tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68948231704961189342009-02-28T21:50:46.562-08:00Visit PassionFootball.Com for all the action as it happens - up-to-the-minute news, results, breaking news, video, audio and featured stories.Spynoreply@blogger.comBlogger505125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-20691311263604516352009-02-25T07:00:00.001-08:002009-02-25T07:00:07.632-08:00Pankaj kumar wants you to join Yaari!<br /> <br /> Is Pankaj your friend?<br /> <br /> <a href="http://yaari.com/?controller=user&action=mailregister&friend=1&sign=YaariJTY979SPC479PJC876FXM462">Yes, Pankaj is my friend!</a> <a href="http://yaari.com/?controller=user&action=mailregister&friend=0&sign=YaariJTY979SPC479PJC876FXM462">No, Pankaj isn't my friend.</a><br /> <br /> Please respond or Pankaj may think you said no :(<br /> <br /> Thanks,<br /> The Yaari Team<br /> ____<br /> If you prefer not to receive this email tell us <a href="http://yaari.com/?controller=absn&action=addoptout&email=nextgenventuri.pankaj@blogger.com">here</a>. If you have any concerns <br /> regarding the content of this message, please email abuse@yaari.com. <br /> Yaari LLC, 358 Angier Ave, Atlanta, GA 30312<br /> <br /> YaariJTY979SPC479PJC876FXM462 <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-2069131126360451635?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-63415705358563469662008-11-19T22:34:00.001-08:002008-11-19T22:34:33.482-08:00<p class="first"><b>Darlington striker Liam Hatch is recovering after X-rays showed he had not broken his neck in Tuesday&#39;s 1-0 FA Cup replay defeat by Droylsden.</b> </p> <p>Hatch, 26, was taken to hospital during the match, which was held up for 35 minutes, but was released to travel home and will be assessed on Wednesday. </p> <p>&quot;He felt a crack in his neck, we wonder whether that&#39;s a whiplash thing,&quot; manager Dave Penney told BBC Tees. </p> <p>&quot;We might have to bring someone else in up top.&quot; </p> <p>Kent-born Hatch has scored five goals in 13 appearances this season since Penney signed him on loan from League One side Peterborough United in August. </p> <div>Meanwhile, there was more woe for the Quakers in the shape of their FA Cup exit at the first-round stage by the Blue Square North side and the end of their 11-match unbeaten run. </div> <div><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/d/darlington/7737227.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/d/darlington/7737227.stm</a></div> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-6341570535856346966?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-83376557730575467132008-11-19T22:22:00.001-08:002008-11-19T22:22:44.852-08:00<p class="first"><b>England have been drawn to play favourites Sweden, Russia and Italy in the group stage of next year&#39;s European Women Championship finals in Finland.</b> </p> <p>Twelve countries are split into three groups with the top two and best two third-placed sides progressing. </p> <p>Manager Hope Powell is upbeat about England&#39;s chances, having lost once in 20 competitive games since Euro 2005. </p> <p>&quot;We are still developing as a team and this tournament will be another test in terms of our progress,&quot; Powell said. </p> <p>Sweden, who England lost to over two legs in 1984&#39;s inaugural final and have never subsequently beaten, will be expected to win the group. </p> <p>But Powell also has a high regard for the Russians and Italians, both of whom her team beat handsomely in their most recent meetings. </p> <p>&quot;Russia and Italy are fast developing and bringing through good young players, as shown by the performances of their youth teams,&quot; she added. </p> <p>&quot;Sweden will be tough, and we know that they will probably be considered favourites in the group. </p> <div>&quot;They are a traditional power, consistently highly-ranked in the world and always perform well at major tournaments.</div> <div>&nbsp;<table><td class="contentwrapper"> <div class="o"></div> <table class="datetools" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a name="startcontent"></a> <div class="ds"><span class="lu">Page last updated at </span>20:00 GMT, Tuesday, 18 November 2008</div> <div><img height="1" alt="" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sol/shared/img/v3/dot_629.gif" width="629" border="0"></div> <div class="mvtb"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="416" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="213"><a onclick="popUpPage(&#39;http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/email/news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/women/7736129.stm&#39;,&#39;status=no,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes,width=370,height=445&#39;,&#39;Mailer&#39;)" href="http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/email/news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/women/7736129.stm" target="Mailer"><img height="11" alt="" hspace="3" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sol/shared/img/v3/email.gif" width="17" align="left" border="0"> E-mail this to a friend </a></td> <td width="203"><a onclick="popUpPage(&#39;http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/women/7736129.stm?ad=1&#39;,&#39;status=no,scrollbars=yes,toolbar=yes,resizable=yes,menubar=yes,width=600,height=445&#39;,&#39;Printer&#39;)" href="http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/women/7736129.stm?ad=1" target="Printer"><img height="11" alt="" hspace="3" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sol/shared/img/v3/print.gif" width="17" align="left" border="0"> Printable version </a></td> </tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table> <table class="storycontent" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2"> <div class="mxb"> <h1>England women get tough Euro draw </h1></div></td></tr> <tr> <td class="storybody"> <div class="mvb"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="466" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="bottom"> <div class="mvb"><span class="byl">By Tony Leighton </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><img height="1" alt="" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/999999.gif" width="466" border="0"><br>&nbsp;</div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="226" align="right" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <div><img height="282" alt="Hope Powell" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45218000/jpg/_45218596_-14.jpg" width="226" border="0"> <div class="cap">Powell has been England&#39;s full-time national coach since 1998</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table> <p class="first"><b>England have been drawn to play favourites Sweden, Russia and Italy in the group stage of next year&#39;s European Women Championship finals in Finland.</b> </p> <p>Twelve countries are split into three groups with the top two and best two third-placed sides progressing. </p> <p>Manager Hope Powell is upbeat about England&#39;s chances, having lost once in 20 competitive games since Euro 2005. </p> <p>&quot;We are still developing as a team and this tournament will be another test in terms of our progress,&quot; Powell said. </p> <p>Sweden, who England lost to over two legs in 1984&#39;s inaugural final and have never subsequently beaten, will be expected to win the group. </p> <p>But Powell also has a high regard for the Russians and Italians, both of whom her team beat handsomely in their most recent meetings. </p> <p>&quot;Russia and Italy are fast developing and bringing through good young players, as shown by the performances of their youth teams,&quot; she added. </p> <p>&quot;Sweden will be tough, and we know that they will probably be considered favourites in the group. </p> <p>&quot;They are a traditional power, consistently highly-ranked in the world and always perform well at major tournaments. </p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="208" align="right" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="5"><img height="1" alt="" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" width="5" border="0"></td> <td class="sib606"> <div class="sihf"></div></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>&quot;We regard them highly and we&#39;ve learned a lot from their infrastructure. However, we are closing the gap.&quot; </p> <p>England&#39;s only win in 19 meetings with Sweden came at Luton in the second leg of the 1984 final, but that left the aggregate scores level and the Swedes won on penalties. </p> <p>In 21 games against the Italians, England have won just four, the most recent a comfortable 4-1 success at Milton Keynes in February 2005. </p> <p>Russia have been faced only four times, but after failing to win any of the first three England ran out convincing 6-0 winners in March last year - also at Milton Keynes. </p> <p><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/women/7736129.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/women/7736129.stm</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></table></div> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-8337655773057546713?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-33253363792657545782008-11-19T22:19:00.001-08:002008-11-19T22:19:58.138-08:00<p class="first"><b>Captain John Terry scored a late winner to earn England a fully-deserved friendly win over Germany in Berlin.</b> </p> <p>Terry headed in Stewart Downing&#39;s free-kick after earlier being involved in a defensive mix-up with Scott Carson that handed Germany an equaliser. </p> <p>The pair failed to deal with a hopeful ball forward and German substitute Patrick Helmes pounced to score. </p> <p>Matthew Upson had put a dominant England ahead when he poked home a corner from the impressive Downing. </p> <p>The win made it five in a row for Fabio Capello&#39;s side on a night where almost everything went right for the England coach. </p> <div>With a host of first-team stars missing Capello took a risk in opting for a youthful side. And his brave move was rewarded with an impressive performance that was full of vigour and some much-improved displays from a number of his fringe players.</div> <div> <p>From the kick-off the pace of debutant Gabriel Agbonlahor and Jermain Defoe caused problems for a German defence short on mobility. </p> <p>The surprise pairing seemed to strike up an understanding and they almost caught out the German offside trap within two minutes of the kick off. </p> <p>England&#39;s 7,000 fans at the Olympic Stadium were in good voice as the away side had a virtual monopoly on possession in the early stages. </p> <p>Downing enjoyed one of his better games for his country on the left wing and Shaun Wright-Phillips was full of running and invention down the right, while Michael Carrick and Gareth Barry dominated the midfield. </p> <p>Wright-Phillips was just off the mark with a left-foot shot before Downing provided the cross that saw England take the lead. </p> <p>His corner was horribly misjudged by German keeper Rene Adler and Upson reacted well to pounce on the loose ball. </p> <p>England keeper David James provided a couple of worrying moments in first dealing with a testing backpass and then when he failed to collect a Piotr Trochowski cross. </p> <p>He was more convincing in punching away a curling free-kick from Trochowski, while a Heiko Westermann header from a Bastian Schweinsteiger free-kick failed to test the Pompey stopper. </p> <p>England could have had a second before the break when Downing unleashed a left-foot shot that Adler was at full stretch to keep out, and Wright-Phillips almost steered in the rebound. </p> <p>England lost Defoe at half-time after he picked up a knock, with the in-form Darren Bent replacing him. </p> <p>The Tottenham forward should have put England 2-0 ahead when he was sent through on goal by Barry, but after rounding substitute keeper Tim Wiese he lost his footing in his attempts to slide the ball into the empty net.</p> <p>Within minutes Germany were level through Helmes, but it was a goal that should never have been conceded. </p> <p>Terry attempted to shepherd a hopeful ball back to Carson but with neither England player dealing with the situation, the German substitute Helmes stole in to knock it through Carson&#39;s legs before sidefooting home. </p> <p>The goal could have destroyed England&#39;s new-found confidence but they continued to press for a second goal. </p> <p>Agbonlahor was agonisingly wide after showing his marker another clean pair of heels and Downing continued to provide a regular supply line down the left flank. </p> <p>Wright-Phillips struck the post with a stunning strike, but England were not to be denied when Terry showed great determination to head home Downing&#39;s floated free-kick from deep. </p> <p><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7737012.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7737012.stm</a></p></div> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-3325336379265754578?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-62922057129352954612008-11-19T21:59:00.001-08:002008-11-19T21:59:52.153-08:00<table><tr><td class="full_storytext"> <div><br><br>Worries, it seems, refuse to cease for England on this Indian tour as master blaster Sachin Tendulkar is widely believed to make a comeback to the one-day side when the squad for the last four matches of the Hero Honda Cup is announced on Thursday.<br> <br>Tendulkar had requested the selectors to leave him out of the first three ODIs after a strenuous Test series against Australia. <br><br>One of the selectors hinted at Tendulkar`s return and felt it was imminent. &quot;The very reason that he had only asked to sit out for only the first three games in enough indication,&quot; the selector said. <br> <br>When Tendulkar last played an ODI in March this year, he had been instrumental to India's victory in the CB Series. Subsequently a groin injury, kept him out of the Kitply Cup and Asia Cup and later an elbow injury forced him out of the series in Sri Lanka. <br> <br>Meanwhile, with Ishant Sharma declared match-fit, the selectors might look to give Zaheer Khan some much needed rest in lieu of the busy season ahead. </div> <div><a href="http://cricket.zeenews.com/fullstory.asp?nid=14876">http://cricket.zeenews.com/fullstory.asp?nid=14876</a></div></td></tr></table> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-6292205712935295461?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-65019780104167815152008-11-19T21:54:00.001-08:002008-11-19T21:54:43.380-08:00<div>GLASGOW (AP) — <a title="More articles about Diego Maradona." href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/diego_maradona/index.html?inline=nyt-per">Diego Maradona</a> made his debut as Argentina's coach Wednesday, his team beating Scotland, 1-0, in an exhibition game in the stadium where he scored the first goal of his extraordinary international career.</div> <div> <p>Maxi Rodríguez scored in the eighth minute at Hampden Park for an Argentine team that showed only flashes of the skill that brought Maradona fame.</p> <p>Maradona, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in 1986, made a mostly quiet coaching debut. There was little of the frantic gesticulating and wild cheerleading that characterized his time as a fan of the national team.</p> <p>Aside from Rodríguez's goal, there was little evidence of the entertaining performance Maradona promised Scottish fans. Rodríguez's low shot past goalkeeper Allan McGregor completed a slick move and gave a hint of the passing game that could evolve under Maradona.</p> <p>Rodríguez scored in the eighth minute after a run and cross by Carlos Tévez and a flick-on by Jonás Gutiérrez. Maradona, who has been hired to turn Argentina's talented players into a team capable of winning the World Cup, spun around and punched the air to celebrate the victory, which was achieved despite the absence of the stars <a title="More articles about Lionel Messi." href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/lionel_messi/index.html?inline=nyt-per">Lionel Messi</a> and Juan Román Riquelme, who were being rested.</p> <p>"We think it is a new era and it was very important to win," said midfielder Javier Mascherano, who was made captain by Maradona. "When you start to play with a new manager the motivation is so different, maybe it's a little bit extra when you see Maradona on the bench."</p> <p>Argentina did show a competitive edge it will need to build on if it hopes to improve its fourth-place standing in South America's World Cup qualifying group.</p> <p>In 1979, Maradona scored his first international goal in a 3-1 win over Scotland. He was greeted by fans in his return to Hampden Park with cheers and an anti-English song in his honor.</p> <p>Maradona spent most of the game huddled on the bench, his diminutive figure exaggerated by the outsized coat insulating him from the cold Scottish night, and he barely celebrated the first goal of his tenure. He made two brief forays to the sideline in the first half, apparently to instruct his defense.</p> <p>Maradona had concerns apart from soccer. He had considered leaving the team before his coaching debut because of his daughter's pregnancy complications in Spain. Maradona said Wednesday she asked him to remain with the team in Glasgow.</p> <p>Maradona said daughter Giannina is hospitalized but fine, and he will travel to see her. She is six months pregnant and having a boy with the Argentina forward Sergio Agüero, who plays for Atlético Madrid and left the team Tuesday to be with her.</p> <p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/sports/soccer/20maradona.html?ref=sports">http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/sports/soccer/20maradona.html?ref=sports</a></p></div> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-6501978010416781515?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-47597022441108612692008-11-12T21:36:00.001-08:002008-11-17T21:52:17.115-08:00<p>INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Minorities are getting more interviews but are still not getting enough jobs in college football, according to the Black Coaches and Administrators.</p><p>The study released Wednesday by the group said almost a third of the candidates interviewed last year were minorities, but only four were hired among the 31 openings in the NCAA&#39;s two levels of Division I football.</p><p>The recent firings of Ty Willingham at Washington and Ron Prince at Kansas State — both effective at the end of the season — left the Bowl Subdivision, the NCAA&#39;s top division, with only four blacks, one Latino and one Pacific Islander as head coaches.</p><p>&quot;In the world of college football, the facts and statistics reflect an unmistakable bias and a systemic problem that has yet to be fixed. My deep concern is, `Why are the college football hiring practices out of synch?&#39;&quot; said BCA executive director Floyd Keith, who did not have an answer to that question.</p><p>&quot;The message in this report is the process is being followed, but the poor hiring results continue,&quot; he said.</p><p>Among the 31 schools in the FBS and Championship Subdivision, formerly I-A and I-AA, that hired head coaches in the past year, 16 received overall grades of A, which is up from 11 that received the highest grade in the 2007 report, 12 in 2006 and just four in 2005.</p><p>On the other hand, three schools — Mississippi, West Virginia and Dayton — received grades of F. That, too, was an improvement from the 10 that had failing grades in the last report.</p><p>&quot;The hiring report card has made the FBS and FCS search processes in football more transparent than they were ... and to some degree more accountable,&quot; Keith said.</p><p>&quot;We&#39;re about results. We&#39;d like to see the numbers increase.&quot;</p><p>The overall grades were based on composite scores in five categories — communicating with the BCA, the number of minorities on the schools&#39; hiring committees, the number of minority candidates given official interviews, the time frame for hiring and adherence to affirmative action hiring policies. Schools that hired minority coaches were given two-point bonuses to the grade-point total.</p><p>Those with overall grades of A were Colorado State, Duke, Georgia Tech, Northern Illinois, SMU, Arkansas, Michigan, UCLA, Houston, Drake, Eastern Washington, Georgia State, Indiana State, Southern Illinois, South Alabama and Western Carolina.</p><p>Hawaii, Nebraska, Rhode Island and Richmond each received a B. Baylor, Texas A&amp;M, Navy, Southern Mississippi, Washington State, Eastern Kentucky, Southern Utah and VMI each received a C.</p><p>All three of the schools that received a grade of F hired white coaches.</p><p>Ole Miss fired Ed Orgeron after last season and hired Houston Nutt without interviewing any minority candidates. Athletic director Pete Boone said at the time he regretted not going through the BCA&#39;s suggested interview process but felt he had to act quickly after Nutt resigned from Arkansas.</p><p>West Virginia filled its coaching vacancy with Bill Stewart after Rich Rodriguez left for Michigan, and defensive coordinator Rick Chamberlin took over at Dayton after Mike Kelly retired last January.</p><p>Telephone messages seeking comment on the BCA report were left by The Associated Press at the offices of the athletic directors at all three schools.</p><p>To improve communication, the BCA is setting up an 800 telephone number for potential coaching candidates. It will give them &quot;the opportunity to discuss confidentially ... what exactly is going on, what are the issues, what are the dynamics of each personal situation,&quot; said Everette Scott Jr., a Philadelphia lawyer and NFL and NBA agent who is working with the BCA.</p><p>Scott said the purpose is not to put legal pressure on the schools but to evaluate the facts in particular situations and make recommendations.</p><p>&quot;This is an individual situation, not an attack on the institutions. ... We believe we should be able to close this final gap. We can see the end zone. We have a few more plays to run to get in the end zone.&quot;</p><p>The NCAA, meanwhile, has no authority to impose hiring guidelines such as the NFL&#39;s &quot;Rooney Rule,&quot; which requires teams interview at least one minority candidate for each head coaching vacancy.</p><p>&quot;The NCAA does not hire coaches. The athletic directors are responsible for hiring and thus responsible for the hiring process and results,&quot; said Charlotte Westerhaus, NCAA vice president of diversity and inclusion.</p><p>Still, she said, the NCAA supports the goals of the BCA and the hiring report card and will continue sharing information with athletic directors and college presidents.</p><a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hxMx_ECy5tuciN7-GAWX5HJ-yvgAD94DJS486">http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hxMx_ECy5tuciN7-GAWX5HJ-yvgAD94DJS486</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-4759702244110861269?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-75917454549717228702008-11-12T21:34:00.001-08:002008-11-17T21:52:57.760-08:00<p>THE HAGUE (AFP) — The Dutch and Belgian football federations have joined forces to put up a combined candidature for the hosting of the 2018 football World Cup, the Dutch half of the partnership said Wednesday.</p><p>&quot;Representatives of the football federations of Belgium and the Netherlands decided Wednesday in Breda (in the south of the Netherlands) to create a foundation with the aim of securing the rights to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup,&quot; it said in a statement.</p><p>Four members of each federation will manage the foundation, headed by their respective presidents: Michael van Praag of the Netherlands and Francois de Keersmaecker of Belgium.</p><p>The statement said 11 cities and stadium owners have officially registered themselves as candidate hosts.</p><p>World football association FIFA is due to announce the next host by spring 2011.</p> <p>Belgium and the Netherlands jointly hosted the European Championship in 2000. <br></p><p>source- google<br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-7591745454971722870?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-56487175304768565182008-11-12T02:31:00.001-08:002008-11-12T03:50:12.552-08:00<p class="ss-text-bold">Cristiano Ronaldo's agents have confirmed to <i><a href="http://skysports.com/">skysports.com</a></i> that the player is set to have talks over a new deal at Manchester United. </p> <p>Real Madrid's pursuit of Ronaldo was one of the sagas of last summer, but now he appears keen on pledging his future to United after Sir Alex Ferguson won the battle to keep him.</p> <p>Ronaldo, who is odds on favourite to be named both World and European Footballer of the Year later this season, appears keen on securing a new deal.</p> <p>Gestiftute - ran by Jorge Mendes - have confirmed to <i><a href="http://skysports.com/">skysports.com</a></i> that a new deal is in the offing, although talks are yet to take place.</p> <p>"It is normal, that a footballer wants a deal to go with his status and one that matches his performances on the field," Gestifute told <i><a href="http://skysports.com/">skysports.com</a></i>.</p> <p>"But nobody has prepared anything concrete.</p> <p>"We want to avoid all these rumours in the press and will have contact with United."</p> <p>It was confirmed that no set date for talks has been scheduled.</p> <div>"We do predict a meeting with Manchester United to speak about the future of Ronaldo, but still there is not an exact date." </div> <div><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4489331,00.html">http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4489331,00.html</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-5648717530476856518?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-4790341432886456202008-11-12T01:18:00.001-08:002008-11-12T01:54:35.820-08:00<p class="ss-text-bold">Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is looking forward to seeing Fraizer Campbell in action as he prepares to make changes for the Carling Cup clash against Liverpool. </p><p>Redknapp's priority remains the Premier League and he plans to cast his eye over some of his fringe players in Wednesday's contest at White Hart Lane.</p><p>"I'm going to make one or two changes to give the lads who haven't played an opportunity," he confirmed.</p><p>The likes of Paul Stalteri, Adel Taarabt, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Hossam Ghaly could all be involved, while Campbell is expected to start up front.</p><p>The striker, who joined Spurs on loan from Manchester United at the start of September, has impressed Redknapp in training.</p><p>"I'm going to make one or two changes," said Redknapp.</p><p>"One or two of the lads will get a chance because they are good players but it will still be a good team.</p><p>"I need to see the likes of Fraizer Campbell. I've seen nothing of him but he's looked terrific in training.</p>"When he came on the other night in the Uefa Cup game he was lively and a real prospect. Hull offered £7million to Manchester United so he's definitely not a bad player."<br /><span style="color:#800080;"> source-</span><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4489100,00.html">http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4489100,00.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-479034143288645620?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-24698909465582076472008-11-12T01:12:00.001-08:002008-11-12T02:24:27.207-08:00<p class="ss-text-bold">Arsenal's youngsters shone again in the Carling Cup, while Manchester United, Stoke, Watford and Derby also progressed to the quarter-finals. </p><p>Having brushed aside Sheffield United 6-0 in the last round, Arsene Wenger turned to his talented teenagers once again and they did not disappoint in cruising to a 3-0 victory over a strong Wigan side. </p><p>QPR threatened to frustrate Manchester United at Old Trafford, only for Carlos Tevez's late penalty to send the Red Devils through.</p><p>Stoke ended Rotherham's Carling Cup adventure with a comfortable 2-0 victory over the League Two side at the Britannia Stadium.</p><p>Watford and Derby are also through to the last eight of the competition after their respective victories over Swansea and Leeds.</p><p>Carlos Vela produced another outstanding display as <b>Arsenal's</b> much-changed side saw off a strong <b>Wigan</b> team at Emirates Stadium.</p><p>The Gunners grabbed a deserved advantage just before the interval with Jay Simpson breaking clear of the Wigan defence to apply the finishing touch to Jack Wilshere's measured through-ball.</p><p>Simpson made it 2-0 with a simple finish in the 66th minute when the dangerous Vela left Emmerson Boyce in his wake after a lightning break and put the chance on a plate for the young striker.</p>And it was all over soon after as Vela broke forward onto Johan Djourou's pass and produced a delightful chip under pressure from Titus Bramble to leave the excellent Chris Kirkland helpless.<br /><span style="color:#800080;"> source-</span><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4487598,00.html">http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4487598,00.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-2469890946558207647?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-40028529408778702022008-11-12T01:09:00.000-08:002008-11-12T02:26:56.802-08:00<p class="ss-text-bold">Liverpool have been told they could face financial difficulty in January and may be forced to sell up. </p><p>Keith Harris, who has brokered takeover deals for five Premier League clubs, believes Liverpool and Merseyside rivals Everton could be affected by the credit crunch.</p><p>Reds owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have two months to pay back a reported £350million worth of debt.</p><p>Harris feels the banks must consider whether to repossess the club if neither refinancing nor new financial stakeholders can be found, while he also thinks Liverpool might have to cash in on some of their top players if there is no fresh investment.</p><p>"The one that worries me is Liverpool," explained Harris, who has masterminded takeover deals at Chelsea, Aston Villa, Hull, West Ham and Manchester City and is currently seeking buyers for Newcastle and Everton.</p><p>"It has never been more difficult to find buyers.</p><p>"It's no longer a question of price negotiation - it's should we? People are wondering if now is the time to spend.</p><p>"Liverpool's debt is due in January, with maybe a six-month extension.</p><p>"The two banks which are the principal lenders - the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia - are two of those that have suffered. Whether they want to lend it again or not, they may not be able to."</p>Harris, chairman of Seymour Pierce investment bank and a former Football League chairman, has also admitted that Everton are no closer in their search for a buyer.<br /><span style="color:#800080;"> source-</span><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4489027,00.html">http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4489027,00.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-4002852940877870202?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-10221894449731453092008-11-12T01:05:00.001-08:002008-11-12T02:29:01.443-08:00<table class="storycontent" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td class="storybody"><div id="picGallery_loading" style="DISPLAY: none"><div class="galMain"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span><p class="galLoading">YOUR PICTURE GALLERY IS NOW LOADING...</p></div><span style="font-size:+0;"></span></div><div id="picGalleryNoScript_0" style="DISPLAY: block; VISIBILITY: visible"><div class="galMain"><p class="galImg"><img id="picture_0" height="300" alt="Andrew Cole at Arsenal" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45195000/jpg/_45195619_cole_ars_220.jpg" width="220" /></p></div><span style="font-size:+0;"></span><p class="picGalCaption">Andrew Cole begins his professional career at Arsenal in 1989, but he leaves the Gunners in 1992 having made just one appearance </p></div></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color:#800080;">source-</span><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7722209.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7722209.stm</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-1022189444973145309?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-8908880490251337212008-11-12T01:02:00.001-08:002008-11-12T02:30:21.862-08:00<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="226" align="right" border="0"><tbody><tr><td><img height="170" alt="Portsmouth boss Tony Adams and John Metgod" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45196000/jpg/_45196853_adams_metgod_split.jpg" width="226" border="0" /> <div class="cap">Adams met Metgod in 2005 during a coaching spell with Feyenoord</div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="first"><b>Portsmouth's new first-team coach John Metgod says manager Tony Adams' "Dutch" influence was a key reason behind his move to England.</b> <p>The former Holland international has spent over 20 years playing, coaching and scouting for Dutch club Feyenoord. <p>"Tony is not the sort of coach to think along the typical English style," Metgod, 50, told BBC Sport. <p>"He thinks along the Dutch lines in the way of training and I'm convinced I can help him in that sense." <p>Adams has been searching for a replacement for Joe Jordan, who left Portsmouth to join former boss Harry Redknapp at Tottenham last week. <p>Former Arsenal team-mate Martin Keown rejected an offer to join Adams' backroom staff, but Metgod said he had no hesitation in linking up with the former Arsenal and England captain. <p>In 2005 Adams spent six months as a trainee coach at Feyenoord, working with the Under-21 side, where he got to know Metgod. <p><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="231" align="right" border="0"><tbody><tr><td width="5"><img height="1" alt="" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" width="5" border="0" /></td><td class="sibStdQuote"><div class="mva"><div id="q1"></div><b>As a coach, he is more quiet and thoughtful</b> <div id="q2"></div><br clear="all"></div><br /><div class="mva"><div class="mva">John Metgod on Tony Adams</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table>After a year as manager of Wycombe Wanderers, Adams had gone to the Rotterdam-based team, where Metgod was working as first-team coach, to expand his European knowledge. <p>"I invited him over a couple of times to have a meal at my place and we talked about football," said former midfielder Metgod, who made 21 appearances for the Netherlands. <p>"It was just very good to be able to talk with someone of his stature, the way he thinks about football and the way I think about it. <p>"Ever since that day, we have kept in touch, so when he called me there was no way I was going to change my mind about Portsmouth." <p>Adams earned a reputation as a tough-tackling centre-back during his 18-year career, but Metgod thinks the Pompey manager's coaching philosophy is in complete contrast to his playing days. <p>"As a central defender, he put everything in and was very enthusiastic," said Metgod, who played for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as well as Nottingham Forest and Tottenham during his own career. <p>"But as a coach, he is more quiet and thoughtful. He seems to be thinking very carefully about what he wants to do and how he wants to change things. <p><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="231" align="right" border="0"><tbody><tr><td width="5"><img height="1" alt="" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" width="5" border="0" /></td><td class="sib606"><div class="sihf"> </div><div class="mva"><div id="q1"></div><b></b><div id="q2"></div><br clear="all"></div><br /><div class="mva"><div class="mva"> </div></div></td></tr></tbody></table>"Maybe that is what he has learned since coming to Holland - he thinks along those (the traditional Dutch way) lines in the way of playing and training." <p>Metgod is excited at the prospect of returning to England, where he spent four years playing for Forest and Spurs between 1984 and 1988. <p>He is fondly remembered for thundering in a 40-yard free-kick for Forest against West Ham in 1986, a goal which included a 10-yard run-up complete with an amusing finger-pointing celebration. <p>He will specifically work on improving the technical skills of the first team and revealed he is keen to implement his own brand of the "Total Football" philosophy made famous by former Dutch coach Rinus Michels in the 1970s. <p>"Rinus Michels was one of a kind, so it's very difficult to do it the same as he did, but certainly I believe in his way of controlling a game when you are in possession of the ball," he added. </p>"You have to play as a team and everybody has to think along the same lines, to be able and keep the ball and wait for the right moment to go forward and create something."<br /><span style="color:#800080;"> source-</span><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/7723000.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/7723000.stm</a><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-890888049025133721?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-51767287359214083012008-11-12T01:00:00.001-08:002008-11-12T01:53:21.323-08:00<p class="first"><b>Arsenal's youngsters produced another outstanding display to brush aside Wigan and book their place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.</b> <p>A pinpoint pass from Jack Wilshere set up fellow teenager Jay Simpson to poke home on his first start for the club. <p>They added a second when a blistering counter-attack ended with Carlos Vela squaring for Simpson to sidefoot home. <p>Vela outpaced Titus Bramble before chipping Chris Kirkland with a stunning lob to complete the scoring. <p></p><div class="audioInStoryC"><div class="emp" id="emp_7723623"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span></div></div><p>The Mexican's finish was reminiscent of his breathtaking effort in the demolition of Sheffield United in the previous round. <p>It was met by joyful appreciation from manager Arsene Wenger on the sidelines and it was hardly surprising after seeing his side, with an average age of just 19, take apart a Wigan side full of Premier League experience. <p>Wenger stuck with 10 of the side that demolished the Blades in the previous round, with the one addition of Simpson making it eight teenagers in the starting line-up. <p></p><div class="audioInStoryC"><div class="emp" id="emp_7723619"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span></div></div><p>They looked nervous in the opening stages and keeper Lukasz Fabianski was less than convincing in coming a long way out of his goal to try and collect a long throw only to completely miss the ball. <p>But it was his opposite number Chris Kirkland who was the busier of the two goalkeepers throughout. <p>The England stopper pulled off a string of top saves to deny a Gunners side that got better and better as the game progressed. <p>Vela was the first to test him as he raced through on goal and held off the challenge of Emmerson Boyce, only for Kirkland to pinch the ball from his feet as he tried to go round the keeper. <p><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="231" align="right" border="0"><tbody><tr><td width="5"><img height="1" alt="" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" width="5" border="0" /></td><td class="sib606"><div class="sihf"><div id="q2"></div></div><div class="mva"><div class="mva"> </div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Simpson turned well before firing a shot against the top of the bar and Kieran Gibbs saw his effort saved by Kirkland. <p>Wigan's attacks were infrequent, with only a Daniel De Ridder shot at Fabianski and a Jason Koumas effort over the bar to show for a disappointing opening period. <p>Arsenal stepped up the pace and Aaron Ramsay's free-kick almost found its way into the top corner, only for Kirkland to get across brilliantly to keep it out. <p>Kirkland seemed to be struggling after landing awkwardly, but he was still able to tip another Vela effort around the post. <p>The goalkeeper was proving to be a one-man blockade but even he could do nothing to prevent the opener. <p>It was Wilshere - the youngest player on the pitch at just 16 - who was the creator with a defence-splitting pass for Simpson to run onto and slip through Kirkland's legs. <p>Wigan had appeals for a penalty when Johan Djourou seemed to handle in the area, but the visitors were forced to spend the rest of the second period chasing young shadows. <p>Simpson headed a Fran Merida cross over the bar and Ramsey slipped in a delicious pass for Kieran Gibbs, who drove a shot at Kirkland. <p>Arsenal and Simpson got a deserved second when Fabianski cleared a Wigan cross and the home side launched a sweeping counter-attack that saw Vela pick out his strike partner to sidefoot home. <p>They saved their best for last as a Djourou pass out of defence sent Vela on his way and he outpaced Bramble before cheekily clipping the ball over Kirkland. </p>Fabianski ensured a miserable night all round for Wigan when he somehow kept out an Amr Zaki close-range effort in the dying stages.<br /><span style="color:#800080;"> source-</span><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/7708781.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/7708781.stm</a><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-5176728735921408301?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-48644400822683333752008-11-10T23:12:00.001-08:002008-11-10T23:13:25.893-08:00<span class="main-content"><h2 class="ss-header hstyle2 main-headline"><a class="thickbox" title="" href="http://img.skysports.com/08/10/800x600/ben-watson_1359944.jpg"><img title="crystal palace ben watson barnsley" alt="crystal palace ben watson barnsley" src="http://img.skysports.com/08/10/218x298/ben-watson_1359944.jpg" width="218" /></a> </h2><div class="ss-art-body"><p class="ss-text-bold">Ben Watson insists the continued speculation surrounding his future will not affect his performances on the field. </p><p>The Crystal Palace midfielder is set to become a free agent next summer, having spurned an offer of a new deal with the Eagles.</p><p>Widely regarded as one of the finest talents outside of the Premier League, there has been no shortage of interest from clubs hoping to snap up a bargain.</p><p>Nottingham Forest, Birmingham and Reading are all believed to remain in the hunt for the 23-year-old's signature, although Watson maintains he will not allow his attention to drift elsewhere while he is still required at Selhurst Park.</p><p>"I get paid to play football and that's what I am doing," he told the <i>Local Guardian</i>.</p><p>"All the talk has nothing to do with me. People can talk, say this, say that, I'm just getting on with the football."</p><h4>Tight</h4><p>Watson was on target as Palace saw off Coventry on Saturday, bringing to an end a frustrating four-game winless run.</p><p>Neil Warnock's men have not enjoyed the productive season many had tipped them for but, with the Championship notoriously difficult to call, Watson believes the Eagles still have time to drag themselves back into promotion contention.</p><p>"Everyone is beating each other," he added.</p><p>"That's the way it is. It's just a strange league. If you can get a bit of consistency and go on a run you never know.</p><p>"Reading don't look like losing at home, but other than that there isn't a massive gap in the league from top to bottom."</p><span class="main-content">source-</span><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11706_4482246,00.html">http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11706_4482246,00.html</a></div></span><div class="ss-c3"><div class="ss-ad-tower"><noscript></noscript></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-4864440082268333375?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-59094681072843494542008-11-10T23:08:00.001-08:002008-11-10T23:14:53.710-08:00<p>Fifa held its first major anti-corruption conference in Zurich yesterday to promote the work of its Early Warning System subsidiary. The firm, set up by Fifa and managed by Dr Urs Scherrer, a Swiss sports lawyer, collates information from a global network of more than 400 bookmakers about the amount bet on specific outcomes.</p><p>If there is a rush of money on a particular result, alarms are triggered pointing to an irregular betting pattern. EWS says it is being run as a not-for-profit organisation and Fifa has already begun to roll it out to other relevant sports.</p><p>The company's articles of association were altered to that effect earlier this year and EWS was employed by the International Olympic Committee at the Beijing Games in August. But other betting-integrity experts believe the information EWS gathers is not an effective tool in fighting sports-related corruption.</p><p>"The most important thing you need in assessing betting patterns is the identity of who has placed the bet," said Mark Davies, who as the managing director of the betting exchange Betfair might be considered a competitor to EWS. "Without that information, volume is irrelevant because the bettor might be rich or poor."</p><p>EWS claims to have a punter-identification requirement for its 400 members although it did not explain how this works. "EWS is a very professional organisation and we have complete confidence in their competencies and professionalism," said a Fifa spokesman.</p>source-<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/nov/11/1">http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/nov/11/1</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-5909468107284349454?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-74028937319306508642008-11-10T23:05:00.001-08:002008-11-10T23:15:11.054-08:00<p>ADELAIDE, Australia (AFP) — Gamba Osaka have the confidence of a three-goal buffer to continue playing their uninhibited attacking football in the deciding leg of the AFC Champions' League final against Adelaide United here on Wednesday.</p><p>It is the premier Asian club football crown to lose for Gamba as they close in on becoming the second consecutive Japanese winner of the title following Urawa Reds' triumph last year.</p><p>Gamba, currently seventh in the J-League, all but sealed the destiny of this year's Champions' trophy with an emphatic 3-0 win over Adelaide in Osaka last week and only a defensive calamity can wreck their dream of Asian success.</p><p>Their team's stars, Brazilian striker Lucas and Japanese international midfielder Yasuhito Endo, did the early damage before Michihiro Yasuda added a third for the home team.</p><p>Gamba have their admirers with their silky passing game and are confident of wrapping up the final on Adelaide's compact Hindmarsh Stadium on Wednesday.</p><p>"We've come here to play our normal game," Lucas said on the team's arrival Monday. "We will attack, we won't take a backward step."</p><p>Coach Akira Nishino is expecting an all-or-nothing assault by Adelaide before their home fans but he wants his team to stick with their intoxicating brand of attacking football.</p><p>"We have won through the series by playing aggressively, hoping to show a difference from last year's champions (Urawa)," said Nishino, whose side finished off Urawa 4-2 on aggregate in the ACL semi-finals.</p><p>"We will play even better with a comfortable lead."</p><p>Free-kick specialist Endo, who has played 72 times for his country, is keen to impress on the football world the skill of Japanese football.</p><p>"I wish we emerge the winners by having people say, 'Oh, Japanese football is skillful,'" he said.</p><p>Gamba's scoring spree last week was significant as Adelaide had only conceded four goals in their previous 10 matches in this year's Champions League.</p><p>"We want to prepare ourselves well enough to show our style further in the away game," Nishino said.</p><p>Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar is clinging to the faint hope that his team can produce something extraordinary on the night and become the first Australian team to win the Asian club title.</p><p>"I still think you've truly got to believe in it," Vidmar said.</p><p>"There's still every possibility and in football you don't know what's going to happen.</p><p>"So we're going to go out there, be aggressive, really take it up to them and hopefully with a bit of luck we can get an early goal and then you just don't know what can happen."</p><p>Adelaide go into the match without experienced defender Angelo Costanzo and in-form goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, who are both suspended after receiving yellow cards in Osaka.</p><p>Midfielder Paul Reid, who is available for selection after missing the Osaka leg with a groin injury, said Adelaide must have the belief to pull off a football miracle.</p><p>"To come back would be a monumental task but the boys are up to it. We have nothing to lose," Reid said</p><p>"We can only do what we can do, and if we've got enough belief, we can win."<br /></p>source-<a href="http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5isqQRh9EzIIOWST5UhYFiLO8CAtg">http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5isqQRh9EzIIOWST5UhYFiLO8CAtg</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-7402893731930650864?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-56409626677094433092008-11-10T23:00:00.001-08:002008-11-10T23:15:27.290-08:00<p>AL KHADER, West Bank (AFP) — In the West Bank, where football reigns supreme, the sight of Palestinian players kicking and tossing an oval ball draws incredulous stares and bemused comments.</p><p>"What game are they playing?" asks one of the spectators at the Al-Khader football stadium where the Beit Jala Lions team practices. Another onlooker, a football pundit, suggested the odd game may be American Football.</p><p>The Beit Jala Lions, who call themselves the first Palestinian rugby team in history, are making do with improvised gear and a modest number of players, but all club members hope the game will eventually catch on in the occupied West Bank.</p><p>Their only audience at a recent training practice was a bemused football team waiting for its turn on the pitch and further away, a few rifle-toting Israeli soldiers looking on from a nearby watchtower.</p><p>On the synthetic lawn of the stadium, wedged against Israel's controversial separation barrier which cuts off the West Bank, the rugby players practiced an attack strategy. The passes were at times clumsy and the outfits didn't match, but the players' enthusiasm was evident.</p><p>The year-old team is the brainchild of anthropologist Martin Bisztrai, a former Hungarian national rugby player, who had traveled to the West Bank for his research.</p><p>"Martin had with him a strange, oval ball, never before seen in Palestine," said Nicolas Fuad Stefan, the team's 20-year-old coach. "We started playing on the street, making passes for fun. We quickly got hooked," he said, wearing a blue training shirt and clutching a whistle.</p><p>"We are not yet pros, but we're doing pretty well, I think," quips Apo Sahagian, 18, who was born in Armenia and today lives in the mostly Christian village of Beit Jala.</p><p>Although Christians count for only a small minority in the predominantly Muslim Palestinian society, around one half of the Beit Jala Lions are Christians.</p><p>George Maria hopes that their modest and often improvised undertaking would be a trailblazer which will put the Palestinians on the world's rugby map.</p><p>"One day, the Palestinian flag will appear here," Maria says, pointing at a rugby ball covered with different national flags he holds in one hand.</p><p>One of the biggest challenges for the fledgling club is getting rugby gear and training equipment, which are impossible to find in the Palestinian territories.</p><p>"We've got only four balls to play with," says coach Nicolas.</p><p>But they get by. Members of Ireland's Munster rugby club sent the Lions balls, shorts and training videos. A local businessman also agreed to sponsor their jerseys.</p><p>"The hardest thing to finds is scrum and tackling training gear, which are not manufactured here," says Jason Pollack, 26, a US humanitarian worker in the West Bank who joined the team in June.</p><p>A growing number of young Palestinians are showing interest in the sport and some are slowly joining the club, including 15-year-old Bishara Jaanini.</p><p>"I only watched matches on television and the Internet, but I love this game," he says.</p><p>"This sport has a great tradition and one has to be devoted to it. The team is like a big family and we are all brothers," replys Apo Sahagian.</p><p>And because the team numbers only 10 players so far, they are limited to playing tag rugby, where tackling and physical contact is not allowed.</p><p>"We are going through a transition, but our end goal is to create a real team of 15 players," says Pollack. "Then we will be able to take part in tournaments in the region, and who knows, maybe in Europe, too." </p>source -<a href="http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gERJTgqgDHGLuDypQb_F4OYFJVow">http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gERJTgqgDHGLuDypQb_F4OYFJVow</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-5640962667709443309?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-80534804494220693282008-11-10T22:53:00.001-08:002008-11-10T23:14:35.522-08:00<div class="articleExtras-wrap"><div class="featurePic" id="idfeaturepic"><img height="446" alt="Veteran defender and captain of Sydney FC, Tony Popovic, will retire from football." src="http://images.theage.com.au/ftage/ffximage/tony_popovic_narrowweb__300x446,4.jpg" width="300" align="center" /> Veteran defender and captain of Sydney FC, Tony Popovic, will retire from football. After nearly 20 years as a professional footballer, Sydney FC defender Tony Popovic is set to announce his retirement from the game at a media conference at the Sydney Football Stadium later today.</div></div><p>The 35-year old, who has been captain of the club since he was signed by ex-coach Branko Culina prior to the 2007-08 campaign, has struggled with injuries during the past month despite a solid start to the year.</p><p>After missing a fortnight with a hamstring strain sustained during the 2-1 loss against Perth Glory, Sydney FC coach John Kosmina conceded Popovic was not fully fit for last Friday night's match against Wellington Phoenix, where he gave away a penalty for handball in the final minutes. After telling the chairman and coaching staff of his decision yesterday, Popovic informed the playing group this morning of his decision to stop playing.</p><p>However, he will stay involved with the club for at least the rest of the season as one of Kosmina's assistant coaches. He is likely to concentrate on mentoring Sydney's burgeoning junior defensive talent, which includes Matt Jurman, Anthony Golec and Beau Busch.</p><p>Popovic made his debut in 1989 as a 16-year old for Sydney United, where he rose through the youth ranks and spent seven years in the first team, making 162 appearances before moving to Japanese club Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 1997. Arguably his best football was to come when he joined English Championship side Crystal Palace in 2001, where he spent five years and played more than 120 matches - including 21 during Palace's most recent season in the Premier League in 2004-05.</p><p>In July 2006, Popovic was free to find a new home and he spent a season with Qatari club Al-Arabi before making the move to Sydney FC.</p>But Popovic will be equally remembered for his distinguished career as a Socceroo, playing 59 games and scoring nine goals - the most famous of which came when he nodded home the opener in Australia's famous 3-1 victory over England in 2003. In his final international game, Popovic scored in the closing minutes with another header in a 1-1 draw against Paraguay in Brisbane. He was also a member of the Socceroos' 2006 World Cup squad, where he started in the 2-0 loss against Brazil before suffering a calf injury that kept him out for the rest of the tournament.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-8053480449422069328?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-30888721016416336122008-11-10T22:51:00.001-08:002008-11-10T22:55:01.786-08:00<div id="nav-bar">ZURICH, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Soccer clubs face leaner times as corporate clients and sponsors hit by the global financial crisis seek to trim spending, top football executives told the International Football Arena at FIFA headquarters on Monday. "Will the corporates be affected? The answer is: probably yes they will be the first to cut back," said former Arsenal and FA vice-chairman David Dein. "You will see more churn at the top end. Box seats will be harder to sell," he added.<br />Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said the sport was not immune to the financial crisis and could not afford to be complacent despite having secured short-term revenue streams from TV and season ticket sales.<br />"We are going to come under increasing pressure in areas of sponsorship and its something we, as a club have taken very seriously and, as all these things, are reviewing our cost bases and business," said Kenyon.<br />Premier League West Ham United recently lost its sponsor when holiday company XL went bust.<br />The squeeze on revenues could have knock-on effects for other aspects of the game as clubs tighten their own belts.<br />"If you look at other aspects of this financial crisis, two other things you would believe would happen are pressure on transfer fees and pressure on players' salaries," said Kenyon.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-3088872101641633612?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-22682084199544342242008-11-10T22:47:00.001-08:002008-11-10T22:49:06.495-08:00<h1 class="storytitle" id="StoryContent_TopPageNavigation_Headline"><br /></h1><br /><div class="PageLinksTop" id="StoryContent_TopPageNavigation_PageInformation"><div class="StoryHeadlineDetails" id="StoryContent_TopPageNavigation_LastUpdated" style="COLOR: rgb(163,163,163)"><br /></div></div><div class="p">SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 11, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Manatt, Phelps &amp; Phillips, LLP, the national law and consulting firm, today announced that a federal jury returned an historic verdict against the National Football League Players Association in the amount of $28.1 million (including $21 million in punitive damages) and in favor of the firm's clients, a class of more than 2,000 retired NFL players. The jury found that the union breached its contract with the retirees, violated its fiduciary obligations, and deliberately acted contrary to the interests of the retirees that the union promised to represent. </div><div class="p">Manatt litigation partners L. Peter Parcher, Ronald S. Katz, and Chad Hummel led the trial team in this victory, which also included members of the Texas-based law firm, McKool Smith, to produce a result that class representative, former Green Bay Packer and Dallas Cowboy, and professional football Hall of Famer, Herb Adderley called "bigger than my two Super Bowl victories, because of the number of players involved." </div><div class="p">"We are extremely gratified and pleased for the thousands of former NFL players - heroes, really, who built the game of pro football - who were betrayed by their union," said Katz. "The jury saw through the smoke screen that the union put up at trial and sent a clear message that, for years, these retired players were shamefully disrespected and ignored by their own union. We were very proud to be a part of setting things right." </div><div class="p">This trial victory comes close on the heels of Manatt's $700+ million award for client ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited against The Boeing Company and its Boeing Satellite Systems International subsidiary, which is the largest jury verdict to date in 2008. </div><div class="p">"This is another significant victory on behalf of the firm's clients and is a testament to the skill and dedication of our firm's trial group, led in this case by Peter and Ron. The entire team did an amazing job in standing up to the resources of the most powerful union in professional sports and proving the case on behalf of the retired players," said Hummel, chair of Manatt's firm-wide litigation division. "The verdict speaks yet again to the high quality of Manatt's national litigation practice." </div><div class="p">The class action, Herbert Adderley v. National Football League Players Association (07-943, U.S. District Court, San Francisco), was initiated by Adderley, 69, who played in the 1960's and 1970's. Adderley led the class of retired players, who contended that they signed agreements entitling them to shares of licensing revenue from deals negotiated by the union. Over the years, the union actually paid little if anything to the players and ignored significant marketing opportunities, including Electronic Art's wildly successful Madden Football videogame franchise, that could have been extremely lucrative for retired players, favoring instead the financial interests of the union and its for-profit licensing subsidiary Players Inc. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-2268208419954434224?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>NextGenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07629606476255540514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-78564591895566701022008-09-02T01:37:00.001-07:002008-09-02T01:43:02.549-07:00<a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44974000/jpg/_44974386_mccoiststrachan282.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand" height="312" alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44974000/jpg/_44974386_mccoiststrachan282.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Celtic manager Gordon Strachan insisted he will not be rushing into signings before the transfer window closes despite losing to Rangers on Sunday.<br /><br />Strachan had said before the champions' 4-2 home defeat that he was unlikely to sign anyone before midnight on Monday.<br /><br />"These 30-odd hours or more will be me concentrating on what happened in the second half," he added after the game.<br /><br />"They had one bit of brilliance and we had two bad mistakes. So, put that together and you get the result."<br /><br />Strachan, who had pointed out before kick-off that Celtic had lost the opening Old Firm games in the last two seasons before going on to win the Scottish title, said that he and his coaches would analyse the game again on video.<br /><br />"But we have an idea where we went wrong," he told BBC Sport.<br /><br />However, Strachan had been pleased with his side until Rangers' second-half surge, Georgios Samaras having equalised after Daniel Cousin had put the visitors ahead after beating Mark Wilson for pace.<br /><br />"I thought the game was terrific in the first half," said the Celtic manager.<br /><br />"It was end-to-end, but I thought we were alright and playing some good stuff.<br /><br />"We were quite comfortable and I didn't see that coming in the second half."<br /><br />A double from former Celtic striker Kenny Miller and a long-range drive from Pedro Mendes put Rangers in command before a late reply from Shunsuke Nakamura. MY SPORT: DEBATE<br />We all know its been a disappointing day, but let's remember we lost the first Old Firm game 3-0 last season</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-7856459189556670102?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>BusinessExportershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10251253400094667619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-73915210619511749902008-09-02T01:35:00.000-07:002008-09-02T01:36:40.393-07:00<a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44940000/jpg/_44940903_smithdugout203.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44940000/jpg/_44940903_smithdugout203.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Rangers manager Walter Smith was delighted with Daniel Cousin after the striker scored and was then sent off in the 4-2 SPL victory over Celtic.<br /><br />Cousin justified his shock inclusion with a terrific performance and Smith said he was happy to continue playing him as long as he remains at the club.<br /><br />"There's nobody in for him, so he's staying here and we'll continue to use our strikers," Smith said.<br /><br />"Daniel is excellent when he's on form like today."<br /><br />Cousin had been expected to leave Ibrox this summer after Fifa blocked a proposed £3m switch to Fulham earlier in the year.<br /><br />And the Rangers boss admits he has "no idea" if Cousin will leave before the transfer window closes on Monday night.<br /><br />"He has been inconsistent since he came here," admitted Smith. "But, as he showed today, he has that capability."<br /><br />But Smith felt the sending off was harsh after Cousin was twice booked for leading with his arm in aerial challenges.<br /><br />"It used to be a feature of play in the game, a battle between the centre-forward and centre-half," he said.<br /><br />"Yes, they were fouls, but there was no malice between Daniel and Gary Caldwell.<br /><br />"It was two players committed to winning the ball. It's a shame it ends up with a decision like that."<br /><br />Smith was pleased with the football his side played, including the contribution of Pedro Mendes, who scored a brilliant 25-yard strike on his Old Firm debut.<br /><br />"Mendes has brought a bit of football to us," Smith said.<br /><br />"He is certainly making a difference in the way we play football overall."<br /><br />Mendes said he was particularly pleased to silence the vast home support at Celtic Park following his man-of-the-match performance.<br /><br />"To come here today and play like we played and the fantastic win we had - I think it was a joy for everyone, especially for our supporters who deserved that," he said." MY SPORT: DEBATE<br />Despite his sending off - did Daniel Cousin redeem himself today?<br /><br />"It was a fantastic atmosphere. In a derby, when you're winning the best bit is when the stadium goes quiet."<br /><br />And the 29-year-old midfielder, who received a recall to Portugal's national squad earlier in the week, said that Rangers were happy with their start to the new season.<br /><br />"It's a long season, we've had a tough start but we're pleased what we've achieved until now," he continued.<br /><br />"We've got something to build on and keep it going." </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-7391521061951174990?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>BusinessExportershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10251253400094667619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6894823170496118934.post-80024321184161510672008-09-02T01:30:00.000-07:002008-09-02T01:35:04.337-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NyPAJgSivS0/SLz6OrhSnqI/AAAAAAAAAv4/-7Mvk7zo56g/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241339196459884194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="148" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NyPAJgSivS0/SLz6OrhSnqI/AAAAAAAAAv4/-7Mvk7zo56g/s320/images.jpg" width="108" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Premier League newcomers Hull City have completed the signing of striker Daniel Cousin from Glasgow Rangers for an undisclosed fee.<br /><br />Cousin, 31, had a move to Fulham blocked by Fifa in January because he had already played for Rangers and French side Lens that season.<br /><br />The Gabon international scored in Rangers' 4-2 victory over Celtic on Sunday, but was also sent off.<br /><br />Cousin scored 11 goals in his 28 appearances for Rangers.<br /><br />Give your reaction to the Cousin transfer<br />Cousin, who has also scored 17 goals in 47 matches for Gabon, signed for Rangers from Lens for £1.1m in August 2007. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6894823170496118934-8002432118416151067?l=www.passionfootball.com'/></div>BusinessExportershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10251253400094667619noreply@blogger.com0