint administrators is voted down, then I believe that substantial new investment would come quickly into the club and the return to creditors would be much higher.
'The CVA papers are voluminous and difficult for the average layman to understand.
'It may be that you can attend the meeting on June 1, or you just want to make your views heard.
'It is unlikely that most of you will want to spend the money to take the necessary professional advice on what is a very complex topic.
'I have, therefore, decided in my capacity as a licensed insolvency practitioner to offer to assist you absolutely free of charge.
'So if you are a trade creditor, a football creditor, a footballer, a season ticket or debenture holder then please get in touch.'
Krasner, director of Leeds-based solicitors Bartfields, has stressed he has no financial interest in the matter, but is acting on behalf of a number of creditors who have already approached him.
Leeds went into administration with debts of £35million following a winding-up order issued by the Inland Revenue, who are owed £5million in unpaid taxes.
The business was, with administrators KPMG's approval, almost immediately bought by a new company, Leeds United Football Club Limited, of which Bates is a listed director.
But the sale is subject to approval by the club's creditors who will be furnished with full details of takeover plans put forward by other consortia at the meeting on June 1.
Leeds property developer Simon Morris has tabled a £10million bid to buy the club with the administrators.
It has also been reported former West Ham chairman Terry Brown, a Dubai-based consortium headed by former Leeds manager Don Revie's son Duncan and two separate Irish consortia have expressed their interest.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Sevilla retain UEFA Cup title after penalty spot kick
Hampden Park in Glasgow.Adriano (far left) celebrates scoring the opener for Sevilla in the 18th minute.
Adriano's 18th-minute opener for Sevilla was cancelled out just 10 minutes later by Albert Riera before Espanyol midfielder Moises Hurtado was sent off 20 minutes before extra-time arrived.
Fredi Kanoute put Sevilla ahead before the turnaround but substitute Jonatas equalised again with four minutes remaining to take the match to penalties.
Sevilla keeper Andres Palop was the hero saving three penalties from Luis Garcia, Jonatas and Marc Torrejon, with only Walter Pandiani scoring for Espanyol.
The rain had failed to dampen the spirits of the visiting Spaniards whose Espanyol-blue and more numerous Sevilla-red colours lit up the grey Glasgow sky.
The slick-moving Kanoute headed a whipped-in Adriano cross over the bar from around 12 yards out, while two minutes later at the other end Raul Tamudo's toe-poke from David Garcia's cross failed to trouble Palop.
Moises Hurtado's fine low drive from distance after 16 minutes, which Palop did well to hold, only confirmed the change in the game's direction.
That was until about 60 seconds later when Sevilla raced on the counter to take the lead.
With the Espanyol defence pushing forward to get the opener, Adriano sneaked past Pablo Zabaleta on the left, before sliding a right-footed shot past Gorka Iraizoz into the far corner from about 10 yards.
Espanyol forced their way forward to try to grab a quick equaliser but succeeded only in leaving gaps which their La Liga rivals looked more than able to exploit.
However, in the 28th minute it was Sevilla's Brazilian right-back Daniel Alves who was caught out of position, allowing Espanyol to draw level through Riera.
The former Manchester City midfielder picked up the ball wide on the left with plenty of time and space, turned inside the back-tracking Alves and fired a right-footed drive into the net off the far post.
An open game swayed from end to end and in the 39th minute Espanyol captain Tamudo tested Palop with a decent shot from distance, which the Sevilla goalkeeper again did well to control at the first time of asking.
Sevilla replaced midfielder Maresca with Jesus Navas at the interval but in the 47th minute it was Tamudo who had the first effort on goal of the second half with an angled drive which the impressive Palop saved low at his near post.
The holders responded by forcing their first corner of the second period - but again the centre of the Espanyol defence looked rock solid.
The match had slipped back into its free-flowing pattern.
In the 55th minute Ivan De la Pena's clever reverse pass on the edge of the Sevilla penalty area found Tamudo whose blistering shot drew a good save from Palop at the expense of the corner which came to nothing after the keeper was adjudged to have been fouled among a mass of bodies.
Seconds later, the popular Pandiani replaced Francisco Rufete to the cheers of the Espanyol fans.
There was hardly time to draw breath when Riera tried his luck with a dipping volley from distance which Palop tipped on to the bar and over for a corner.
Sevilla survived again but it appeared that the Catalan club were imbued with a sense of purpose that could take some stopping.
However, Espanyol's hopes took a massive nosedive when Moises was dismissed for a second booking in the 68th minute for a lunging tackle from behind on substitute Alexander Kerzhakov.
The momentum returned towards Sevilla and in the 77th minute Kerzhakov blasted over from close range before captain Javi Navarro headed straight at Iraizoz from barely 10 yards out.
As Espanyol slowly wilted, Kanoute had a point-blank effort saved by Iraizoz and Kerzhakov hammered the rebound high over the bar from a tight angle.
Neither side could make a breakthrough in the closing stages - meaning the contest went to extra-time.
Just before the break, Kanoute fired Sevilla ahead when he nicked substitute Jesus Navas' cross in at the near post.
Espanyol looked to have nothing left but with four minutes remaining substitute Jonatas, on for De la Pena, fired in a glorious equaliser from 30 yards.
Penalties duly arrived. Kanoute scored before Luis Garcia had his kick saved by Palop then Ivica Dragutinovic scored, as did Pandiani.
Alves blasted over the bar before Jonatas had his kick saved by Palop.
Antonio Puerta scored leaving Marc Torrejon under pressure, but once again Palop saved to be the hero for Sevilla.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Leeds drop again, now to League One
Leeds sink to new depths
The end was predictably messy, with a premature pitch invasion and a delayed finish. It was not the first time the adjective 'disgraceful' was used to describe events on the pitch at Elland Road, though usually that involves the players.
Yet, with chaos developing and recriminations beginning, as a metaphor for a fractious season, it was pretty much perfect. And at the eventual conclusion, their manager Dennis Wise admitted, Leeds were relegated.
Schadenfreude, enveloping Yorkshire for much of the season, has spread across various other parts of the country. Delight at Leeds' decline is widespread, yet it is also desperately sad.
Demotion came in the week of the sixth anniversary of their Champions League semi-final against Valencia. Weighed down by a past that is distinctly preferable to their present, Leeds' setbacks invariably coincide with reminders of what they have lost. That now includes Championship football.
By failing to beat Ipswich Town, Leeds effectively ensured they will enter uncharted territory next season: League One.
But devotees of footballing clichés know that the league table does not lie. In Leeds' case that is transparently true. Rather, the litany of reasons, like the list of culprits, for their demise is lengthy.
It is impossible to overlook the management of Wise and the chairmanship of Ken Bates. Both failed, at least from a football perspective. Bates has trimmed the debts, yet his achievements do not extend beyond that, despite his devotion to mentioning supposed triumphs (and an improved club website or radio station are no compensation for relegation).
Then there is the succession of feuds he, and by extension, Leeds have pursued, from the petty to the reprehensible (publishing the address of a former director in a critical programme piece ranked high amongst them and resulted in the involvement of West Yorkshire Police).
A fan feels the pain
And, of course, there is his appointment of Wise. The Chelsea connection was never popular at Elland Road, but it would have been tolerated had survival been achieved. It was not, and Wise's mantra of 'we'll be ok', repeated ad infinitum during the season, looks misjudged, bordering on the complacent and suggesting he had failed to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
The other constant in his comments has been criticism of referees. Recognising Leeds' problems rather than, like his chairman, focusing on imagined injustices might have proved more beneficial.
Yet his initial analysis was correct. The squad he inherited from Kevin Blackwell was creaking. The departures of the old and slow - particularly the one-paced central defensive partnership of Paul Butler and Sean Gregan - could have proved the prelude for improvement, had they not been replaced by an injection of old, slow players.
Blackwell's legacy, despite a play-off final appearance 12 months ago, was not beneficial. His last eight months were notable for feeble performances, devoid of both imagination and goals. Caretaker manager John Carver's attempt to remedy that with attacking football exposed a dreadful defence.
That was only eventually resolved in the final weeks of the season when Lubomir Michalik, the strapping Slovakian, was borrowed from Bolton. The culmination of his loan spell ended the new-found stability at the back.
Before then centre-back had represented one of Leeds' problem positions (it was an indication of their difficulties that they had four, including left-back, right-back and right midfield). Wise displayed an irrational faith in Hayden Foxe while Rui Marques, ignored for his first 18 months at Elland Road, emerged as a superior alternative when belatedly introduced.
Four successive home wins suggested Wise's scattergun approach in the transfer market could reap a reward of continued Championship football. Michalik and fellow loanees Michael Gray and Radostin Kishishev provided a veneer of class. Yet it could not be presented as the fruits of a coherent strategy in a season that featured 43 players.
Not when there was a crisis of leadership, on and off the pitch. Leeds had seven skippers (though the armband was passed to others during games), four of them club captains. Kevin Nicholls, Wise's choice, brought his manager's judgment into question by committing what was regarded at Elland Road as treachery by attempting to rejoin his former club and their relegation rivals, Luton Town.
Then there is the question of the mysterious mole in the camp who Wise has failed to identify (though as the information given to Crystal Palace about the Leeds team was incorrect, the informer was as unimpressive as the majority of the players).
Gustavo Poyet and Dennis Wise run out of ideas at Elland Road on SaturdayJonathan Douglas, Nicholls' successor, appeared appointed on the basis that he was the only automatic choice. For 15 yellow cards, plus a sending-off, he promptly got himself banned for the rest of the season.
That led to the promotion of David Healy, barely a month after he was benched. Wise had travelled to Belfast in a bid to discover how Northern Ireland possessed the most prolific scorer in Europe in the Euro 2008 qualifiers and Leeds an occasional scorer.
Yet, more than four months into his reign, that should not have been required. Wise's omission of Healy, like Blackwell's determination to ignore Robbie Blake, deprived Leeds of potential matchwinners for too many games while lesser talents such as Tresor Kandol, who Wise had plucked from Barnet and who proved inadequate after a jump of two divisions, were somehow preferred.
There was an assumption that Leeds would flourish next season, when they no longer had to contribute to the salaries of former players such as Danny Mills, Robbie Fowler and Mark Viduka. There may now be a feeling that they have hit rock bottom, yet this is a concept they have continually redefined in recent years.
Next season's manager - and there is a widespread feeling that Leeds cannot recover with either Wise or Bates at the helm - will have to start virtually from scratch. The current squad is dominated by arrivals on loan, short-term signings and others whose contracts expire in the summer. Then there are those such as Nicholls, for whom a future at Leeds is inconceivable, plus Healy, Blake and Richard Cresswell, who will attract attention from higher divisions.
Nor will Gary Kelly be at Elland Road. His lucrative five-year deal expires in the summer and, for seeing out the contract, he is entitled to a 'loyalty bonus' thought to be worth £650,000. It was granted, needless to say, by Peter Ridsdale. He is long gone but, deny it as he predictably did, his culpability in Leeds' relegation cannot be ignored.
End of season for English Premier League
Early of this month, the title for champion had been decided and won by Manchester United after missing the title for three seasons.This show that Chelsea fail to make third consecutive years to win EPL title.Then followed by Liverpool and Arsenal to place third and forth position.These 'big four' club in EPL show again they are dominant to hold this top four position. It seems these 'big four' to show the same thing for next season successfully and perhaps we will see the different champion. Below is final position for 24 clubs challenging for 2006/2007 season in EPL:
2006/07 Premiership Table
3 Liverpool
4 Arsenal
5 Tottenham
6 Everton
7 Bolton
8 Reading
9 Portsmouth
10 Blackburn
11 Aston Villa
12 Middlesbrough
13 Newcastle
14 Man City
15 West Ham
16 Fulham
17 Wigan
18 Sheff Utd
19 Charlton
20 Watford
Champions League: 1st, 2nd
Champions League qualifying: 3rd, 4th
UEFA Cup: 5th, 6th, 7th
Relegation: 18th, 19th, 20th
