The Footy Blog

Chelsea v Manchester United Live Chat

Joe Ross — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:29:00 GMT

If you are looking to answer today's TRIVIA QUESTION CLICK HERE

If you would like to participate in the live match chat, enter the forum below.

Saturday EPL Highlights

Joe Ross — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:19:32 GMT

Manchester City 3 Burnley 3

Wolves 1 Arsenal 4

Tottenham 2 Sunderland 0

Aston Villa 5 Bolton 1

Blackburn 3 Portsmouth 1

Saturday delivers in the EPL, and so too will Sunday!

James Sharman — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:54:57 GMT

That is indeed Carlo Ancelotti peeking over the shoulder of Sir Alex Ferguson, appropriate given the way the first couple of months of the English Premier League have gone. Manchester Utd and Chelsea have dominated the League over the past five seasons, and it looks as if Chelsea might be ready to receive the torch once again! It all adds up to one massive match on Sunday, Live on The Score, with our coverage starting at 10:30am et.

Some questions I put to you:

- With Ancelotti’s diamond formation working so well, does Fergie break from 4-4-2?

- Chelsea’s strength in midfield vs Man Utd’s frailties in midfield?

- Utd problem’s at the back? Are you confident with Evans/Brown rather than Rio/Vidic?

- Is Rooney and Berbatov’s chemistry the main issue up front?

- What should Chelsea’s transfer policy be in January?

Of course, alluding to the League becoming a two-horse race is a ridiculous oversight given Arsenal’s continued brilliance. A 4-1 pounding of Wolves was the latest win on Saturday. Spurs bounced back with a win over Sunderland, Darren Bent missing from the spot to boot! Blackburn brought Portsmouth back to a grinding halt, Bolton continue their abject form with a crushing 5-1 score against Villa, and what about Man City’s defence? It falls apart as Burnley take points at Eastlands.

For all your highlights, go to the video platform. Let us know your thoughts, and I’ll see you Sunday at 10:30am et, I suspect it’s going to be a fun day!

The Sharman 5 (Nov 6th)

James Sharman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:40:00 GMT

Guess which match dominates the 5 this week? Go on, guess? Wrong, it's not Wigan vs Fulham!!!!

***Update*** Since taping, Vidic is possible, Ferdinand is out.

Canada squad for November friendlies

James Sharman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Simeon Jackson with a chance to stake his claim for Canada, in a heavily European-based Canada squad for the upcoming friendlies.

***Media Release***

Canada announces roster for European friendlies

The Canadian men’s national team has announced a 17 player roster in advance of its upcoming international matches in Europe. The Canadian squad will play FYR Macedonia on 14 November and Poland on 18 November. The first match will be played in Strumica, Macedonia and will kickoff at 13.00 local time (07.00 ET), while the second match will be played in Bydgoszcz, Poland and kickoff at 17.00 local (11.00 ET).

Interim head coach Stephen Hart has named an experienced squad for the European matches. Fifteen of the 17 players named play professional football in Europe. The two other players come from North American based clubs - Toronto FC’s Julian de Guzman and DC United’s Dejan Jakovic.

“These two matches provide an excellent opportunity to bring our European based players together,” said Hart. “Playing quality European opposition at their home fields is a challenge I am sure the players will look forward to."

The international friendlies will be Canada’s first matches following their strong run to the quarter-final stage of the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Thirteen players who took part in the month-long competition in July under Hart have been named to the roster for the European matches.

Paul Stalteri is the most experienced player on the roster with 77 career appearances at the international level. Following Stalteri are Richard Hastings (56), Tomasz Radzinski (45), and Atiba Hutchison (45). Should Stalteri feature in either of the two matches, he will tie Mark Watson in second place all-time in most appearances for Canada (78). Stalteri, 32, is closing in on Randy Samuel’s all-time record for most appearances (82).

Polish born Tomasz Radzinski will have the opportunity to play in the country of his birth after being called into the squad. Radzinski leads all players on the roster with 10 career goals for Canada. Kevin McKenna is second with nine, followed by Stalteri with seven.

“For us, the match in Poland provides an opportunity to bring Tomasz in to play against the country of his birth,” said Hart. “We felt the game would mean a lot to him at this stage of is career.”

Iain Hume returns to the Canadian National Team for the first time since suffering a head injury on 8 November 2008 while playing for his club side Barnsley. Hume has only recently returned to action Barnsley in September of this year.

Hart is looking at the possibility of adding an 18^th player to the roster.

Canada and FYR Macedonia share a short competitive history. The two sides have faced each other only once before in international play. Canada won that match 1:0 on 18 May 1998 in Toronto (Niall Thompson scored the lone goal). Canada and Poland, meanwhile, have faced each other three times. Poland has won all three "A" matches (1973, 1974 and 1988).

Footy stars beware… Chelsea’s transfer ban has been suspended!

James Sharman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:54:18 GMT

Ok folks, prepare yourself. As expected Chelsea’s transfer ban has been suspended. No surprise there then, I’m pretty sure that the Court of Arbitration for Sport has never actually come back with a verdict of, ‘hey you know what, we actually really agree with that punishment.’ Although they still might surprise us when they finish their investigation and make a final ruling in the spring. I guess that’s the whole point of Arbitration though isn’t it?

What it means is that January is going to be very busy at Stamford Bridge. Several reason’s suggest that the rumour mill is going to be dripping with sweat shortly, as Chelsea target some huge names. Firstly, who knows whether the ban will be lifted, or reduced, It’s conceivable Chelsea could be out of the market next summer, as well as the following January. Secondly, Roman does not like to be outdone. Manchester City have taken the limelight, and stealing Robinho from under his nose just adds to his frustration. The credit crunch has waned, and Roman has a very itchy back pocket, containing a massively thick wallet, the type of wallet that knocks your hips and spine out of alignment every time you sit down. Thirdly, there are some clubs in financial trouble with big ticket players! Valencia, and Atletico Madrid come to mind, and they will be willing to talk. And finally, Chelsea are top of the heap again, this is an opportunity to kill off the competition.

However, is it the smart move? Depth is one thing, but do you want to alter the make-up of your team? Would adding a Sergio Aguero to the mix take away from what has been an awesome Anelka/Drogba combination? Take a look at this feature, and give us your thoughts on what Chelsea should do. The last five years has seen Chelsea and Manchester Utd battle each other on and off the field, and at the moment, it seems to be Chelsea’s turn.

3 UP 3 DOWN

Thomas Dobby — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:17:33 GMT

Back by popular demand after a bit of a lay-off, here’s a look at the goings-on in the League Championship these days.
As usual, it’s a super-tight division both at the top, and the bottom. Exhibit A, 1st place Newcastle are only 6 points up on
10th place Nottingham Forest 15 games into the season. At the back end, Ipswich are amazingly last, but only 6 points
away from 14th place Sheffield Wednesday. But who’s hot, and who’s not these days?

3 UP

LEICESTER

They really have carried their form from last season in to this year. Amazing after a promotion, but they’ve lost only twice
in 15 outings (tied for best in the division). Even their losses have been quality in a way, as they lost 1-0 at Newcastle
(a game in which they played well), and 2-1 to a good Preston side. Dating back to last season, they have lost a grand
total of 6 league games out of 61. That is incredible on any stage. As mentioned on the podcast this week, Matty Fryatt
is a Premiership-quality striker. Over that same 61 game span, he has tallied 36 goals. They have the ambition and the
talent to make a push back to the top-flight this season.

CARDIFF

Back on the list again as they keep on humming along. Unbeaten in 6 after a bit of a stumble, the Bluebirds are the
Arsenal of the Championship with 31 goals already. They’ve scored 4 or more 4 times in their 15 matches, including
twice away from home. Amazingly, in Michael Chopra and Peter Whittingham, already have two double-digit scorers.
Should be a fun one on Saturday as they face Welsh rivals Swansea.

SWANSEA

Speaking of the Swans, they are back on track in a big way. They had a horrendous start to the season under
Paulo Sousa, but look like a promotion hopeful again. The key to the turnaround? an amazing defensive record.
They’ve conceded a total of 2 goals in their last 9 matches. They should be higher up the table, but goals have been
a bit of a problem. They’ve had 4 goalless draws over that 9-game stretch. Still, they’re only 2 points out of a playoff
place.

Honourable Mention: Newcastle, QPR

3 DOWN

SHEFFIELD UNITED

How quickly things can fall apart. After beating rivals Wednesday 6 weeks ago they were flying high, easily in the top 6.
Since then? 2 draws, 5 losses, and 17 goals against. This team was known for it’s resolute defence last year, but they
are leaking them right now and the confidence is gone. They are spiralling so badly that dreams of promotion are being
replaced by nightmares of a relegation fight. That might be a bit extreme, but this club has not experienced a run like this
at this level in recent memory. Kevin Blackwell is under big-time pressure from the always hostile Blades faithful, and
a loss at Barnsley on Monday might be enough to see his run come to an end. A win and things calm down over the
International Break.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Another team with big ambitions in a big tailspin. I’m still shocked at the Gareth Southgate firing, weeks later.
To stick with a manager after being relegated, and to fire him only a dozen or so games in to a relatively successful
start in the Championship makes no sense to me. Steve Gibson clearly wanted Gordon Strachan in at any cost,
but you have to feel for Southgate, who loves this club. The post-Southgate era hasn’t exactly started well.
They twice threw away a lead at Preston to draw 2-2, and then lost 1-0at home to releagation-threatened Plymouth.
Have scored only 7 goals in 8 home matches.

DERBY

One side that ‘Boro could beat recently was Derby. The goals have dried up for the Rams, shut out 3 times in their
past 4 matches (and the goals came in a 4-2 loss). Even Ipswich beat them last time out, the first win of the season
for Roy Keane’s men in 15 tries. Away form is atrocious, with 2 draws and 6 losses (-9 goal difference) away from
Pride Park.

Dis-honourable mention: Coventry

Round 1 of the FA Cup Proper goes this weekend, an exciting time for any fan of the lower-tiers.
Let me know your thoughts and opinions on anything League Championship or Football League.

Cheers,
Thomas Dobby

Shocker: Lensky Turns down Canada for Czech Republic

Joe Ross — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:20:06 GMT

No one could have seen this coming.

Jacob Lensky has changed his mind.

John Molinaro of CBCsports.ca is reporting the 20-year old has opted to turn down the chance to play for Canada in the friendlies against Macedonia and Poland later this month. Instead, Lensky will play for the Czech Republic's youth side next week.

Canada coach Stephen Hart told Molinaro that the manner in which the switch was done left a "sour taste in his mouth".

No word yet if Motley Crue's tendency to include Prague in their world tours factored into Lensky's decision.

[NSFW - Language]

Red Nation posted an interview with Lensky yesterday, where the FC Utrecht defender conveyed his delight about getting called into the Canadian squad.

"It was nice. Stephen Hart said he was happy to see me back playing and he was asking the same questions that everyone does regarding if I am enjoying it and stuff – ha ha. I’m looking forward to it."

While that quote was particularly encouraging for Canadian fans, later in the interview Lensky pretty much stated he was leaving the door open for the Czech Republic.

"Yeah, I love Canada, but in truth soccer is soccer to me. It's all pretty much the same, so if the Czech team came and asked me - maybe, sure. But they didn't, so I'm going to the call up just focusing on it and playing my game. Some people don't like it and that's ok."

Does anyone else get the feeling we haven't heard the last of Lensky's trademarked sudden changes of heart yet? I'm going to put the over/under at age 26 for when this guy pulls a Daniel Day Lewis and moves to Florence to become a shoemaker's apprentice.

To be honest, when Hart called him up, I wasn't really expecting 50 caps out of the guy given his history. So I can't say that I'm crushed now that he's going to retire from the Czech Republic in a few years and not Canada.

Call me when David Hoilett finds another country to play for.

Other takes on the matter you should check out:

From Lord Bob at The Maple Leaf Forever:

"Let’s just remember the reason why Lensky is on FC Utrecht in the first place. “Feyenoord is saddened by the player’s departure, given that his footballing qualities were unquestionable,” in the words of Feyenoord’s then-director of football Peter Bosz, after the Dutch giants courteously released Lensky to return to Vancouver after he retired from football and declared his intention to never ever strap on a set of studs again. Almost exactly a year later he returned to the Eredivisie after training with the Vancouver Whitecaps, signing on with Feyenoord’s rivals in Utrecht. Feyenoord, having given Lensky his release under what turned out to be false pretense, didn’t receive a transfer fee in exchange for serving a promising youngster up to a rival on a silver platter.
That’s without even getting into his earlier youth career, where he played for almost every halfway decent academy in Europe before leaving, not because of a lack of skill but because his family had some problem with this or he wasn’t adjusting well to that or in general being a grotesque prima donna entirely out of proportion to his admittedly considerable talent."

From Jamie at Some Canadian Guys Writing About Soccer:

"The gist of the interview – and Lensky’s career in general – is that he doesn’t give two shits what anyone thinks of him or what he does. Fair enough. If he suits up for the Czechs, Some Canadian Guys (and I think I’m right in speaking for us as a whole) don’t give two shits about him.
This may be my initial, unfiltered reaction, but – once you decide that you’re a Czech – that’s it. And the next time you feel like retiring from getting paid large amounts of money to play a game, Jacob, don’t come running to Canada for a mental health break (yes, that’s my “keyhole theory”). This won’t be your home anymore."

Footy Show Podcast - November 5th

Joe Ross — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:06:00 GMT

James, Thomas, Brendan and Joe recap the midweek Champions League action, preview the MLS playoff weekend, and "Championship Corner" makes a return.

Subscribe To The Footy Show Podcast via iTunes (free of charge)

Thursday Links: West Ham-Villa Highlights, Ronaldo ankle not improving, Lensky Speaks

Joe Ross — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:22:54 GMT

Champions League

+ A 90th minute equalizer by Lyon's Lisandro Lopez denied Liverpool an all-important victory in the Champions League.

+ Pepe Reina has said it is 'disgraceful' that Liverpool no longer have their Champions League destiny in their own hands

+ Richard Williams: Rafael Benítez's nerve-shredding rollercoaster is hurtling towards oblivion.

+ Martin Samuel: When Andriy Voronin is your only hope, Liverpool must know the game's up.

+ Voronin will miss his Ukraine's crucial World Cup play-off qualifiers next week after coach Olexiy Mikhailichenko omitted him for his 24-man squad.

+ Fiorentina moved within sight of the UEFA Champions League knockout stages with an entertaining 5-2 victory against Debrecen.

+ Late goals from Diego Milito and the excellent Wesley Sneijder earned Inter Milan a dramatic win at Dynamo Kyiv.

+ Jose Mourinho says Andriy Shevchenko is back to his very best at Dynamo Kiev after his stunning opener gave Inter Milan a real scare in Ukraine.

+ Rubin Kazan followed up their shock Group F victory against Barcelona a fortnight ago with a defensive masterclass, holding the European champions to a 0-0 draw.

+ Rangers' Champions League hopes were left hanging in the balance when a late equalizer from Unirea Urziceni denied them a crucial first victory in the tournament this season.

+ Walter Smith pointed the finger of blame at Nacho Novo for the error in possession which led to the tying goal.

+ Uefa will wait to receive their official delegate's report later today before deciding what action to take over the supporter unrest which marred last night's Champions League encounter between Rangers and Unirea Urziceni.

+ Rangers chief executive Martin Bain will tell UEFA that poor organization and over-zealous policing contributed to the trouble at the match.

+ Stuttgart coach Markus Babbel is convinced his side will make it into the Champions League knockout stage after seeing them claim a 1-1 draw away to Sevilla on Wednesday night.

+ Arsenal virtually ensured their progress to the knockout stages with a 4-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar.

+ Samir Nasri forced his opponent into a Bruce Springsteen-style stage slide with a deft move on the 2-0 goal.

+ Standard de Liège's first UEFA Champions League win proved to be worth the wait as the Belgian titleholders defeated Olympiacos at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne to revive their Group H qualification prospects.

+ Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has criticized his club's players for their poor showing against Bordeaux which is likely to cost the Bavarians their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

England

+ Zavon Hines scored a 90th minute winner to give West Ham a 2-1 win over ten-man Aston Villa yesterday.

+ West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has denied having a bust-up with Guillermo Franco. The Mexico forward was angered after being subbed at the weekend.

+ Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta is likely to be sidelined until the new year after being forced to undergo surgery following a setback in his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury.

+ Chelsea right-back Jose Bosingwa could be sidelined for up to a month after being told he needs to undergo an operation on his knee.

+ Darren Fletcher's growing influence on the Manchester United team is in danger of being undermined by a recurrent ankle injury which is causing him significant pain during matches and will eventually need surgery.

+ Manchester United are interested in signing Benfica ace Angel Di Maria in a £12m deal according to reports.

+ Igor Akinfeev is understood to have opened talks over a move to Manchester United after impressing for CSKA Moscow against the Premier League champions.

+ Martin Atkinson, subject of past criticisms from Sir Alex Ferguson, will referee Manchester United’s Premier League trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

+ Rio Ferdinand faces the axe from Fabio Capello's England squad for the friendly against Brazil next week if he does not prove his fitness by playing at Chelsea in Manchester United's top-of-the-table match on Sunday.

+ Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are considering a move for CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic according to reports.

+ Dynamo Kiev would not stand in the way of Andriy Shevchenko joining Birmingham City. New Birmingham owner Carson Yeung is said to be interested in the 33-year-old striker.

+ Aaron Lennon is expected to miss Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League match against Sunderland on Saturday but there was better news for the manager, Harry Redknapp, when Luka Modric returned to light training.

+ Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones has been fined by the club for his sending-off against West Ham.

+ Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is keeping his fingers crossed that key midfielder Lee Cattermole could return from injury a month earlier than expected.

+ Stan Kroenke is within a whisker of launching a takeover bid for Arsenal after increasing his stake in the club. The American businessman has splashed out a further £1.7million to buy 200 shares.

+ Peter Storrie, the Portsmouth chief executive, has been formally charged with tax evasion, while Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs are also continuing investigations in relation to Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager.

+ Sol Campbell has denied claims by Sven-Goran Eriksson that he walked out on Notts County midway through a training session.

+ Two more Premier League clubs bowed to Poppy pressure yesterday, making a total of 17 top-flight teams who will embroider the British Legion emblem on their match-day shirts.

+ Marina Hyde: Spare us the phoney poppy apoplexy. The vitriolic campaign to bully all Premier League clubs into wearing a poppy on their shirts shames the memory of the fallen.

+ Fifa vice-president Jack Warner has returned the designer handbag given to his wife by England 2018 bid leaders. Warner said the furore over the gift had caused embarrassment for his wife Maureen and she returned it yesterday.

Spain

+ Cristiano Ronaldo may face a further three months out if he is forced to have another operation on his injured ankle. Real Madrid have announced that the Portuguese winger has not showed enough improvement to join the first team squad in training and that he has travelled to Amsterdam to see the Dutch ankle specialist Niek van Dijk.

+ Sergio Agüero says he is flattered by Chelsea's interest but is happy to stay in Madrid for now.

+ Barcelona is reportedly close to signing Ajax striker Luis Suarez.

North America

+ Red Nation speaks with Canadian international/enigma Jacob Lensky.

+ Paul James: Toronto FC executive Tom Anselmi has lost the plot.

+ The EPL Talk podcast interviews ex-Canadian international and current Burton Albion manager Paul Peschisolido.

+ USL-1 announced they've had meetings with its remaining clubs along with four potential expansion markets -- Ottawa, Baltimore, Detroit and Edmonton.

+ Chicago fullback Gonzalo Segares is listed as "out" and centreback Wilman Conde is listed as "questionable" for this weekend's second-leg playoff game against New England.

+ Robert Warzycha doesn’t see the Crew, the Supporters’ Shield winner and top playoff seed, as having much of an advantage in a first-round that is a total-goal, home-and-home series.

Italy

+ Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni has intimated that he would like to return to Italy and play alongside Francesco Totti at Roma

Europa League

+ Hamburg manager Bruno Labbadia has no problems with fans from city rivals St Pauli swelling the Celtic support for tomorrow's Europa League Group C match at the Nordbank Arena.

Sweden

+ Sweden have appointed Erik Hamren of Norwegian champions Rosenborg Trondheim as their new national team manager after the nation failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

Wednesday Links: Champs League highlights, Arteta setback, Great Train Robber to watch Arsenal

Joe Ross — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:18:03 GMT

Champions League

+ Manchester United fought back from 3-1 down at home against CSKA Moscow to earn a point that qualifies them for Champions League knockout stages.

+ Sir Alex Ferguson has urged Uefa to review a yellow card issued to Darren Fletcher for diving against CSKA Moscow.

+ Jonny Evans and Wes Brown have given Manchester United cause for concern after their performances yesterday.

+ Ferguson has ruled out move for CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev despite growing speculation linking United with Russia No 1.

+ Zvjezdan Misimović, Christian Gentner and Edin Džeko strengthened Wolfsburg's hold on second place in Group B and knocked out Beşiktaş.

+ Ligue 1 champions Bordeaux will fly the flag for France in the last 16 of the Champions League. Goals from Yoann Gourcuff and Marouane Chamakh saw Les Girondins win 2-0 at Bayern Munich to complete a famous win double over the German giants and ensure progress from Group A.

+ Mauro Camoranesi's lone strike gave Juventus a second consecutive Champions League victory away to Maccabi Haifa.

+ Milan striker Alexandre Pato was controversially denied a winner against Real Madrid as Group C's big two shared the points here last night, a result that leaves both sides with work still to do to qualify for the knockout stages.

+ Kaka has thanked the San Siro crowd for a moving comeback and admits “it wasn’t easy to deal with so many emotions.”

+ Marseille made it a famous Champions League night for French clubs by walloping FC Zurich 6-1 at the Stade Vélodrome in Group C.

+ Two Didier Drogba strikes took Chelsea into the last 16 and ended Atlético's hopes despite a pair of spectacular Sergio Agüero goals.

+ Carlo Ancelotti set up the intriguing prospect of Chelsea finally mounting a bid for Sergio Aguero, after the Argentine striker scored two breathtaking goals against them in the Champions League.

+ Falcao scored the only goal as Porto completed back-to-back wins against APEOL to qualify for knockout rounds from Group D.

+ Barcelona must ignore the sub-zero temperatures in Russia for their Champions League match against Rubin Kazan, coach Pep Guardiola has said.

England

+ Mikel Arteta has suffered another setback in his recovery from a cruciate-ligament injury that may sideline the influential Everton playmaker until the new year.

+ Newcastle will play for the rest of the season at the sportsdirect.com @ St James' Park Stadium.

+ Manchester City's hopes of signing Inter Milan right-back Maicon have taken a major blow after the Brazilian's agent said it would be "unthinkable" for his client to move to Eastlands.

+ Manchester City have joined the queue of top clubs showing interest in Everton prodigy Jack Rodwell. The 19-year-old is also a long-term target for Manchester United.

+ Rafa Benitez remains confident that star striker Fernando Torres will not have to go under the knife — but is still not sure about skipper Steven Gerrard.

+ Steven Gerrard was "devastated" when Xabi Alonso left Liverpool and admits the Reds have missed the Spaniard

+ West Ham may be forced to sell players in January after their former manager Alan Curbishley won his case for unfair dismissal against the club last night and landed a £2.2million pay-out.

+ Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen has reportedly made personal checks on Benfica star Angel di Maria and is also keen on two of the forward's club-mates -- midfielder Javi Garcia and forward Fabio Coentrao.

+ South African hitman Benni McCarthy's wish to quit Blackburn in January could be wrecked by Rovers demanding £3.5million for the 31-year-old.

+ Sir Alex Ferguson has written off Arsenal and Liverpool's Premier League chances this season, stating it is a two-horse race for this year's title between United and Chelsea.

+ Arsène Wenger would have "no fear" about Stan Kroenke eventually owning Arsenal, although Alisher Usmanov, the club's second largest shareholder, has expressed serious reservations about a potential takeover.

+ The Football Association have acted to resolve the case of mistaken identity involving the Manchester United twins, Fábio and Rafael da Silva, which resulted in the wrong brother being booked.

+ Martin O'Neill has expressed his frustration that clubs are able to appeal against yellow cards only in cases of mistaken identity and has urged the League Managers' Association to take up the issue with football's authorities to campaign for a change in the rules.

+ Aston Villa have major injury doubts over midfielders Stiliyan Petrov and James Milner ahead of today's Barclays Premier League encounter at West Ham.

+ The FA have rejected Liverpool's appeal against Philipp Degen's sending off against Fulham. The Switzerland defender will serve a three-match ban, missing the Merseyside derby.

+ Two men have admitted their part in a plot which saw a hand grenade left outside the home of football legend Kenny Dalglish.

+ Sol Campbell walked out on club halfway through training session according to director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson.

+ Next time you're in the UK, take the train from Plymouth to Montrose and you'll see 20 league grounds.

+ Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs is feeling so well he plans to watch Arsenal play. Biggs has made a miraculous recovery from pneumonia and MRSA after his compassionate release from jail in August. The robber, who can't speak after a series of strokes, said on his spelling board yesterday: "I haven't seen Arsenal live since the early 1960s.

North America

+ Confirmed Canada call-ups for the Macedona & Poland friendlies: Lars Hirschfeld, Richard Hastings (no, seriously), Atiba Hutchinson, and the shocker -- Jacob Lensky.

+ Steven Goff: Chris Cummins is gone, John Carver is long gone. Perhaps a Scottish power play with Mo Johnston hiring John Spencer?

+ Tom Soehn will not return as coach of D.C. United, ending a three-year reign that began well but deteriorated the past two seasons as the club failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs and fell short in international competition.

Spain

+ Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida could be on his way to Atletico Madrid this summer, according to the player's agent.

+ Osasuna full-back Cesar Azpilicueta insists he has no plans to leave the club despite reported interest in his services from Manchester City

Italy

+ Sampdoria President Riccardo Garrone has revealed how an “ugly story” has kept Marcello Lippi from calling up Antonio Cassano to the Italy squad.

+ Milan have an agreement with Triestina to sign highly-rated Ghanaian midfielder Edmund Hottor, but won't put anything on paper until January.

+ Liverpool left-back Andrea Dossena has been linked with a loan move to Napoli in January.

Norway

+ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is being lined up to be the next manager of Rosenborg. The former Manchester United striker is currently the reserve team boss at Old Trafford.

Thailand

+ Thailand's top footballers will receive free burgers as part of their new three-year, £545,000 sponsorship deal with fast food giant McDonald's.

Nigeria

+ A stunning revelation has been made by former Green Eagles winger, Adokiye Amiesimaka, who claimed that Nigeria's under-17 captain, Fortune Chukwudi is about 25 years old.

Whitecaps re-sign Hirano, Moose and Khalfan, do not exercise option on Pozniak

Joe Ross — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:55:04 GMT

PRESS RELEASE

VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the re-signing of defender/midfielder Takashi Hirano, as well as midfielders Justin Moose and Nizar Khalfan. All three players have agreed to one-year contracts - plus an option. The Whitecaps also announced that they will not exercise the 2010 contract options on defender/midfielders Chris Pozniak and Nadir Haroub Ali.

Hirano, 35-years-old, returns for a third season with the 'Caps after a successful first two years in Vancouver. A regular at left fullback for Teitur Thordarson's squad, the native of Shimizu City, Japan, made 38 appearances in all competitions for a total of 3,248 minutes of action during the 2009 campaign. Hirano's minutes total was the most among all Whitecaps outfield players during the season. The 5-foot-11, 160-pound veteran was named the club's Outstanding Defender of 2009 for his play in the Whitecaps backline, with the fullback also recording three assists during the season. In all, the former Japanese international has appeared in 68 Whitecaps matches over the past two seasons.

Moose, 25-years-old, also returns for his third season with the Whitecaps after enduring an injury-plagued 2009 campaign. The native of Statesville, North Carolina, made just 15 appearances for 484 minutes of action, with the winger appearing in half the number of matches that he played during his first year in Vancouver. During the club's United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) championship season of 2008, the former Wake Forest University star appeared in 30 games for 1,892 minutes of action, scoring two goals and recording five assists last year. Before joining the 'Caps, the 5-foot-7, 150-pound midfielder spent two years in Major League Soccer with D.C. United.

Khalfan, 21-years-old, will enter his first full season with the Whitecaps in 2010 after coming to Vancouver from Tanzanian Premier League club Moro United for an undisclosed financial amount on August 13. Playing primarily in the middle or on the right-hand side of midfield, the native of Mtwara, Tanzania, started nine of his 14 Whitecaps appearances for 729 minutes of action. This included five appearances and one start during the club's playoff run to the 2009 USL-1 Championship Series.

Pozniak, 28-years-old, leaves the Whitecaps after completing his second spell with the club. The native of North York, Ontario, made 14 appearances for the 'Caps after re-signing with Vancouver on July 30. During his first Whitecaps spell in 2008, the defender/midfielder played in nine matches before moving to Scottish First Division club Dundee FC.

Ali, 26-years-old, returns to his parent club in Tanzanian Premier League outfit Young Africans FC after completing a loan spell with the 'Caps. The 5-foot-10, 150-pound native of Michenzani, Zanzibar, did not make a single appearance for the Whitecaps men's team during his short stay in Vancouver.

Tuesday Links: Gerrard out for Lyon game, Torres might need surgery, Hunt sticks with Germany

Joe Ross — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:08:56 GMT

Champions League

+ Steven Gerrard is out of Liverpool's crucial Champions League tie against Lyon on Wednesday after failing to recover from a groin injury.

+ Fernando Torres is likely to play against Lyon but could still face a hernia operation.

+ Paul Doyle: Claude Puel has problems of his own as Lyon's showdown with Liverpool looms.

+ Sir Alex Ferguson is set to hand Wayne Rooney compassionate leave for Manchester United's home Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow on Tuesday following the birth of the forward's first child on Monday.

+ Jonathan Wilson: CSKA Moscow go Russian with Leonid Slutsky after foreign experiment fails.

+ Arsenal's goalkeeping headache returns with a vengeance on Wednesday night as Arsène Wenger debates whether to risk the Champions League restoration of Manuel Almunia for the home game against AZ Alkmaar.

+ AZ Alkmaar will be without leading scorer Mounir El Hamdaoui for up to four weeks after the 25-year-old striker tore a muscle in his left leg, ruling him out of the Dutch champions' trip to Arsenal FC on Wednesday.

+ VfB Stuttgart have been dealt a double defensive blow ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group G match against Sevilla FC after full-backs Christian Träsch and Ricardo Osorio both picked up injuries during the goalless draw with FC Bayern München.

England

+ Arsenal defender Gaël Clichy has been ruled out for up to a month with a suspected stress fracture in his back.

+ Hull City are believed to have spent a staggering £5.5million in agents' fees in the two years Paul Duffen was the club's chairman and chief executive.

+ Hull City's new executive chairman, Adam Pearson, will conduct a major cull in the new year in an attempt to ease the financial problems at the troubled Premier League club.

+ Pearson admits Hull received just £2.8m from selling defender Michael Turner to Sunderland.

+ UEFA president Michel Platini has outlined plans to "protect" English teams from spiralling debts.

+ Manchester City's Stephen Ireland has said he feared he was going to die when he was taken to hospital after complaining of dizziness during a Carling Cup tie with Fulham in September.

+ Norway international defender John Arne Riise has dismissed reports linking him with a move from AS Roma back to Liverpool.

+ West Ham United reportedly want to sign Spurs outcast Roman Pavlyuchenko. Antonio Cassano, another striker on their radar, says he is willing to leave Sampdoria.

+ Birmingham City could make a move for former Chelsea striker Andrei Shevchenko in order to boost their strikeforce and raise their profile in the Far East

+ Stan Kroenke has purchased another 427 shares in Arsenal's parent holding company, at a cost of some £3.6million, as the American edges closer towards the takeover threshold.

+ Portsmouth said the £15m injected into the club last week by Balram Chainrai is "purely a loan" and does not raise the prospect of the Hong Kong-based businessman becoming the third owner at Fratton Park since Alexandre Gayamak departed in late August should the monies not be repaid.

+ Sunderland striker Darren Bent has been urged to watch his words and avoid any controversy on his Twitter account ahead of Saturday's return to Tottenham.

+ The Daily Mail salutes Burnley's Graham Alexander after his 900th match.

North America

+ Paul James: Vision and guidelines are lacking in the TFC blueprint.

+ Tom Anselmi does not regret giving Mo Johnston a contract extension, and feels he has done a good job at Toronto FC.

+ It's Called Football Podcast: Featuring an interview with Jeff Cunningham on his turn around season and some of the problems he faced in Toronto, plus Dino Rossi on the SAAC vs CSA battle.

+ Is Jacob Lensky back on Canada's radar?

+ The Galaxy will loan David Beckham to AC Milan on December 28th. Supposedly he'll be back in mid-July 2010, after the World Cup concludes.

+ Guillermo Barros Schelotto is expected to start for the Crew Thursday vs Real Salt Lake.

+ Michael Arace: Crew in tough spot after Robert Warzycha's gamble not to play Schelotto.

+ Steven Goff: A case for Tom Soehn to return as DC United head coach.

+ Highly touted 16-year old American Luis Gil might sign an MLS Generation Adidas contract instead of heading off to Europe.

Spain

+ Sid Lowe: Are 'madhouse' Atlético Madrid the worst run club in Europe?

Italy

+ Michel Platini has criticized Massimo Moratti for loading Inter with debt and Fabio Capello for managing a national team that isn't his own.

+ Juventus' search for a top class right-back has now switched its focus to Arsenal's France international Bacary Sagna.

Germany

+ Aaron Hunt has confirmed his commitment to Germany, after the Football Association showed a tentative interest in poaching him for England.

+ Werder Bremen midfielder Torsten Frings is facing a "significant'' spell on the sidelines after tearing muscle fibres in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Nurnberg.

+ Bayern Munich are in talks with German car maker Audi for an investment and sponsorship deal worth more than 100 million euros ($147 million), club manager Uli Hoeness said.

Scotland

+ Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc has undergone knee surgery which will keep him out for at least three weeks.

Catalonia

+ Johan Cruyff has been named coach of Catalonia, the autonomous Spanish community's soccer federation (FCF) said on Monday.

South Africa

+ David Smith: Derby with a difference -- When the Orlando Pirates take on local Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs, violent sporting tribalism is refreshingly absent.

Football Art

+ Contemporary artist Sacha Jafri's work entitled “David Beckham — A Celebration” sold for $500,000 in Qatar last week. It is described as the only painting in the world to feature both Beckham's signature and footprint.

The Footy Show Podcast (Nov 2/2009)

James Sharman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:41:00 GMT

KJ show's his true passion - Liverpool FC, Joey leaves it late, and Dobbers and Sharman tackle mental health issues. All in all, another fun packed podcast.

Subscribe To The Footy Show Podcast via iTunes (free of charge)

Monday Links: MLS playoff highlights, Brown gets stay of execution, Torres doubtful for Lyon

Joe Ross — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:26:45 GMT

North America

Chivas USA 2 - Los Angeles 2

+ Chivas USA Coach Preki walks into the press conference after the game and virtually the first thing out of his mouth are the words: "I guess it was a fun game for the spectators, not so much for the coaches." Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena (who hadn't hear what Preki said) followed suit: "Good game for the fans, I'm not sure about the coaches."

New England 2 - Chicago 1

+ Revs forward Edgaras Jankauskas made his third consecutive start alongside Kheli Dube, but an illness forced him to leave the game in the 52nd minute. The switch ended up paying off as Jankauskas’ replacement, midfielder Pat Phelan, combined with his replacement at forward, Shalrie Joseph, on the winning goal.

+ Cuauhtemoc Blanco will return to former club Veracruz from Chicago Fire on Jan. 1, 2010, the Mexican side has revealed.

+ However, the Fire and Blanco continue to discuss a deal for him to return to MLS after the Cup. Blanco's contract with the Fire expires this year. His pact with Veracruz includes an opt-out clause that would allow him to play elsewhere later next year.

Salt Lake 1 Columbus 0

+ MLS MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto was left on the bench for tactical reasons by Crew boss Robert Warzycha.

+ The Crew has lost three consecutive 1-0 games and has been blanked in four of the past five. Crew general manager Mark McCullers defended the decision to bench Schelotto, a $775,000 designated player. He said the coaching staff's strategy, to occupy two central defenders with blitzing strikers and take advantage of any chances such havoc might create, was sound.

Seattle 0 - Houston 0

+ The best home field advantage in MLS was neutralized by a brawling Dynamo team that drew 18 fouls to Seattle's six, but managed to squat down in front of the goal sufficiently to earn a coveted draw on the road.

+ As was the case so many times this season, the Seattle Sounders main impediment on Thursday evening was the fact that they were unable to convert upon the chances that the team earned.

+ The Dynamo should get a boost on offence in the second leg with Luis Landin and Cam Weaver, both limited in action in Seattle's hard surface, enjoying extra days to rehabilitate their knees. If his rehab remains on schedule, midfielder Corey Ashe (knee) might have a shot at coming off the bench.

+ Grahame L. Jones: Kevin Payne, D.C. United's president and chief executive, was fined by the league for naming teams he thinks do not play to win, but he was correct in saying some games aren't worth watching.

+ D.C. United goalie Josh Wicks is expected to be sidelined for four to six months after having surgery on his left shoulder.

+ The Maple Leaf Forever!: USL-1 Is Doomed. What Will We Do About It?

+ The Canadian Stretford End: Make Stephen Hart the full-time coach!

+ Red Nation speaks with Vancouver Whitecaps striker & USL-1 Rookie of the Year Marcus Haber.

+ Ben Knight: Just how important was Danny Dichio to Toronto FC?

+ Jason de Vos: What defines a captain?

England

+ Rafael Benítez has admitted he had no option but to push Fernando Torres through the pain barrier in the defeat at Fulham and he now acknowledges that the striker is a serious doubt for the vital Champions League match away to Lyon on Wednesday night.

+ Henry Winter: Rafael Benítez will blame everyone but himself for Liverpool's plight.

+ Roberto Mancini has made himself available to replace beleaguered Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

+ Adam Pearson, the new Hull City chairman, has granted the club's manager Phil Brown a one-week stay of execution, with the home match against Stoke City on Sunday his last chance to keep his job.

+ The crisis engulfing Hull City has deepened as the Premier League have confirmed that they were investigating the sale of former captain Michael Turner to Sunderland. Their investigation has been prompted by two of the centre-back's previous clubs, Brentford and Charlton, alleging they had lost almost £1 million in sell-on fees.

+ Manchester United are to write an open letter to their fans in which Sir Alex Ferguson will appeal for an end to the chants aimed at Arsène Wenger whenever Arsenal visit Old Trafford. Wenger is routinely subjected to a chorus of "sit down you paedophile" and the Premier League champions are so embarrassed by the nature of the songs that Ferguson has agreed to back his old adversary.

+ After an exhaustive search that has taken in CSKA Moscow's Russia number one Igor Akinfeev and Bayer Leverkusen's Rene Adler, following doubts about Ben Foster's readiness to step up, Ferguson is believed to have settled on Manuel Neuer as his prime target to replace Edwin van der Sar.

+ Robin van Persie has urged Arsène Wenger to break with recent tradition and select him for Arsenal's Carling Cup side after the quarter-final draw conjured another potentially explosive meeting with Manchester City and his former team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor at Eastlands next month.

+ Gary Neville claims referee Chris Foy was wrong to send him off for the studs-up challenge on Barnsley’s Adam Hammill that has earned the Manchester United captain a three-match ban.

+ Portsmouth chairman Sulaiman al-Fahim insists he is "very confident" about the stability of the troubled club going forward under new owner Ali al-Faraj, and that it should be comprehensively "restructured" by December.

+ Benni McCarthy has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Portsmouth. The Blackburn striker has played a bit-part role at Ewood Park this term making just one league start.

+ Mark Hughes' presence for Barcelona's match at Osasuna at the weekend has raised speculation that Robinho is on his way to the Nou Camp. But it is understood that the Manchester City boss was actually looking for defensive reinforcements.

+ Manchester City will let Robinho go to Barcelona in the summer, but he must stay at Eastlands this season to help the club fight for Champions League qualification.

+ Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has urged fellow Argentine countryman Carlos Tevez to improve his English for the good of Mark Hughes' team.

+ Sunderland will press ahead with a £5m move for Wigan left back Maynor Figueroa, who hopes to have recovered from a knee ligament injury by Christmas.

+ Graham Poll provides us with his verdict on the nine Premier League red cards from the weekend.

+ Everton new boy Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has warned Merseyside's prolific burglars that there is no point targeting his new home.

+ Spurs star Wilson Palacios has had to deal with gangsters, murder and military coups -- so a north London derby holds no fear.

+ England coach Fabio Capello will unveil sculpture of World Cup winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey at Wembley.

+ Loss-making Wembley admits it could be forced to ask for a multi-million pound Football Association bail-out if VIP season ticket sales slump, leaving the stadium critically short of cash.

+ Gordon Taylor, the Professional Footballers' Association chief executive, said yesterday that the players' union will support Marlon King.

+ Newcastle midfielder Alan Smith has admitted he is no longer the player that he used to be.

+ Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids will not be joining Leicester, the Coca-Cola Championship club have announced.

+ The Football Association have their eyes on one of German football's emerging stars and may try to poach him for England. Aaron Hunt was born in Germany and has represented that country 26 times at Under 16, Under 17 and Under 21 level, but the fact that he has an English mother has prompted England Under 21 coach Stuart Pearce to examine his situation.

Italy

+ Bologna have announced the signing of Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah.

+ AC Milan have agreed to sign Ghanaian forward Dominic Adiyiah from Norway's Fredrikstad in January while a loan deal for David Beckham will be announced soon.

+ Antonio Cassano has threatened to walk out on Sampdoria after a section of the crowd jeered him.

+ Il Corriere dello Sport understands Roma talisman Francesco Totti will finally put pen to paper on a new deal this week.

+ Paolo Bandini: Unshackled Napoli prosper with Walter Mazzarri's fresh approach.

Spain

+ Manuel Pellegrini could be out at Real Madrid if his side loses in the Champions League to AC Milan.

France

+ Marseille could be without Lucho Gonzalez for four weeks after the Argentine midfielder twisted his ankle in Saturday's Ligue 1 game against Toulouse.

Scotland

+ Inside Left: A Dutch solution to a Scottish problem.

+ Why Scotland's reason for optimism is Glasgow teenager Islam Feruz.

Sweden

+ Stockholm club AIK came from behind to beat IFK Gothenburg 2-1 on Sunday and clinch their first Swedish title since 1998.

Bulgaria

+ CSKA Sofia suspended nine players for an unspecified period, the club confirmed via a statement on their official website on Monday.

Argentina

+ Former Argentina defender Fernando Caceres was shot in the head in the early hours of Sunday and is a coma.

+ Tim Vickery: The two sides of Lionel Messi.

+ Spanish rag Sport claims Diego Maradona's preparations for Argentina’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Uruguay basically consisted of chatting up attractive blondes in hotel lobbies and farting.

Brazil

+ Ronaldo scored two goals for Corinthians but 10-man Palmeiras rallied twice to earn a 2-2 draw and retain the lead in the Brazilian league on Sunday.