All About Australia
13 years ago
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wolves pounce for Castillo
The 27-year-old, who spent last term on loan at Everton, travelled to Wolverhampton for talks and a medical last week, and the paperwork for the Ecuador midfielder's transfer was completed over the weekend.
Wolves have an option to make the move permanent at the end of the loan spell.
"I'm very happy to be joining Wolves," he told the club's official website.
"It's another chance for me to prove myself in England.
"Hopefully after the internationals I will get quickly settled into the squad.
"I know Nenad (Milijas)very well and that makes it easier when you arrive at a new club that you know someone in the team.
"I've been at teams at the top of the table in Ecuador and then with Everton last season but I'm looking forward to the challenge of trying to help establish Wolves in the Premier League."
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is thrilled to have secured Castillo's services.
"Segundo has good experience, having played in the Premier League for Everton and made 42 international appearances for Ecuador," he said.
"He also played for two seasons at Red Star Belgrade with Nenad.
"He will certainly add quality to the squad, and I'm delighted to have brought him in."
Castillo began his career in his homeland with Club Deportivo Espoli and then El Nacional, helping the latter clinch back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006.
He proved a key player for Red Star as the Serbian outfit claimed a league-and-cup double in his debut season, and went on to score 18 goals in 72 appearances for the club before an injury-plagued stint on Merseyside last term.
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Shevchenko's goodbye to Chelsea
The striker, who joined the London club in 2006, opted to end his stay at Stamford Bridge after finding opportunities to play increasingly limited.
Shevchenko spent last season on loan with now Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti at AC Milan but returned to Chelsea this summer. He made an appearance as a substitute against Sunderland in their 3-1 win at the Stadium of Light earlier this season.
Speaking to the club's official website, the 32-year-old acknowledged that he struggled to regularly show the form he had shown earlier in his career but always tried his best.
'I think it is a good decision for me to go back to Ukraine, my home country where I started my career and to finish there,' said.
'I always tried my best for Chelsea and it is only my decision to leave because I want to play regularly in games. I thank the club and Roman Abramovich very much, and everybody who has worked at the club and the players, I have many good friends here and a very good relationship with them and Carlo Ancelotti.
'I have big respect for him, he is not like a manager but a friend and he understands my decision, it is best for me.
The best memories are the relationships with the players and the fans because it was three hard years and some games I played okay but many games I was out injured and every time I came onto the pitch I tried my best,' he explained.
'I feel when I played for Chelsea I received big support from the fans. I will remember for all my life this club and I hope I can come to the stadium and say "goodbye" to the fans, I want to send a message to thank them for their support and to enjoy their football and watching their team, I send my best thoughts for the team and hope that Chelsea wins many titles.'
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Bilyaletdinov : "Call Me Billy"
Everton new boy Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has told his new fans they can call him 'Billy'.
Bilyaletdinov signed for the Toffees last week and had his first taste of Barclays Premier League action when he came on for the final two minutes of his side's 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic on Sunday.
The midfielder, who will wear the number 7 shirt for the club this season, revealed in an interview with the club's official website that he knows his name is a bit of a tongue-twister, adding that he's happy to be known simply as 'Billy'.
And it appears the nickname is catching on already, having already been used by manager David Moyes and teammates Phil Neville and Tim Cahill.
The Russia midfielder said: "Bilyaletdinov - it's not easy, it's very, very long. Call me Billy, it's no problem."
And having enjoyed a snippet of top-flight action, it seems the 24 year-old is eager to make his mark on the Barclays Premier League.
"I know that it is the best championship in Europe," he said.
"Every team is so strong and plays two times a week. It's a very interesting tournament."
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McShane completes Tigers switch
The Republic of Ireland international has signed a four-year deal at the KC Stadium having spent time on loan with Phil Brown's side last season.
McShane, who joined the Black Cats in 2007, has yet to feature for Steve Bruce's Sunderland so far this season.
The former Manchester United youngster will now look to prove his fitness to his new manager after undergoing a knee operation in July.
He was initially expected to be sidelined for three months, but is reported to be ahead of schedule in his recovery and could soon be pushing for a first team run-out.
During his loan spell at the KC Stadium last term, McShane made 17 appearances for the Tigers, scoring one goal.
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Aston Villa 2-0 Fulham
Agbonlahor helped Villa bounce back from their early European exit as they disposed of Fulham to register their first home Barclays Premier League win of the campaign.
The England striker's pressure forced Fulham defender John Pantsil to head into his own net for the opening goal after three minutes.
Then Agbonlahor struck the decisive second goal 14 minutes into the second period - his first of the season - to wrap up the points for Martin O'Neill's side.For an in-depth match report, click here
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Everton 2-1 Wigan Athletic
Everton hauled themselves off the foot of the table with their first Barclays Premier League win of the season thanks to an injury-time penalty from Leighton Baines.
The visitors, who picked up six bookings, took the lead after 56 minutes with a Paul Scharner header.
Everton equalised soon after through Louis Saha, but had to wait until the third minute of added time for their winner.
For an in-depth match report, click here
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Portsmouth 0-1 Manchester City
Emmanuel Adebayor scored his third goal in as many Barclays Premier League matches as City condemned Portsmouth to their fourth defeat of the season.
City are certainly benefiting from their new signings - they only won two away fixtures last season and have matched that total already in their 100 per cent start to the season.
For an in-depth match report, click here
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Saturday, August 29, 2009
Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal
Andrey Arshavin capped a brilliant first half by putting Arsenal ahead and if Ben Foster had not denied Robin van Persie with a brilliant feet-first save, Arsenal would probably have won.
Instead, Wayne Rooney won a penalty when he went down under Manuel Almunia's challenge, and scored it himself before Abou Diaby turned Ryan Giggs' free-kick into his own net to give the hosts their victory.
Van Persie thought he had equalised deep into stoppage time but his effort was ruled out for an offside against William Gallas, and Arsene Wenger's protest against the disallowed goal led to him being sent from the dug-out.
For an in-depth match report, click here
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Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Birmingham City
Lennon kept Tottenham's 100 per cent record intact with the winner deep into injury time against Birmingham.
Peter Crouch opened the scoring in the 72nd minute only for Lee Bowyer to equalise just three minutes later.
However, Lennon capitalised after a mistake from former Spurs defender Stephen Carr to snatch all three points with virtually the last kick of the match.
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Stoke City 1-0 Sunderland
Kitson scored his first Barclays Premier League goal for Stoke - 13 months after arriving from Reading.
The £5.5m buy grabbed the winner in the 43rd minute after Sunderland failed to clear a corner from Liam Lawrence.
It was Kitson's second goal inside a week - he was also on traget in the Carling Cup victory against Leyton Orient.
For an in-depth match report, click hereRead more!
Blackburn Rovers 0-0 West Ham United
Blackburn teenager Junior Hoilett spurned the best chance of a fairly tedious goalless draw.
The 19-year-old substitute's 20-yard chip over Robert Green in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper dropped onto the top of the net in the 77th minute.
Prior to that Carlton Cole had the visitors' best effort, curling wide a 20th-minute shot from a narrow angle while Rovers defender Chris Samba fired over from the edge of the penalty area in the first half.
For an in-depth match report, click here.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Hull City
Record signing Kevin Doyle was denied a late winner which would have capped an impressive full Barclays Premier League debut for Wolves.
The £6.5m capture from Reading saw his close-range shot somehow blocked on the line by Tigers captain Michael Turner.
Geovanni had given Hull a third-minute lead but Wolves grabbed a deserved point through defender Richard Stearman early in the second half and had the chances to claim victory.
For an in-depth match report, click here.
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Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Liverpool
Ten-man Bolton looked like they were going to hang onto their first league point of the season. Twice the home side were ahead through Kevin Davies and Tamir Cohen, before they had Sean Davis sent off for a second bookable offence with 36 minutes left.
Liverpool, who had equalised in the first half through Glen Johnson, did so again through Fernando Torres before Steven Gerrard's cracker settled the issue.
For an in-depth match report, click here.
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Chelsea 3-0 Burnley
Goals from Nicolas Anelka, Michael Ballack and Ashley Cole kept Chelsea's 100 per cent record intact and left Burnley tasting defeat for the second time this season.
Burnley had little answer to a rampant Chelsea but it could have been a different story had Martin Paterson not squandered a gilt-edged chance to put Owen Coyle's side ahead in the ninth minute.
For an in-depth match report, click here.
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Mensah seals Black Cats switch
Mensah, who is nicknamed 'the Rock of Gibraltar', has nearly 60 caps for his country and is the current vice-captain.
He featured for Ghana in the 2006 World Cup and was also named in the All-Star team for the African Nations Cup.
Mensah began his career in the Ghanaian capital with MBC Accra and caught the eye of Italian Serie A outfit Bologna.
The defender went on to play for Chievo Verona, US Cremonese, Swiss outfit AC Bellinzona, Genoa and Modena, before joining French side Stade Rennais in January 2006.
He made more than 60 Ligue 1 matches for Rennais before attracting the attention of Lyon, who paid 8.4m Euros for him in July 2008.
Mensah becomes manager Steve Bruce's sixth signing of the summer, joining Paulo da Silva, Lee Cattermole, Lorik Cana, Fraizer Campbell and Darren Bent at the Stadium of Light.
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Tuncay signs for Stoke
The Turkey captain joins former Boro team-mate Robert Huth at the Britannia Stadium after the Germany defender sealed his switch from Teesside a day earlier.
"Tuncay is an exciting player with his pace and skill who will certainly get the crowd going," said manager Tony Pulis.
"He is also a player of international calibre and a leader of his national team."
Pulis also clinched the signing of Huth for £5m, although that fee could eventually rise to a club-record £6m.
"Robert has a great presence about him," added the Stoke manager.
"He is a big, strong defender and the fact he has played nearly 20 times for Germany is some recommendation in my book. He's one you know you can lean on."
Chief executive Tony Scholes said the fact the club had been able to pay out £10m inside 24 hours and attract such talent spoke volumes about their ambitions this season.
"We are delighted to bring a player of Tuncay's quality to the club because he has attracted attention from a number of big clubs, as indeed had Huth," he said.
"Therefore this is a powerful statement of our intentions as we look to move the club forward."
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Boateng makes Portsmouth move
German midfielder Boateng was expected to join Pompey after Spurs made it clear the 22-year-old - who had a spell on loan with Borussia Dortmund last season - was available.
The clubs were reported to have agreed a few of around £4m, and Portsmouth confirmed on their official website that the deal has gone through.
Pompey manager Paul Hart said: "Kevin's a good player, and I'm thrilled that we've managed to get him here.
"He's a young player who wants to prove something. Like all players we've brought in, he's got something to prove.
"He's got tremendous ability, and we hope we can provide the environment to channel that."
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Friday, August 28, 2009
Ferguson: Games Against Arsenal Are Never Easy
The Red Devils' boss is wary of the threat posed by free-scoring Arsenal.
Machester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he harbours a degree of trepidation over his side's imminent clash with competitive rivals Arsenal, scheduled for a late afternoon kick-off on Saturday.
The iron-willed Scot was speaking at a pre-match press conference, and indicated that Arsenal's early season form - including resounding wins against both Portsmouth and Everton - was keeping in tradition to a build-up to a tie that was "always interesting".
"Their fixtures have been the highlight of the season so far," Ferguson said. "The 6-1 at Everton was an amazing result. I don't think during my time I have known a result like that at Everton.
"They were good at Portsmouth and I saw them on Wednesday [versus Celtic] and I think they were comfortable enough.
"Games against Arsenal are never easy," he continued, "but always interesting.
"We have lost one game and we can't afford to lose another one."
Regarding Rio Ferdinand's declaration that he will be fit for the Tottenham Hotspur clash, Ferguson said, "It's nice that he's letting us know he'll be fit.
"Owen Hargreaves is back on September 23," said Sir Alex. "We're in dialogue with him all the time."
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Brown moves to Pompey
The 32-year-old was in the final year of his contract at the DW Stadium but has fallen down the pecking order under new manager Roberto Martinez.
Brown has signed a two-year deal at Fratton Park, where he spent a loan spell back in 1999 while under contract at Manchester City, with the option of a third year.
"Michael's a player who has shown he can perform at this level," Pompey manager Paul Hart said.
"He's very combative and someone who I've admired for many years.
"When he was playing at Sheffield United and I was at Nottingham Forest he was a player you didn't want to come up against.
"He'll add plenty of steel to our side."
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Everton sign Distin
The 31-year-old had also been linked with Liverpool, Aston Villa and Sunderland during an uncertain summer on the South Coast.
But he signed for the Toffees after passing a medical at Finch Farm on Friday morning.
Distin could now make his Everton debut against Wigan Athletic at Goodison Park on Sunday.
"He'll give me a centre half," Moyes told the club's official website. "I needed one before Joleon (Lescott) left and he'll give me a direct replacement for him. He's a left-footed centre back, which I wanted.
"He's a bit older but more experienced and I look back at how well Davey Weir and Alan Stubbs did for us in their 30s, and I hope Sylvain can do the same.
"We need someone to come in and keep us steady because we want to be competing at the top end of the Premier League."
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Diamanti joins Hammers
The 26-year-old, who joins the Upton Park club for an undisclosed fee, has signed a five-year contract with the Hammers.
He told his new club's official website: "I am very happy to be at West Ham United and to get the chance to play for Gianfranco Zola."
Hammers manager Zola, who needed to strengthen his forward line, had been tracking Diamanti for several months.
The only senior frontline striker currently fit at Upton Park is Carlton Cole, with Dean Ashton a notable absence through injury.
He continued on the Hammers' website: "I chose West Ham because the club have the tradition of playing great football. Also, because the West Ham fans are really passionate and that is the way I am."
The club's chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted we have been able to secure this transfer at last as we feel that Alessandro will be a perfect complement to our existing attacking options.
"It has been a case of working around the clock to ensure we landed another of our key targets and the three of us are grateful for the supporters' understanding of what we are trying to achieve with our exciting squad."
The Hammers had been strongly linked with a move for Diamanti after failing to land Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh.
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Chimbonda completes Rovers switch
The 30-year-old Frenchman has been brought in as a direct replacement for left-back Stephen Warnock, who has moved to Aston Villa.
Manager Sam Allardyce lined up the former Wigan Athletic and Sunderland defender when Villa first approached Rovers about Warnock but wanted the transfers to occur simultaneously.
"We've got the deal done. We've got an experienced player who is desperate to play football again, having missed it at Spurs," said Allardyce.
"The experience of the player, the adaptability of the player in a number of positions and his past record means we will have a good player on our hands and will not miss Warnock too much.
"We all know his favourite position is right-back. We are well covered there, but he can play centre-back and left-back."
The Frenchman is unlikely to play in his preferred position because Allardyce has already signed Lars Jacobsen and Michel Salgado this summer.
Chris Samba and Gael Givet are the only two fit centre-backs, captain Ryan Nelsen currently sidelined with a knee injury - while 21-year-old Martin Olsson is the only recognised left-back, although Givet has also played there.
However, the Rovers manager is confident Chimbonda's experience and desire to play regularly will allow him to adapt quickly.
"He was eager to get away from Tottenham, because he has not played enough games for them and he just wants to play football," said Allardyce.
"When you meet someone who tells you they just want to play football it is a good thing from the start.
"When you see what he has achieved in his Wigan and Tottenham early days we want him to come and emulate that at Blackburn, whichever position we pick him in.
"We had to scurry around for the last few days and we think we have found a very successful and experienced player to come and fill the gap Stephen has left."
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Pompey swoop for Smith
The 29-year-old attacker has moved to the south coast after the two clubs agreed a fee thought to be in the region of £1.8m.
Smith played more than 170 times for Watford during two spells at Vicarage Road, finding the back of the net 50 times for the Hornets.
He becomes the sixth player to move to Fratton Park this summer, but he is the first to command a fee.
Aaron Mokoena, Steve Finnan and Antti Niemi all joined Pompey on free transfers, while Frederic Piquionne and Anthony Vanden Borre both moved on loan.
"I spoke to Paul Hart and it sounded brilliant," he told the club's official website.
"Everything down here is certainly what I was looking for and I'm sure I've made the right decision.
"The supporters here are well renowned for being fantastic, loyal and very, very noisy. When I've played here the atmosphere's been electric and it'll be nice to be on the right side of them this time."
Pompey manager Hart said: "I've liked Tommy for a long time. He's clever, infectious, enthusiastic and a hard worker.
"He can play as a centre forward, behind the centre-forward or out wide, so he covers a lot of positions. He's going to be a great asset to us."
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Warnock Joins Villa
Warnock has put pen to paper on a four-year contract which will keep him at Villa Park until the summer of 2013.
He told the club's official website: "The main aim is pushing for that top four spot. That's the ambition. The manager is buying some really talented players - young and ambitious - and I'm sure they will see that top four spot as a target and goal."
The former Liverpool player added: "Playing in Europe is important - playing against the top players on the continent is fantastic - and there's no better stage to do that than in the Champions League. If we could do that, it would be a great achievement."
Warnock, 27, passed a medical and agreed personal terms on Wednesday afternoon and could come into contention for Sunday's home Barclays Premier League match with Fulham.
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Potters complete Huth deal
The 25-year-old defender finalised personal terms after undergoing a medical, and joins the club for a fee of £5m, which could rise to a club record of £6m, surpassing the sum paid for Dave Kitson last season.
Huth joins the club with a wealth of top-flight experience, having joined Chelsea in 2001. He then moved on to Middlesbrough in 2006 and suffered relegation to the Championship last term.
He told the club's official website: "I am grateful to Stoke for the opportunity to play in the Premier League so soon again. It was really a no brainer to come here once I found out that this club wanted to sign me."
In announcing the arrival of Huth, City's Chief Executive Tony Scholes commented: "This is a fantastic signing for the club because Robert gives us international pedigree and Premier League experience as well.
"Our manager Tony Pulis has been looking to strengthen the squad with the intention of taking us to an even higher level after we achieved a magnificent twelfth place in the Premier League last season and we are confident that Robert is the type of player who can help us achieve that aim."
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Europa League review - Thurs 27th Aug
Everton produced an assured performance to draw with Sigma Olomouc in the Czech Republic and confirm their place in the Europa League group stages.
Aston Villa's hopes of reaching the group stages of the Europa League were ended by a late goal from Rapid Vienna striker Nikica Jelavic in the second leg of the qualifier at Villa Park.
Martin O'Neill's side looked to have turned around a 1-0 first leg deficit after a James Milner penalty and John Carew's second half goal had put them ahead on aggregate.
But Jelavic, who had scored for Vienna in the first encounter, had the final say with 14 minutes remaining.
The Toffees, leading 4-0 from the first leg, had Tony Hibbert sent off for a foul on Jakub Petr and Lukas Bajer hit the bar from the resultant free-kick.
But they responded well and Steven Pienaar converted Leon Osman's cross with a fine finish to put the tie to bed.
Pavel Sultes swept in an equaliser from distance but Everton eased through.
Meanwhile, Fulham have booked their place in the Europa League group stage despite losing 1-0 away to Amkar Perm.
Roy Hodgson's men took a 3-1 lead in to the match, having won the first leg at Craven Cottage a week ago.
An understrength Fulham side took to the field, with Hodgson mindful not to exhaust his first-teamers ahead of a trip to Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.
And the side hung on well until the 90th minute when Martin Kushev netted for the home team. With the score at 2-3 on aggregate, it proved to be merely a consolation as the Cottagers progress to the Europa League proper.
The draw for the group stage will be made on Friday.
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Thursday, August 27, 2009
Fulham seal Dikgacoi signing
The South Africa international joins for an undisclosed fee in a deal tying the player to Craven Cottage until the summer of 2011.
The midfielder moves from Golden Arrows where he made 82 appearances since 2005. An agreement has been in place for a few weeks but the 24-year-old had to wait for international clearance before completing the move.
"I am so happy that my transfer to Fulham has been finalised," he told the club's official website. "I have spent most of the summer training with the players and getting to know them and all of the coaching staff.
"I have been given a wonderful chance to be part of a fantastic team playing in one of the best leagues in the world, this is something very special to me and an opportunity that I am going to grab with both hands."
Dikgacoi played in all five of South Africa's Confederations Cup matches this summer and has 28 caps for his country.
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Ferdinand backs Owen to flourish
Owen has not been happy at the assessment of his first few United appearances.
Although he was top scorer on the club's Far East tour, Owen had not scored in six matches prior to Saturday's visit to Wigan Athletic and some critics were already claiming Sir Alex Ferguson had made a mistake bringing the 29-year-old to Old Trafford.
Owen rounded on his accusers at the weekend and has now been backed by Ferdinand, who was at the DW Stadium to watch the Red Devils romp to a 5-0 win.
"He has been hammered yet he has not even played a full 90 minutes," Ferdinand said.
"People have said he was finished and was not worth the risk, yet he scored with probably his hardest chance of the season.
"But I think that goal on Saturday will catapult him towards scoring a few more."
While United have to somehow make up for the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo's phenomenal goals output, Ferdinand has faith in all his team's strikers.
Good friend Wayne Rooney has hit the ground running and is already up to four for the campaign, while Dimitar Berbatov also broke his duck at Wigan.
"People say certain things about Dimitar but he is always the first into training and the last to leave," said Ferdinand.
"He is a dedicated professional who wants to score goals for Manchester United.
"Maybe he is not like Wayne in the sense of being 100mph all the time. He is quite relaxed and does things in his own time. But you do not win the league with 11 players who are all the same."
Ferdinand confirmed he hopes to be fit in time to face Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on 12th September after suffering a thigh injury a day before the Community Shield defeat by Chelsea at Wembley earlier this month.
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Hibbert: Lescott a loss
But Hibbert recalled the time when Wayne Rooney left to join Manchester United and Everton responded by finishing fourth in the table to secure a place in the Champions League qualifiers.
The challenge now, he believes, is to issue a similar response this time around.
"He's a big loss. He was a great player for us, Joleon, and a great lad as well," Hibbert told Everton's official website.
"The character he brought to the place - he was a great lad to be around.
"It's just one of those things - players come and players go, that's football really. You have friends but the next minute they can go. We've just got to get over it."
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Lescott welcomes change
The England defender was presented to the press after signing a five-year contract with City.
"I'm excited to have joined a great club, and after talking to Mark Hughes I know that the club's ambitions and mine are similar. Now I just want to get out there with the lads," he said.
It was time for me to make the change, and my target now is to just play as many games as I can this season - you don't join a big club like this and expect to go straight in.
"We want to finish as high as we can in the league of course, and fourth place is achievable when you look around the dressing-room. We've signed players from some of the biggest clubs in the world, and that shows the ambition here.
"I think we're better equipped than Everton to finish fourth. I reached the FA Cup Final last season, which is an achievement. The next step is to win a trophy. I sense that feeling here."
Lescott is now the third costliest defender in the world after Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand and AC Milan's Alessandro Nesta. But the player denies this is an extra weight on his shoulders.
"I've a lot to live up to but not because of the money. I put a lot of pressure on myself and make demands of myself," he said.
"It's a demanding season with a World Cup to follow. I've managed to get into the England squad, now I want to try and cement my place for the World Cup, a massive goal for me."
Hughes believes he has signed a player capable of being as good Ferdinand and Chelsea captain John Terry.
He said: "I fully expect him to become the best central defender in the country. He is at the stage of his career where there is further development in him.
"He is at a club on which there is a huge focus. He will have to deal with that. That makes players grow. We have invested a lot of money in him and with that comes a responsibility.
"Joleon can be as good as John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. That is the challenge for Joleon. It will not faze him. He is a driven young man and wants to be the best he can be."
Manchester City also presented their new Brazilian defender signed Sylvinho.
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Top 10 Players Who Starred For Milan & Inter
10) Francesco Coco
Before he packed it all in to concentrate on his career as a cigarette smoker, party animal, clothing manufacturer and wannabe movie star, Francesco Coco was tipped to become the next Paolo Maldini and had stints at both Milan and Inter.
It's Inter who he blames partly for his demise as the next great Italian left-back. Coco has stated that the Nerazzurri made a mistake by letting him undergo back surgery in November 2003. He is still waiting for that call from Steven Spielberg.
9) Christian Brocchi
After graduating from the youth system at Milan in 1994, one of the most likeable nearly-men of Italian football didn’t actually get to play for the club until 2001. At that point, he returned to the red and black side of the San Siro as part of the swap deal which saw Argentine midfielder Andrés Guglielminpietro go the other way
While he has finally found his feet as a regular at Lazio, the Milan links remain. He also owns a cafe in the city with Christian Abbiati.
8) Edgar Davids
For a player who graced the modern game so successfully, Edgar Davids didn’t have a very happy time in Milan.
In 1996, the bulldog-like Ajax everywhere man moved to Milan and then spent most of the season sitting on the bench wondering where it all went wrong.
Then, after hitting the heights as Marcello Lippi’s “one-man engine room” at Juventus, the dreadlocked Dutchman spent another season sitting on the San Siro bench with Inter, before collecting his pension at Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane.
7) Aldo Serena
Few players have ever moved around with quite the same enthusiasm as Aldo Serena. During his largely illustrious career, the striker moved to Inter no less than four times and Milan twice.
At Inter he hit his peak in 1989 when his 22 goals were instrumental in the Nerazzurri's lifting of the Scudetto and saw him finish the season as capocannonieri. Still, his dalliances with their fierce rivals meant that he was jeered by the club's Ultras during recent Scudetto celebrations.
6) Fulvio Collovati
Even though Fulvio Collovati came through the Milan youth system and made 158 appearances for the Rossoneri, the club tested his loyalty to breaking point.
When, in 1980, Milan were infamously relegated to Serie B following a betting scandal, Collovati was one of the few players to stay at the club. But after climbing their way back to the top flight, Milan were subsequently relegated again, this time on purely footballing grounds, and the soon-to-be World Cup winner signed for Inter instead.
5) Roberto Baggio
Everyone knows that Roberto Baggio became the best player in the world when he was at Juventus, yet he did have two reasonably successful seasons with Milan and two highly fractious ones under the tutelage of Marcello Lippi at Inter.
After five stunning years with La Vecchia Signora, it took all the persuasive powers of Silvio Berlusconi to bring Baggio to the San Siro and the move paid off, as the Divine Ponytail's performances helped the club to lift the title in 1996.
4) Clarence Seedorf
Maybe only a player as universally liked and admired as the trophy-collecting Dutch midfielder could move directly from Inter to Milan and get away with it.
After four massively successful seasons with Real Madrid, Seedorf was already an international superstar by the time he was sold to Inter for £14 million at the turn of the century.
Two barren years with the Nerazzurri have been followed by seven seasons with the Rossoneri, during which he has won two UEFA Champions Leagues, one Scudetto, one FIFA World Club Cup and two UEFA Super Cups.
3) Ronaldo
The buck-toothed Brazilian is the only player in history who has scored for both clubs in the Milan derby. Ronaldo found the target for Inter in the 1998-99 season and then for Milan during his injury-plagued stint at the club following his transfer from Real Madrid in 2007.
Despite rupturing the tendon in his right knee not once but twice, Ronaldo remains an Inter legend with 49 goals in 68 games and a hatful of truly remarkable performances.
2) Andrea Pirlo
The ‘Metronomo’ has been established as the principal playmaker in front of the Milan back four for so long that it’s almost impossible to comprehend that he once belonged to Inter
In truth, Pirlo and Inter never really got on, with successive coaches leaving the little genius on the bench or loaning him out, before he signed a deal with Milan in 2001 and became a lynchpin for club and country and one of the most unique and under-rated footballers on the planet.
1) Giuseppe Meazza
When he was playing football in bare feet on the back streets on Milan, the young Meazza supported the city team in the red and black stripes.
However, the kid who would go onto become the first superstar of the Italian game was rejected by his beloved Rossoneri for being too skinny and went on to score a staggering 247 goals in 348 appearances for Inter instead. After thirteen glorious years, Meazza transferred to the club he had so adored as a boy and, of course, lent his name to the stadium both clubs now share.Read more!
Liverpool's Title Challenge Is Not Over, Insists Rafa Benitez
Rafa firmly believes the Reds can still win the title despite their shaky start to the campaign...
Rafa Benitez has asserted his belief that Liverpool can still mount a challenge for the Premier League title, despite last night's 3-1 home defeat by Aston Villa.
The Reds have now lost two of their opening three games, the same number of defeats they managed in the whole of last season, but the Spaniard is sure they can turn it around.
Before last night's encounter, Benitez had called on his charges to make Anfield a fortress as they seek their first league title in two decades, but too many defensive mistakes cost them dearly, and now the former Valencia supremo will have to pick up the pieces in time for this Saturday's vital clash with Bolton Wanderers.
He confirmed to BBC Sport: "We now know that we have to go to Bolton on Saturday and win. Everything could change if we do that, our confidence will improve.
"This squad is virtually the same as last season so I believe it is good enough to mount a title challenge."
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Friedel pleased to make amends
Villa ended Liverpool's 31-match unbeaten home league record with a deserved victory. They were two ahead at half-time through a Lucas own goal and a Curtis Davies header seconds from the break.
Fernando Torres pulled one back from close range, but an Ashley Young penalty soon after claimed the Midlanders' first win at Anfield since 2001.
Following an opening-day home defeat by Wigan Athletic, Friedel said: "It was the right time for us, we'd been getting a few bullets in the press lately and didn't have a good start. But to come here and win, no matter how we did it, was fantastic.
"Liverpool are a great side, we knew we'd be under the cosh. In the first half we played a bit more, in the second we were under siege and the penalty came at the perfect time.
"It has got us off the mark and to win at Anfield is fantastic. With the result last year it does leave a bad taste in the mouth.
"It's not revenge but it's pleasing to put in a performance because last year we just didn't turn up."
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Everton swoop for Bilyaletdinov
The 24-year-old met with Toffees officials in Hamburg on Monday - he is permitted to enter Germany with a Russian passport without a visa - and signed a five-year contract.
Bilyaletdinov will now return to his homeland to complete the formalities of a visa application to enter the UK.
"We are delighted to have secured the services of Diniyar," Everton chief executive Robert Elstone told the club's website.
"I know David Moyes has wanted to bring him to Goodison for some time and we look forward to welcoming him."
Bilyaletdinov will not be eligible for Thursday's Europa League play-off second leg against Sigma Olomouc and is unlikely to be in England for Sunday's Barclays Premier League match with Wigan Athletic.
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Fulham capture Greening on loan
The Barclays Premier League club have confirmed that a deal for the midfielder has now been agreed with a view to a permanent move next year.
Fulham had three bids for Greening rejected during the summer after the player handed in a transfer request.
A statement on Fulham's official club website confirmed: "Fulham Football Club can today confirm the season-long loan signing of Jonathan Greening from West Bromwich Albion which, it is anticipated, will become a permanent move next summer.
"The 30-year-old midfielder joined West Bromwich Albion from Middlesbrough in July 2004. Earlier in his career he spent more than three seasons at Manchester United, when he secured a £1m move to Old Trafford from York City in 1998. He has been a consistent player in the West Bromwich Albion side and has made 224 appearances since joining at the Hawthorns."Read more!
Sylvinho signs for City
The former Arsenal star was released by Barcelona at the end of last season and passed a medical on Monday afternoon to become the seventh new arrival at Eastlands.
Now 35, Sylvinho will provide cover for Wayne Bridge at left-back.
Twice a Champions League winner, Sylvinho completed the full 90 minutes of last May's triumph over Manchester United in Rome.
City manager Mark Hughes is hoping international clearance is received in time for Sylvinho to be considered for the Carling Cup second-round tie at Crystal Palace on Thursday.
"Sylvinho has a wealth of experience at the very top level, having represented Brazil and played for some of the very top clubs in Europe," Hughes told his club's official website. "When the chance presented itself to bring him to Manchester City as a free agent I saw it as representing excellent business for us."
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Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa
They were two ahead at the break through a Lucas own goal, and a Curtis Davies header seconds from half-time.
Fernando Torres pulled one back from close range, but an Ashley Young penalty soon after claimed the Midlanders' first win at Anfield since 2001.
For an in-depth match report, click here.
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Monday, August 24, 2009
Tigers in contract talks with Geovanni
Geovanni's current deal at the KC Stadium expires at the end of the season and Brown believes the Brazilian playmaker is keen to stay with the Tigers.
The 29-year-old had a mixed debut campaign with the Barclays Premier League club, scoring a number of crucial goals but also clashing with Brown on occasion.
Brown has no problems with Geovanni's attitude and is hoping the former Manchester City man will commit his future to Hull.
"I'm at advanced stages with Geo and he's made reference to wanting to stay at Hull and in England, he's got nothing but positives to say about the club," Brown said.
"I have had many, many conversations with Geovanni. He can sulk, but these players can take things personally at times when it's nothing personal.
"I understand the deal is that you're going to have spats with your players if you're passionate about your job and this club.
"That's probably a sign that they're passionate as well, so I don't have a problem with it."
Meanwhile, Brown has admitted his relief that Kamel Ghilas failed to secure a move to Blackburn Rovers after the Algerian striker scored the only goal against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
He added: "Our European scout Bob Shaw has been looking at Kamel for a year now, but we nearly missed out because Blackburn were watching him as well.
"Fortunately for us, he failed a fitness test with Rovers. But he did not look unfit to me - he looked very sharp and full of desire. His work-rate off the ball was fantastic."
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City confirm Lescott agreement
City have already seen two offers for the England international rejected by their Barclays Premier League rivals.
Toffees manager David Moyes appeared defiant that Lescott would remain at Goodison Park, despite the defender recently handing in a written transfer request.
However, Lescott was not included in Everton's squad for their previous two matches, increasing speculation that a move could be in the offing.
A statement on City's official website said: "Manchester City can confirm that agreement has been reached with Everton for the transfer of Joleon Lescott.
"The move is subject to the player agreeing personal terms and passing a medical."
Lescott moved to Everton from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of £5m in 2006 and has since made 113 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals.
The versatile stopper's solitary appearance this campaign came when Everton lost 6-1 to Arsenal on the opening day of the season.
City manager Mark Hughes has made no secret of his wish to further bolster his defensive ranks, having already brought in Kolo Toure from the Gunners.
Lescott now looks poised to join the likes of Toure, Roque Santa Cruz, Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor in signing at Eastlands this summeRead more!
Spirit of '61 inspires Redknapp
Sunday's 2-1 victory over West Ham United meant their best start to a season since winning the double in 1961.
Redknapp refused to compare his current crop to Spurs' celebrated team from nearly half a century ago, although he feels his side have a chance of creating their own history and pushing for their place in the Champions League.
After falling behind to Carlton Cole's spectacular opener at Upton Park, Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon took advantage of errors from Gianfranco Zola's men to maintain Spurs' 100 per cent start to the campaign.
"Nine points is a great start for us," Redknapp said. "But I wouldn't even compare ourselves to the '61 or '62 team. That was an amazing football team.
"They had Bill Nicholson as manager, Dave Mackay and Danny Blanchflower playing for them. Dave Mackay was like three men, not one.
"We've got some good players, but they had a great team and were fantastic. That was a special time in the club's history, a long time ago. If we are anywhere as good as them, we'll be okay."
Confidence is high at Spurs after wins over Liverpool, Hull City and now West Ham, with pundits suggesting Redknapp has the quality to challenge the top four.
"Who knows what we can achieve?" he said. "I'm not saying we'll finish in the top four, but we have good quality and we'll give it a go.
"It could be open this year. Manchester City will certainly be pushing to be a top-four team, and there's no reason we can't push.
"We've won two away games already this year. If our home form stands up, we'll be right up there."
Redknapp's men had to come from a goal behind after Cole unleashed a 25-yard volley which crashed past Carlo Cudicini four minutes after the break.
Cole turned from hero to villain five minutes later when his backpass led to Defoe levelling.
The winner came 11 minutes from time after Jonathan Spector's slip allowed Lennon to cut inside and drive past Robert Green.
few teams
Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola is desperate to give Cole support in attack and wants to bring in Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux.
But Zola said: "I don't think West Ham are his only potential destination. There are a few teams after him."
Zola has been without Dean Ashton following a long-term ankle injury. Following a report Ashton could retire from football, Zola added: "As far as I know, he's still doing his rehabilitation and I'm hoping to have him in my team. He's a player who can make a big difference.
"Until they tell me something different, I'm hoping he'll come back."
It is understood that money from selling James Collins would allow the Chamakh deal to go through.
"There's an interest in him (Collins) from another team, but that's all I know," Zola said.
"In defence we have eight players I can choose from. In attack, I can only choose Carlton Cole or myself. We have two young players who are doing well, but they need time."
Read more!
Premier Skills launches in Korea
The innovative coaching project, run in partnership with the British Council, sees Premier League coaches help local coaches in developing their coaching skills but also teaches them to use football as a tool for skills and community development.
The one week course in the Yangpyung district of Korea will run until 27th August and is the first course that has included participants who have disabilities. These include those who are deaf, blind, have cerebral palsy and learning difficulties.
The project is supported by local partners MBC Football and the Korean Football Association for the Disabled (KFAD). In total 44 community coaches from all over Korea are participating, with half of them currently coaching or being involved in disabled football teams.
The project is being led by four Premier League coaches who are especially experienced in community and disability football coaching. Everton's Johnnie Gartside is the head coach and he is joined by his Goodison colleagues Scott Black and Andrew Brady, as well Tottenham Hotspur's James Hemmings.
Premier Skills is the centrepiece of the Premier League's International Good Causes Programme.
Following pilots in Egypt and India, it has rapidly rolled out to a total of 18 projects across 10 countries, from Africa to China, India and South East Asia. More projects will be added between now and the end of the 2009/10 season with the overall aim to train 1,000 coaches, who will go on to impact on the lives of a further 100,000 people.
The Korea project is the tenth to take place in Asia following courses in China (Beijing, Dalian, Shanghai), Hong Kong, India (Delhi, Kolkata, Goa and Kerela) and Vietnam.
Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore said: "The Premier League is becoming increasingly popular in Asia and we are fortunate to have several Korean football stars play in England. It is important we use our profile and reach to encourage and engage communities - the roll-out of Premier Skills projects will do just that.
"Our partnership with the British Council will help develop the skills of local youth leaders for the long term benefit of their local communities. It is particularly pleasing that Korea is breaking new ground by being the first Premier Skills course to deliver disability coaching."
Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: "I know first-hand that there is huge demand for English in Korea and that interest in the Premier League is bigger than ever. Next month we will launch the Premier Skills website which will give millions of learners and teachers around the world an opportunity to improve their English and learn more about their favourite Premier League teams and players.
"Using new approaches to English learning and providing the latest and most dynamic learning, teaching and practice materials is central to our work in Korea."
Read more!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Wenger: This could be Diaby's season
The injury-plagued Frenchman popped up twice in the first-half to put Arsenal 2-0 ahead at the Emirates Stadium, writes Stewart Coggin. Younes Kaboul's header brought Pompey back into the match but second-half strikes from William Gallas and Aaron Ramsey put the result beyond doubt and took Arsenal's tally to 10 goals in two Barclays Premier League matches.
Diaby has been likened to Arsenal great Patrick Vieira, due to his gangly frame and ability to bring the ball forward. Wenger feels the ex-Auxerre man is a more offensive player than the former captain.
"Abou is a more offensive player but when he plays defensively he is exactly like Vieira," observed Wenger in the post match press conference.
"At some stage when Gallas moved out I put Denilson centre back and put Diaby central midfield in a defensive role. And he looks completely similar to Patrick when winning the ball back. But he is a guy who has a quick transition from defence to offence, from box to box, that is his fantastic strength, to change quickly. Nobody can go with him when he has that, when we are counter-attacking. He is fantastic.
"This could be his season. He has all you dream to have to play in the Premier League."
Wenger was pleased with his side's performance off the back of a tough trip to Celtic in midweek.
"We always feel we can score goals," he added. "The information we got after the first two matches is that we scored 10 goals, we could have scored more, so that's a brilliant start. It should create confidence and momentum.
"The first week was very successful with two difficult away games. Now we have another week, a second week, it is another test with Celtic and Manchester United. It looks to be exciting and interesting."
Cesc Fabregas was substituted with a hamstring injury, with Wenger confirming he is a doubt for Wednesday's Celtic match and that the injury would be assessed over the next 48 hours.
Portsmouth manager Paul Hart felt it would have been a different match had Gallas been sent-off after the break when he tangled with John Utaka as the Nigerian ran through on goal. Referee Steve Bennett took no action, and Hart admitted it was a 'cruel' blow to see Gallas pop up with the next goal shortly afterwards.
"I am a little bit (aggrieved), but I would like to say that I thought my lads did well against an extremely good Arsenal team," said Hart, whose side posed a sustained threat on the counter-attack.
"I think they showed a great spirit, they were well organised and they created chances - so I think that is important to get across.
"It is easy to feel sorry for ourselves and think the world is against us but I think we have got a lot of positives to take out of the last three games. And we have got to build on them."
Hart confirmed goalkeeper David James will have a scan on Monday after being substituted with a knee injury.
Read more!
Man Arrested For Attempted Murder Of West Ham Defender Davenport
A 25 years old has been arrested for attempted murder after stabbing incident that has left the footballer in a 'serious' condition in hospital.
One of the two men who reportedly attacked and stabbed West Ham United defender Calum Davenport and his mother early this morning, leaving the footballer in a "serious" condition in hospital, has been arrested by police "on suspicion of attempted murder".
Davenport and his mother were attacked at 5am this morning outside their homes in Bedford, and both were rushed to hospital, with the ex-Coventry stopper being forced to undergo emergency surgery to his leg.
A 19-year-old man was arrested shortly after the incident and is still in police custody, but Bedfordshire Police have now confirmed that a 25-year-old man has also been arrested for attempted murder of Davenport.
A police spokeswoman told Goal.com : "An assault took place on Springfield Avenue at 5am this morning. A 26-year-old man was taken to hospital having received a stab injury. He is still in hospital and is not thought to be in a life threatening situation at this time.
"At the same time a 49-year-old woman was also injured and taken to hospital from Springfield Avenue in Kempston. She is also not thought to be in a life threatening condition. "The 19-year-old man who was arrested this morning shortly after the incident is still with police at Greyfriars Police Station
"But in the last few minutes a further man, a 25-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and he has been arrested in Derby.
He is due to be escorted back to Bedfordshire for questioning this evening." Neighbours and witnesses say that Davenport was stabbed "several times" and that there was "blood everywhere" at the scene of the crime.
One neighbor, Anne Desics, 61, who lives down Springfield Avenue said, "I just thought it was people passing by but then the ambulances came.
"I didn't see the incident, I just heard all this shouting. There was quite a lot of blood."
West Ham have issued a statement, wishing Davenport and his mother a quick recovery.
"The thoughts of everyone at West Ham are with Calum and his family and, due to the on-going investigation, no further information will be released," the statement reads.
Read more!
Hull City 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
Kamel Ghilas combined with fellow new signing Jozy Altidore as Hull finally got back to winning ways at the expense of Bolton.
Ghilas fired the decisive goal of a scrappy Barclays Premier League encounter after being set up by Altidore's first touch with 61 minutes gone.
Until then Hull had been second best to Bolton, who missed clear-cut chances through Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies.
For an in-depth match report, click here
Read more!
Arsenal 4-1 Portsmouth
Arsenal enjoyed a comfortable win against Pompey at the Emirates Stadium to continue their impressive start to the new Barclays Premier League season.
Diaby set them on their way with two first-half goals in the space of three minutes.
Younes Kaboul pulled one back before the break - but William Gallas and substitute Aaron Ramsey ensured a comfortable finish as the Gunners maintained their 100 per cent Barclays Premier League record.
For an in-depth match report, click here
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