Sir Alex Ferguson does not anticipate adding any more new players to his Manchester United squad ahead of the new season.
Ferguson has signed defender Chris Smalling from Fulham and promising Mexico striker Javier Hernandez this summer and has declared himself content with the squad currently at his disposal.
"I cannot speak about other clubs. We are comfortable with the squad we have got," he said.
"We bought players at the right time of the season and we are happy with what we have."
Meanwhile, Ferguson has been pleased by the way his players are progressing through their pre-season programme on the current five-match tour to North America.
He added:"We are doing double sessions at 9.50am and 5.30pm and that helps us get a little rest after lunchtime.
"The (hot) conditions haven't stopped us – they have been really good.
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"The players have been great. They have shown some good application, good concentration and put in some really good work.
"It is now we are beginning to see the benefits of our training. The tempo is at the level we expect of our players."eSubscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Arsenal FC have carried the reputation as an easy target in recent years; that they’re not capable of fighting off clubs from taking their big players. That they were the most susceptible of the old Top Four to be relegated from that privileged status at the echelon of the Premier League. Well, symbolically, that reputation has been laid to rest with the realisation that Cesc Fabregas is indeed not going to be granted a move to Barcelona.
It’s hardly surprising that Arsene Wenger has undergone scrutiny for a lack of trophies over the last few years. However, when taking everything faced into account, it has been a masterplan in disguise. It was always going to require a period of transition following the feats of ‘the Invincibles’ in 2003/04. That team had reached its peak by 2005, and with many of the players ageing it was time to rebuild.
The club’s difficulty to maintain a sustained title challenge, while going through this period, may have proved an unwelcome surprise, a sacrifice not worth enduring for some fans, however in the grand scheme of things, it was a hardship they had to endure. Their frailties in competing for trophies were exacerbated by the progress made by Chelsea and Liverpool in particular. What had normally been a two-horse title race between Man Utd and Arsenal was now much more competitive. This meant that drastic changes had to be made at a problematic time, but it was necessary, and having held on to their Champions League status with successive campaigns, it would now appear they are ready to reap the rewards.
Vieira’s generation underwent a mass exodus (Pires, Ljungberg, Campbell etc.) followed by a subsequent period of unfulfilled, and unhappy, ‘stars’ moving on (such as Hleb, Adebayor, Toure), who felt their ambitions weren’t being matched, who perceived a lack of exuberant (a more apt word might be outrageous) transfer spending, which clubs like Chelsea, Man City or Real Madrid were pursuing as their own method of business, as a chink in their armour.
The players looked to jump ship in a bid to move on to apparently greater things. And it painted a picture of a club no longer strong enough to fight and keep their players. Up until now, as despite Barcelona making Francesc Fabregas their number one target, there has been no move. If Arsenal is in fact a selling club, how on earth can they insist upon not allowing Fabregas to go to his dream, hometown club?
The reason it seems is that the notion of them as a selling club has been nothing more than an illusion. Arsenal fans have bemoaned many of the player exits that have been permitted, and though some of that interest was not welcomed by the manager, his handling of each drama has proven another masterstroke by the Frenchman. When given the option of holding onto these players, who openly encouraged interest from other clubs, or letting them go, he generally opted for the latter. Many perceived this as a sign of weakness, but just as any other football club should be treated, it is essentially a business (if you’re not balancing the books, something’s wrong) and among many talents Wenger gives the impression of being a shrewd businessman.
There was no point in holding onto a cluster of players who were only undermining the morale of the club, and, most importantly, they were essentially replaceable. Toure was past his best, Hleb had a number of similar understudies who could take his place, and Adebayor would only be second choice to Robin Van Persie as the club’s lone frontman anyway. So receiving £40 million from Man City and £15 million for Hleb, though disruptive, was in fact a good deal for Arsenal too.
Each were sold for substantial profit (after all, Toure and Adebayor were purchased for less than £4 million) and at a time when their wage demands were escalating drastically. So what appeared to be a revolving door policy at Arsenal has been suddenly shut closed this year when Barcelona decided they wanted to make Fabregas the newest addition in an already glittering array of stars. So why did they say no this time? Because he is irreplaceable.
This is where the difference lies. Previous enquires by clubs for some players may not have been met with great opposition, but that does not mean that it was the standpoint of the club to sell. Each situation is analysed at its own merit. Wenger is aware when the right time to sell is, and selling Cesc Fabregas is not an option right now.
Just like when David Dein was offered £100 million by Chelsea for Thierry Henry in his prime, some players are indispensable. And though this is not to say he won’t sign in the future, it will not be this year, or maybe even next year. Not until others like Aaron Ramsey have gained more experience. Fabregas is central to the success of the team, just as Henry was, so at any price, it’s bad business.
The team has been built around his leadership more so than anyone else. Rumours of selling Fabregas and paying half of what they get to lure Ozil may well be an interesting idea, maybe it would even let them strengthen elsewhere with what money would be left, but for however good Ozil has shown himself to be, no-one can replace Fabregas’ role at this point.
They have stood firm on their position that Fabregas is not for sale. They’re in no rush to sell him and why would they be? With four years left his market value will be the same in two years as it is now. And Barcelona should be wary. The new president of Barcelona Sandro Rossel made it pretty clear Arsenal are peeved with their pursuit of their celebrated 23 year old starlet, amid what can really only be described as tapping up.
In general, Arsenal tend to be amicable in doing business, no matter who is departing (think Thierry Henry’s move to Barcelona), and they would preferably not have Fabregas eventually leave under a storm of controversy. However, if Barca’s efforts to lure the player continue to infringe upon preparations for the new season then, in the future, they may decide to ditch friendly negotiations and instead opt for encouraging a bidding war for the player. And with an endless list of wannabe suitors, it will only end up costing Barcelona more.
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Written By Darren Doherty
Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
Mark Hughes has revealed that one of the main reasons why he decided to become Fulham's new manager was his desire to start working again.
The former Wales and Blackburn Rovers boss had been without a job since being axed by Manchester City in December 2009.
Hughes, who was last week confirmed as Roy Hodgson's successor at Craven Cottage after signing a two-year contract, said at a press conference:"I made the decision that this is the right club for me at this time. It feels a good fit.
"The attraction, obviously, is the opportunity to get back into work. I needed to get back to work. The situation with Fulham was maybe the perception I had of Fulham's ambitions.
"Obviously, I was disappointed (to leave Manchester City) because I felt I was doing a good job, given the circumstances. I think no-one else could have done as good a job as I did, given the circumstances. I felt we were fully on track with the expectations of the owners.
"I think the job Roy (Hodgson) did was magnificent. He maximised the results out of the group he had. That's what I've always tried to do. The way I set my team up, I think that will lend itself to the work Roy put in place.
"We don't have the distraction of the Europa League this season. That's a big ask when you're involved in that competition. We had that experience the year before at City.
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"I think the fact we haven't got that this year is a bonus. If we can get into the top ten this year, that'll be good progress.
"I think it's fair to say that we need more attacking options. We'll look at that and I think what everybody knows is quality strikers are at a premium."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton hailed the improvement Andy Carroll made to his game in a season out of the Premier League after the young striker bagged a hat-trick during Sunday's rout of Aston Villa.
The Magpies dished out a 6-0 St James' Park thrashing, with Carroll scoring a hat-trick after the visitors had missed an early penalty kick through John Carew.
Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan (2) were also on the mark for the rampant home side.
Carroll scored 17 goals in the Championship last season and shone on his first home appearance since being handed the club's iconic number nine shirt.
"What he has done is work hard to develop his game, but we all know and certainly centre-forwards will know it is about scoring goals," explained Hughton.
"He was able to do that last season. It was something we asked of him, could he add goals to his game, and in the lesser division, he was able to do that.
"Now the challenge for him is to do it in this division.
"There are areas of his game he can improve. How far he can go, that will be up to the environment he is in and the individual himself, but he has the attributes to improve even more.
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"For those who have been in the game for quite some time, he is very much a throw-back. He can be prolific in the air – he is certainly a handful for most defenders he plays against.
"But as all good and great goalscorers will tell you, it's not only about a contribution for the team, but they would see it more so as putting the ball in the back of the net and ultimately, he will be judged on that."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Tottenham Hotspur are close to completing a deal to sign South Africa international defender Bongani Khumalo when the transfer window re-opens in January.
The 23-year-old currently plays for Supersports, but has impressed while on trial at White Hart Lane, with a £1.5million deal now on the cards.
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp confirmed:"I think we've done a deal for him. We're in the process of doing a deal for him.
"He's not expensive. We had him over on trial and we like him. He's got potential and we've got a tie up with the club Supersports, so we've taken him on.
"It will be a great chance for the kid. He's a great lad. He comes from a poor background and he's desperate for a chance and we're going to give him a chance."
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Khumalo was part of the hosts' squad at the World Cup finals earlier this year, starting all three of the Bafana Bafana's group games, scoring in the 2-1 victory over 1998 world champions France.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Netherlands international Maarten Stekelenburg has set his sights on a move away from Ajax next summer, with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United having been linked with the highly-rated goalkeeper.
The 28-year-old's current contract runs out at the end of next season and Stekelenburg believes that an extension is out of the question.
He told NUsport:"I don't expect Ajax to try to offer me a new improved deal. That really won't happen.
"My current contract goes on for one more year after this season. Ajax are looking to make some money by selling me and I really want the club to get a good transfer fee.
"It's probably the best thing for Ajax to sell me in the summer of 2011.
"However, I will be the one who decides where I'm going to sign. I want to move to a bigger league and not to a relegation candidate.
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"I'd rather stay one more year at Ajax than join a small team in a big league. I'm not in a rush to leave the club.
"I started the season with Ajax and I will stay at the club until the end of the 2010-11 campaign. I'm confident that we can achieve great things with this team."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Chelsea defender Yuri Zhirkov has dismissed reports suggesting he is unhappy at Stamford Bridge and keen to return to Russia.
The 27-year-old Russia international moved to Chelsea from CSKA Moscow in the summer of 2009 only for a knee injury to restrict him to only 22 starts for the club.
He has not started a Premier League game since April but is expected to feature in Tuesday's Champions League encounter with Spartak Moscow.
Zhirkov admitted:"I've not lived up to my full potential because I haven't played too many games in the first team.
"But I'll try to show more. I'm getting fitter game by game and I'll try to show more. My fitness is getting better and I'm feeling more confident.
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"Talk of me returning to Russia is just rumours and speculation. I don't want to leave Chelsea and, if the manager doesn't want to sell me, I will stay."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Liverpool’s recently appointed Director of football, Damien Comolli, is not one to shy away from blowing his own trumpet. He claims credit for the recent successes of the Spurs team, particularly the uncovering of Gareth Bale. Having been in charge of recruitment for three years at Spurs from September 2005- October 2005, it is no wonder that the majority of the team are players he has signed. Especially given that this was a period of strong investment in the transfer market by Tottenham. His claims, although debatably credible, expose a lack of professionalism and hunger for media attention for the man now at the helm of Liverpool’s transfer policy. When surely the club are wishing to turn attention away from the backroom staff and running of the club and onto positive events on the field.
It also shows an extremely selective memory, neglecting such expensive failures as Darren Bent and David Bentley, Tottenham’s two most expensive signings. Other players bought to the club that have evaded Comolli’s memory consisted of Hossam Ghaly, Ricardo Rocha, Gilberto and Dorian Dervite to name but a few. Such an expansive but scattered transfer policy was bound to bring in a few gems that have gone on to establish themselves in the first team. But the long list of failings in such a short space of time suggests Comolli is not the shrewd recruiter of talent he would have us believe.
Under Martin Jol there was a clear emphasis to bring in young British talent to the club in order to build for the future. This could go some way to explaining why Comolli’s signings at Spurs are only now beginning to flourish given time and correct management. And perhaps given a different brief at Liverpool i.e. to find players that would immediately improve the first team; he could prove beneficial in the short term given his eye for talent. As his successful signings at Spurs, which he is more than happy to point to, suggest he does possess. However aside from the less than successful players mentioned he also resided over the recruitment of two strikers each costing over £13m, Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko. They were subsequently deemed by two successive managers, Ramos and Redknapp, unable to play together at a time when they were the only recognised senior strikers in the squad. Although it is unclear who is entirely to blame for this scenario, it seems to me that a Director of football should recruit players to fill the positions needed and should know how they can fit in to the existing. The failure to address the departure of Michael Carrick, that so badly affected a team that was a lasagne-gate away from qualifying for the Champion League in 2004, has got to be seen as a huge transfer failure. Especially if Zokora was intended as that replacement, given his game is completely different of that of Carrick’s.
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The most baffling transfer scenario that developed during Comolli’s time at Tottenham was the failure to address the problem on the left wing. A problem admittedly that Spurs had had for a few years before his arrival. But I find it hard to believe that neither Jol nor Ramos told the Director of football that this was a position they needed to fill by entering the transfer market. Yet instead of a left winger or even left sided midfielder Spurs became flooded with mediocre central midfielders such as Murphy, Ghaly, Boateng, O’Hara who were all forced to play out on the left and therefore never got the opportunity to show what they could really do. Right back was the other position where Comolli’s scattered transfer policy was overindulged, with Hutton Chimbonda, Corluka and Gunter all coming to the club in the space of two years. Seeing as Hodgson seems to be doing a reasonable job of signing central midfielders that are not going to set the world alight in Poulsen and Miereles. Liverpool fans should be concerned with the possibility of a high influx of young right backs to settle their problems in front of goal.
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26th November 2010: The Only Way is Essex stars Mark Wright and Lucy Mecklenburgh brought football chic to Chelmsford City yesterday in preparation for the club’s 2nd round FA Cup battle with Wycombe Wanderers this Saturday.
Mark Wright, 23, a former Tottenham youth team captain, knows what a battle Wanderers face this weekend having frequently come out on the losing side against City during spells with both Crawley Town and Rushden & Diamonds.
Mark said: “This weekend’s clash with Wycombe is like a cup final for Chelmsford. It’s great to see one of my local Essex sides doing so well in this season’s competition and I just hope the boys can pull off a shock. I’d love to see them in the hat for the 3rd round draw on Sunday, it would be a dream to see them take on Scunthorpe United, the team my brother Josh plays for. Come on the Clarets!”
The 2nd Round of The FA Cup kicks off this evening with non-league Crawley Town taking on Swindon Town live on ESPN (KO 7:45). The weekend’s TV coverage continues on Saturday with all the live action from Kingsmeadow as League 2 Stevenage travel to AFC Wimbledon (ITV 1, KO 12:50).
The weekend’s FA Cup action culminates in the 3rd Round draw on Sunday at 6pm (live on ITV 1) with special guests Noel Gallagher, an avid Manchester City fan, and Leicester City supporter Serge from the multi million selling band Kasabian.
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The 2nd Round FA Cup draw in full
Sheffield Wednesday v Northampton Town
Burton Albion v Chesterfield
Huddersfield Town v Macclesfield Town
AFC Wimbledon v Stevenage
Hartlepool United v Yeovil Town
Bury v Peterborough United
Notts County v Bournemouth
Droylsden v Leyton Orient
Crawley Town v Swindon Town
Brighton & Hove Albion v FC United of Manchester
Southampton v Cheltenham Town
Torquay United v Walsall
Charlton Athletic v Luton Town
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Think you know fantasy football? Think again! We’ve all played fantasy football before and if you’re one of the thousands of football fans who have become a bit tired of the same old format, then there’s a brand new game that you’ll love playing.
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First things first you need to sign up here and take advantage of the free trial for Football FanCast readers. Choose your team name and get ready to take on football fans from across the world. Then take a look at the schedule of matches that are running on the Picklive website, if a match is live on TV then you can be sure that Picklive is running a live fantasy football game alongside it.
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When the match is live you can join the game room and pick your players to do battle with. There are then two types of game for you to play. The Big Game lasts for the whole match and requires you to pick five players, as you compete with an unlimited number of players. The Live Game lasts for just 7.5 minutes and you get to pick three players before kickoff, although you can make up to three substitutes per game. There will be between six and twenty five players in the game room and you’ll need to come in the top three to finish in the prize pot.
Once you’ve selected your game and bet £1 to play you will join the Picklive Live Game Room with the rest of your opponents. Then as the game is taking place you will accumulate points in real-time, with 20 points for a goal, 10 points for an assist, 1 point for a pass and so on. However, you’ll lose 20 points for a red card, 10 points for a yellow, 3 points for a foul and more.
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