So they finally went and did it!! Spurs shelled out £16m for a certain Mr Bent! Now think of it this way.....Henry-£16m
Owen - £9m (possibly)
Torres-£27m
Now where does Darren Bent come in class compared to these three? Exactly! The only people who seem to agree that he is worth that kind of money are Spurs fans!
There's talk again of Gabby Heinze leaving Man Utd. There are rumours that Liverpool are going to put in a £7m bid for the Argy left-back. I personally do not understand why Fergie seems willing to let him go when he only has one world class left-back in Evra, and especially if he lets bitter rivals Liverpool take him. Shooting yourself in the foot isn't usually Fergie's way.
What by the way is Didier Drogba up to?
"You want to know if I will still return to Chelsea?" asked the Ivorian. "I will reply to that when I am ready. For now I am having a deserved vacation. "I love the English league and may not be in a hurry to leave England if you insist. "But it's difficult to really predict what I want to do in the next week." EH? What is he on? The premier League's highest scorer who said last year that "I will die if I leave Chelsea". Bring on the contract negotiations!!
Well Man Utd have finally got the exciting Brazilian,Anderson, his work permit at the second time of trying. Testimonials from the likes of Luis (Big Phil) Scolari helped to grease the wheels a little! It is definately going to be interesting to see where and how Fergie plays him in an already congested midfield.
Any comments guys..?
See you soon
Gary
Saturday 30 June 2007
Transfer merry go round
Tuesday 26 June 2007
Spanning the World: The Crazy Universe of Big-Time Sports, All-Star Egos, and Hall of Fame Bloopers
Another FREEBIE for you:
A must read for every sports fan, Spanning the World is an irresistible blend of humor, history
, and contemporary commentary on the state of sports from the ultimate fan who has seen it all.
Berman has been a fixture on the New York City sports scene since the 1980s, but he is best know nationally for the sports bloopers he collects in his "Spanning the World" pieces on the Tonight Show. This collection of funny or unusual anecdotes draws from both "Spanning" video and his own memory bank. Along the way, Berman offers insights into such various sports figures as Bob Knight and Arthur Ashe, but it's the oddball stuff that will most interest readers, including the story of a practical joke played by Detroit Piston Rick Mahorn, who told a referee during a game that teammate Joe Dumars had just scored his twenty-thousandth career point. Dumars was actually 5,000 short, but Mahorn's deception generated an impromptu ceremony that interrupted the game. There are hundreds of similar stand-alone anecdotes collected here, loosely organized around themes. Try a couple of chapters at a time for maximum enjoyment. Expect Berman to generate his own demand with multiple media appearances.
Just click the link for your free copy, PDF download!
http://www.asiaing.com/spanning-the-world-the-crazy-universe-of-big-time-sports-all-star-egos-and-hall-of-fame-blo-2.html
Later,
Gary
More news from the transfer world
Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi could be set for a permanent switch to Parma.
The Italian club's president Tommaso Ghirardi claims to have made an enquiry about the availability of the 20-year-old, who spent five months on loan with the Serie A team last season.
"We spoke with the player, with the Manchester United chief executive [David Gill] and with Sir Alex Ferguson, too," said Ghirardi. "Now it's up to them to give us an answer."
The Parma supremo accepts it will not be easy to secure Rossi's services but insists the offer he has made United is fair.
"Certainly, it would be really difficult to keep the player, but we believe in this," Ghirardi said.
"From a financial point of view, we made our offer and I think it completely answers Manchester's expectations."
Not too sure about this one what with Man utd in the market for a new striker, give the boy Giuseppe a chance I say, he seems to be doing okay elsewhere!
For once ,as I have already mentioned, I do feel sorry for the Man City fans out there having to look forward to the arrival of Sven. Third choice at City and last I heard even the South Africans turned him down! Oops, looks like another big mistake on the blue side of Manchester!
Catchya later,
Gary
Monday 25 June 2007
More news from the transfer world
The silliest report that I have read for a long time concerns Liverpool and Atletico Madrid. According to one of the tabloid newspapers Atletico are willing to let Fernando Torres go in exchang for Peter Crouch, with hard cash of course! I cannot think of any player at the moment who is so unlike Torres, as Crouch is, that I find that rumour hard to believe - Torres the proven goalscore for club and country, to be replaced by Crouch who cannot get a starting place for club never mind country!
Now we all knew that Thierry Henry was going to follow David Dein out of the Emirates door and Join Barca but what is surprising is the talk of Anelka being bought to replace him. This could just be Wenger's way of a quick fix but the Arsenal board obviously do not agree with him as reports suggest they are going to put a block on any possible bid. I for one cannot blame them; Anelka wasn't exactly loyal the first time out was he! Could this also be a test of Wenger's resolve to see the last year of his contract out? We shall see.
Here is sad news to me personally; Alan Smith is reportedly going to sign for Middlesborough for a paltry £6m( puts Darren Bent's £15m-£16m move to Spurs in perspective! ). Although Portsmouth are supposed to be interested as are Newcastle and Sunderland, I sincerely hope he keeps to his word and stays to fight for his place at The Theatre of Dreams!
On the other side of Manchester there are clouds gathering! Ok so they have been taken over and paid all their debts but, and here is the downside, Saucy Sven is more than likely going to be their next manager! I have talked to City fans in the pub and in various forums and not one fan has shown his pleasure at the possibility of Nancy..sorry I mean Sven-Goran Eriksson taking over the reins at The City of Manchester Stadium. I feel sorry for them all...not!
Thats about all today folks but there will be more!
Gary
Sunday 24 June 2007
World Soccor mag for free!
Just a Quicky today!
I found this free e-book you can download at the above link.
No money will change hands you just register for free and away you go!
Have a read and tell me what you think!
Gary
Monday 18 June 2007
Chelski Becoming Poorski??
Had a bad day today what with the weather among other things but what did cheer me up was hearing about Mourinho searching for bargain basement players the latest being Benni McCarthy from Blackburn. OK he was good when he played for the Special One at Porto but he has been around the block a bit since! Add that to Tal Haim, a possible free transfer from Bolton.....What is going on at Chelski??
More later....
Gary
Sunday 17 June 2007
Is 'Psycho' the meanest motivator?
Stuart Pearce's side are in pole position to qualify as their destiny is in their own hands, while Italy and Czech Republic are hoping to capitalise on any England slip-up.
Two draws from their opening two games sees England placed second in Group B behind Serbia, who have already secured their semi-final place.
Pearce believes Italy will overcome the Czechs meaning England must win their game to assure progression in Holland.
"We feel if we don't win the game we go out of the competition. I think the Italians will beat the Czechs," stated the former Manchester City boss.
Hopefully Ferdinand will be sufficiantly recovered from injury as the heart of the defence has looked weak. Give Nugent enough of the ball to actually do something with it then the semis are next.
Go Psycho!!
Gary
The 'Special One' shows humility?!
Jose Mourinho has revealed had he not been mentally strong last season then he could have walked away from Chelsea.
The hugely successful Portuguese tactician's job was reportedly under threat last term following a much-publicised fall-out with billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.
However, the pair are believed to have reconciled and the former Porto boss has lifted the lid on the exact goings on within the confines of Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho concedes Chelsea works in a different way to the traditional hierarchy at most football clubs and has stated it is he who needs to adapt to the situation - not Abramovich.
I couldn't believe my eyes when i saw the quote from the 'Portuguese Prince' showing that he could actually be semi- human afterall!
Gary
Saturday 16 June 2007
Coming and goings at Arsenal
WENGER PREPARES TO SELL HENRY
The Gossip has quietened down in recent days but it doesn't get much more dramatic than this: The Times claims that 'Arsene Wenger has signalled his willingness to sell Thierry Henry by entering into negotiations with Barcelona for the first time'. According to the newspaper, 'The Arsenal manager met Ferran Soriano, the Spanish club's financial director, in Paris this week for preliminary discussions, though both parties remain some distance from agreeing Henry's transfer. Wenger wants to sign Samuel Eto'o as part of the deal, but Barcelona are reluctant to allow the Cameroon striker to leave despite his problems at the club this season.' The Guardian also speculates that Wenger has opened talked with Barca and is more willing to believe that Eto'o could move to the Emirates: 'Wenger is an avowed admirer of the Cameroon striker, whom Barcelona are thought to consider surplus to requirements if Henry arrives.' Nonethless, as The Times writes, the bottom line appears to be that Wenger has accepted 'that he is running out of options, with Henry eager to take what many believe would be his final opportunity to move to Spain. Wenger may resolve to cash in on an unsettled player in any case, as he did when selling Patrick Vieira to Juventus two years ago.' As such, Henry may be offloaded for around £20m and Arsenal will confirm their status as a selling club.
BABEL EYES GUNNERS SWITCH
However, one player apparently willing to play for the Gunners is Ajax winger Ryan Babel. The 20-year-old forward has been watched by Arsenal while helping Holland Under-21s reach the semi-finals of the European Championships they are hosting, with Babel scoring against Portugal. "If I get the chance one day to train with Arsene Wenger it would be a dream," he said. From when I was young I supported Arsenal. I liked the style, the ambience, how they show themselves on the field - everything."
So then Alliadierre, Henry...who's next to leave The Emirates on the transfer merry go round?
More soon
Gary
Thursday 14 June 2007
The transfer merry go round!
"Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Darren Bent from Charlton Athletic.
The former Ipswich ace was always destined to leave The Valley this summer following Charlton's relegation.
Bent had been expected to join West Ham, with The Hammers reportedly willing to offer £17million to seal the deal, plus a lucrative pay packet.
Now sources close to the England striker have told Sky Sports News Spurs have expressed an interest in the player."
This supposedly from sky sports news! And the pay he is supposed to be offersd?..£75,000 a week!
All this for a player with less than 50% score ratio and only made one appearance (sub) for England in a friendly last season!!
More interesting though is.....
"Niall Quinn admits Sunderland are waiting for David Nugent to return from England duty before pushing on with a bid for the Preston North End striker.
Reports on Wednesday claimed that Sunderland had made an undisclosed cash offer for the forward, who is in Holland at the European Under 21 Championship.
Black Cats chairman Quinn was taken aback by the revelation, but confirmed the club are waiting for the opportunity to speak to Nugent.
"It was a surprise to us, the way the story broke out yesterday," Quinn told Sky Sports News.
"As far as we were concerned, the last time we spoke to Preston he had the tournament, which is very important for England Under 21s.
"I think the player himself said that and it was foremost in his mind. It's a waiting game until that's over.
"Our interest, as three or four other clubs are, is pretty well known at this stage."
Quinn also confirmed that the promoted side are working hard to add to Roy Keane's squad before the start of the Premier League season.
He added: "We're trying very hard. The type of player we are trying to bring in doesn't come cheap.
"We haven't gone for the cheap alternatives at this stage and we are still in there trying very hard for the ideal player that Roy Keane wants.
"We'll keep every stone turned and do everything we possibly can to bring the type of player in we believe will make Sunderland a better club.
"It's not as straight-forward as people expect you to do these things. It's very, very hard work, but we're getting there and we hope to have a bit of news soon."
Now Nugent is a player with fantastic potential...he's aggressive, quick and a proven goalscorer at any level as well as many,many assists.
I sincerely hope he does go to Sunderland as Roy Keane will surely get the best out of the young man!!
Gary
Wednesday 13 June 2007
Is Beckham right to go to America??
Terry Venables believes Steve McClaren is 'wise' to not guarantee David Beckham his England place next season.
Beckham was recalled to the England fold for the recent games against Brazil and Estonia after failing to feature during the early months of McClaren's reign.
He impressed upon his return, creating three of England's four goals, but has not been assured of a role in the autumn Euro 2008 qualifiers.
With Beckham heading to Los Angeles Galaxy later in the summer, England assistant manager Venables has backed McClaren's stance on the midfielder.
"Some people were surprised Steve did not instantly guarantee David's place next season, but I thought that was wise," said Venables in his News of the World column.
"The next few months represent a step into the unknown for the manager and player, and we have to assess what impact the travelling and the different demands of Major League Soccer will have on David.
"If he can maintain his physical condition, his desire and his capability to influence matches, I do not see a problem."
Venables also praised the return to international action of Michael Owen, who scored against Estonia in his first competitive England appearance since injuring his knee at last year's World Cup.
"Nobody can doubt his fitness now," said Venables of the Newcastle striker. "Michael was tremendous against Estonia - his work-rate was almost too high.
"I began to wonder whether he would have the energy to get in the right position when it mattered.
"I need not have worried. He took his goal well and after a full close-season he will be back to his best next term."
