Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton is adamant that he handled Andy Carroll's injury worries in the best possible way after the striker made his England debut on Wednesday night.
The powerful forward was struggling with a minor groin problem and Hughton contacted the Football Association to voice his concerns ahead of the clash against France.
Carroll subsequently played over 70 minutes in the 2-1 loss at Wembley, despite the Magpies boss wanting his prized asset to be rested.
But Hughton was pleased to see him come through the test unscathed.
There was concern (over Carroll), that is true," he told the Chronicle. "The unfortunate bit for us was it made the papers.
"The lines of communication between us and the FA were correct, but it got out. Both parties are very happy with how we conducted ourselves.
"We're aware of the problem he had. Hopefully he is available for the weekend.
"When we assessed Andy on Sunday, it looked like he wouldn't be able to play. We sent him down to England and over the two or three days there was enough of a recovery to play.
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"I'm delighted for him to make his debut – it was special night for him. It was hard for Andy. He didn't get the opportunities and service, but he did very, very well.
"He worked hard and kept possession and he should be happy."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Another disappointing week for Roy Hodgson, after two poor results and performances have caused unrest among supporters on Merseyside. I am sure that no one was more disappointed that this afternoon’s game was called off than the Liverpool boss, who could have done with a confidence boosting result ahead of the Christmas period.
At FFC we have seen a mixed bag of articles which includes Liverpool’s transfer battle; six questions for John W Henry, while three things Reds fans want this Xmas.
We also look at the best Liverpool articles around the web this week.
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Ciao Elena – Bernardo’s woman puts the Premiership wags in the shade
The Top TEN Liverpool Tattoos…well sort of
Why a January move to Liverpool isn’t such a ridiculous idea
Liverpool face battle to secure January move
Whatever happened to Neil Mellor?
Lucas v Anderson – A Brazilian Battle
The Top TEN Premier League prospects for 2011
Tottenham swoop highlights Liverpool’s plight
The SIX questions I would like to put to John W Henry
Top TEN most wanted PL transfers in January
Three things a Liverpool fan wants this Christmas
Some stocking fillers for Liverpool fans
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Click here to see the best LIVERPOOL blogs around the web this week.
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The Great Liverpool FC cannot drift into the abyss – This is Anfield
Wake Me Up In May – Kopblog
Hodgson’s defence just doesn’t add up – Live4Liverpool
In defence of Roy Hodgson – This is Anfield
One positive change Liverpool need to make – Our Kop
FOUR Positions that HAVE to be strengthened in January – Live4Liverpool
A letter to Roy Hodgson: Please leave – This is Anfield
Harry Redknapp says it is win or bust as far as Tottenham’s title ambitions are concerned as the North Londoners face their biggest game of the season at White Hart Lane tomorrow afternoon. Most neutrals believe that Spurs will end the unbeaten run, although I can imagine many home supporters begging to differ.
At FFC we have seen a mixed bag of articles which includes why a Spurs’ move to Stratford has its financial benefits; six youngsters who represent the future at White Hart Lane, while cheap shots at Tottenham are strange to say the least.
We also look at the best Tottenham articles around the web this week.
* VIDEO: The GREATEST Premier League goal ever…you decide! *
Sorry Rafa, Tottenham need to buy!
A transfer masterstroke by Harry Redknapp?
Caption Competition: New arrival at Tottenham training
This cheap shot at Tottenham is strange to say the least
£200m of reasons why Spurs move is worth considering
Rumours of Becks’ decline have (always) been greatly exaggerated
SIX ‘boy wonders’ who represent the future for Tottenham
Bad attitude or badly treated at White Hart Lane?
One way to resolve this transfer debacle with Tottenham
Transfer gamble, but should Spurs or Liverpool take a punt?
The most pointless signing by Tottenham in years?
*Best of WEB*
Large banana skin avoided with ease. – Spurs Musings From Jimmy G2
If Stratford Hotspur happens, it ends there… – Dear Mr Levy
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Interview With Five in Midfield – Who Framed Ruel Fox?
Spurs New Stadium – The Public Speaks – Tottenham On My Mind
David Lammy MP DOES Favour Moving Out Of N17 – When He Can Get Away With It – Harry Hotspur
Continuing our look into the foreign wags that put the Premier League ones to shame…
Arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Gigi Buffon has made giant strides in world football and has been pivotal to both club and international success in recent years. There aren’t many centre forwards who enjoy playing against Buffon when he is on top of his game; hence why Juventus are so keen to keep him in Turin.
While his exploits on the pitch continue to draw widespread recognition, his exploits off the pitch draws an equal amount of adulation as he dating one of the most beautiful women in the world. Alena Seredova is a former Czech supermodel and TV presenter whose surname actually translates to ‘ugly person’ – let’s be honest by flicking through the gallery she is anything but and puts most of the Premier League wags in the shade.
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Click on image below to see Gigi’s latest lady
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Holy Crap – it’s live fantasy football! Become part of Chelsea v Aston Villa and play Picklive for FREE Watch and bet live – spices up any game!
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri took plenty of positives from his side’s 2-1 Coppa Italia victory at Sampdoria on Wednesday.
Not only do Milan advance to the semi-finals following the hard-fought win, but Allegri was also able to throw first-up starts to two new signings in Mark van Bommel and Urby Emanuelson.
Van Bommel joined Milan on a six-month contract from Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich in the January transfer window, and Emanuelson moved to the San Siro from Dutch giants Ajax.
Both showed plenty of promise on in their debuts in the red and black shirts of Milan, though van Bommel struggled with Milan’s structure in the second half.
“It wasn’t easy to win here,” Allegri said.
“The guys have done a good job and deserved to be qualified in the Coppa Italia since we really value this competition. Therefore I’m very satisfied by their performance.”
“It wasn’t easy since we had two new players and also guys who had played less. This proves that the group has a good understanding and wants to achieve important results.”
“(Van Bommel) is a great player and will soon be integrated within the team, just like Emanuelson. They have played a good match, despite the fact that this was their first day with the teammates.”
Allegri also brushed off an angry reception given to former Sampdoria star Antonio Cassano, who came on for Robinho in the 78th minute.
“I think that these boos may represent more love and not hate for Cassano, since he has given lots to Sampdoria and Sampdoria has given him lots,” he said.
“They have given him the chance to play in one of the most important teams in the world. This has happened thanks to Sampdoria.”
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Sampdoria coach Domenico di Carlo said first-half errors cost his side a place in the semi-finals, with both of Alexandre Pato’s goals attributable to mistakes in Sampdoria’s back half.
“We paid the price with two errors today at the start of the match with Milan,” di Carlo said.
“Then in the second half we got better on the pitch trying to be more aggressive. I’m happy despite losing because of our performance in the second half.”
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish hailed the influence of big striker Nikola Zigic, who scored his second crucial goal in a week for the St Andrews club.
After scoring the winner against West Ham at Upton Park last Sunday, Zigic bobbed up again on Saturday, with a 90th-minute header lifting his side to a 1-0 English Premier League win over Stoke.
McLeish said after taking his time to settle in England after his move from Valencia prior to the season, the 202cm Serbian was becoming an integral part of the side.
“If you get the right balls to him, that’s what he can do,” McLeish said.
“When I see the pictures again to see him towering above John Carew, who looks almost small next to Zigic, it’s quite amazing.”
“The big fella’s jumped above the crossbar to head it down into the net, but it’s a wonderful three points for us.”
McLeish believes the win was just reward for his side, who he said had worked tirelessly to secure the all three points.
“It was great to see the goal go in in the last few seconds. We fought every minute of the way again, persevered right until the very end and concentrated,” he said.
“We stuck to it in the last couple of weeks and taken six magnificent points and we hope that can allow us to kick on into the next Premier League game and of course the (Carling) cup final (against Arsenal on February 27) will take care of itself.”
In contrast, Stoke boss Tony Pulis was disappointed with the manner in which his side conceded, particularly with the handling error by goalkeeper Asmir Begovic that led to Zigic’s goal.
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“It’s hard to take in respect that I couldn’t see them scoring to be honest. I didn’t think that during the 93 minutes that we played, there was ever an occasion where they were going to score,” Pulis said.
“It (the goal) had nothing to do with Zigic. Asmir really should collect that ball. It’s come out of his hands. It’s our fault but Asmir has come in and held his hand up. From there on in we were in trouble.”
“But really, (David) Bentley shoots from the edge of the box and it should go straight to Asmir. Unfortunately the kid hasn’t held it, and then we’re in trouble.”
Brisbane survived a scare to keep their unbeaten run and qualify for their first A-League grand final in a 2-2 draw with Central Coast Mariners.In a sensational match at Suncorp Stadium in front of more than 25,000 fans, the Mariners threw everything into the contest, scoring two goals in two minutes at the end of the first half before the Roar showed championship quality to fight back.Having built a 2-0 lead in the first leg of the major semi-final, the Roar were in trouble before Thomas Broich scored a brilliant individual goal in the 63rd minute and then substitute Henrique set the crowd on fire with an absolute cracker at the end.The Roar were far from their best, and looked positively flustered at times, in the face of the Mariners’ relentless pace.In the opening 15 minutes Patricio Perez and Patrick Zwaanswijk both had shots at goal, as Central Coast executed their counter-attack brilliantly.Triggered into action, the Roar began to press hard for the opener, and Matt McKay was the next to misjudge a shot from a good position.The Mariners flipped the game on its head in the 39th minute when McBreen saw his shot deflected by keeper Michael Theoklitos into Matt Smith and then into the back of the net.And then, just 60 seconds later, the unthinkable happened, with Oliver Bozanic taking a return pass from Perez and curling a beautiful left-footed shot past Theoklitos and just inside the post.Brisbane returned from the break making a concerted effort to play a more composed brand of football, but the Mariners continued to stretch the Roar with their fast-running counter-attacks.But Brisbane have been finding a way to overcome all season, and on 63 minutes Broich manufactured something special.The midfielder pushed deeper and deeper into the area from the right hand edge, threatening to pass all the way, before firing an audacious shot past with the outside of his foot past the left-hand of Ryan.Spurred by the goal, and with Henrique providing some spark, Brisbane began to up the tempo, matching the Mariners’ effort and going tit for tat in an exciting period of play.The Mariners threw everything into the contest, giving the crowd some nervous moments in the dying stages, but despite their best efforts Brisbane were able to hold.Just as the unbeaten streak looked a certainty, substitutes Massimo Murdocca and Henrique combined in style. Henrique’s shot was a pearl, and it had to be to beat Ryan, who was in brilliant touch.
It’s ten years since Sunderland last finished in the top ten of the Premier League but, even though they have lost their last four games, this season the Wearsiders look to be on course to end that decade-long spell away from the upper half of the table. It was little surprise, then, when Steve Bruce was handed a new contract as a result of the positive influence he has had upon the club’s league position and style of play since taking over as manager in May 2009.
Bruce’s side are currently in eighth place and, while Darren Bent might have opted out of the manager’s project, he left behind him players like Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Henderson, and impressive new signing Stéphane Sessègnon to carry on the good work. As well as being in with a chance of matching or bettering the back-to-back seventh-place finishes the Black Cats achieved in 2000 and 2001, this current squad is the most talented since the days of the side featuring Kevin Phillips and current chairman Niall Quinn too.
The success story on the pitch, however, is not matched by the tale off it. Attendances are marginally down on last season, prompting the harsh words Quinn had recently for the fans he suspects to be staying away from the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoons in order to watch Sunderland’s matches in pubs with illegal satellite hook-ups instead. The former striker said he “despised” such fans, and the reasons for the strength of his anger become apparent once the club’s finances are considered.
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Sunderland are bankrolled by Ellis Short, the Texan billionaire who since becoming owner in May 2009 has put just over £95m into the Mackems’ coffers on top of the money he spent to acquire the club in the first place. The American’s continued generosity is of paramount importance to Sunderland because two years of transfer activity – funded in the most part by Short – and the increased wage bill associated with it have both contributed to Sunderland’s announcement of pre-tax losses of £27m and £28m respectively in the last two years. In total, the Black Cats are £66m in debt.
Sunderland’s poor financial showing has certainly been exacerbated by their inability to sell the few thousand extra tickets Quinn would like the club to in order to meet his average gate target of 44,000, while the revenue generated from other means such as shirt sponsorship and television coverage is less than that which other clubs benefit from. However, as at so many top flight clubs, buying expensive new players (and then paying their salaries) is the root cause of the balance sheet problems on Wearside even if that strategy is deemed to be the only way to maintain Premier League status.
A net spend of £65m on players since promotion in 2007 has left Sunderland with a wage bill standing at 82% of their turnover. Given that UEFA’s Financial Fair Play scheme – which will see clubs’ books scrutinised from next season with a view to the regulations’ implementation in 2013/14 – recommends no more than 70% of a club’s income be spent on their players’ pay, Sunderland’s business model looks to be as in need of change as the more high-profile examples at Manchester City and Chelsea.
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It’s not the first time Sunderland have been big spenders either. Their £125m outlay on transfers in the last four years is reminiscent of the period during the 1950s when similar cash-splashing behaviour – by the standards of the age, at least – resulted in the Black Cats being dubbed “the Bank of England club.” Fans will be hoping for a less traumatic outcome on this occasion, though, as will become apparent.
Sunderland earned their Bank of England comparisons during a period of spending that began in 1948 when they prised Len Shackleton from neighbours Newcastle United for £20,500. Don’t be underwhelmed by the size of the fee; it was a world record at the time. Just two years later, however, Sunderland made that figure appear insignificant when they paid £30,000 for another centre forward, as Trevor Ford arrived from Aston Villa. The 50% increase between the two record fees proves how transfer fee inflation is not just a modern phenomenon.
Don Revie (£22,000) and Billy Bingham (£8,000) were two other notable Sunderland signings during the fifties but the club’s massive investment did not bring them any silverware. They did finish one point off the top in 1950 but, for a club that had won the First Division six times by 1936, that achievement hardly met expectations.
Matters really started to unravel in 1957. Sunderland received a heavy fine and saw players such as Ford suspended by the Football League after an investigation found the club guilty of making illegal payments to its squad members. A scam involving overpayments to contractors had allowed Sunderland to pay their players in excess of the maximum wage, which was then £15 per week. The scandal resulted in the break-up of the club’s expensively-assembled squad and the following season they were relegated.
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Sunderland languished in the Second Division for six years, finally being promoted back to the top flight in 1964 three years after the maximum wage had been abolished. Several other clubs were believed to have committed similar offences to those that Sunderland were found guilty of in order to circumvent the draconian law but went undetected, only compounding the suspicion on Wearside that the Black Cats had been made an example of.
There is obviously no implication here of impropriety at Sunderland under their current regime. Nonetheless, the desire to better their league position that motivates their present day spending in the transfer market and on wages must surely only be sustainable for as long as the club retains Ellis Short’s financial backing. Were he to back out then those same players would probably have to be sold and relegation, as in 1958, might be the result.
Financial data in this article courtesy of the Swiss Ramble. Follow William Abbs on Twitter.
This season Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has made contradicting comments regarding what his team can achieve this year. Earlier on in the season he said that the title race is open and that his Spurs side can challenge, now into the business side of the season he’s said that finishing in the top four of the Premier League would be a ‘miracle’. Surely such comments effect the morale of his squad who are all mostly new to Champions League football and competing at the top of the Premier League?
Firstly I want to say that I am a fan of Harry Redknapp, no I don’t support Spurs or support any of the clubs he has managed in the past, but I believe he is one of the best English managers in the game today, if not the best, and would love him to take over the England job in the future. When speaking to a few Spurs supporting friends of mine, they speak less favourably of Redknapp than myself despite being the first manager to take them into the Champions League and bringing the likes of Rafael van der Vaart to the Lane. Although they can appreciate the relative success, they see him as a bit of a ‘media darling’ and question his tactical nous (except the latter point seems to have gone quiet with them since their victory at the San Siro.)
Although Redknapp is one of the more honest and outspoken managers in the game, he is of course starting to play the “mind games” that the top level managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are famous for. But since the defeat away to Blackpool last Tuesday, maybe he regrets his pre-game comments that it would be another miracle for his side to qualify for the Champions League again. Whether or not it was a ploy to take the pressure off his players, it did not work, so should Harry Redknapp just get on with the job in hand rather than playing politics with the media?
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Of course the Spurs boss wants to take the pressure off his players and heap the pressure on the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea. “It would be a miracle if we did qualified,” Redknapp said. “I think people get carried away thinking Tottenham should be in the Champions League. Why should we be in the Champions League? We’d never been in the Champions League before, suddenly we do it and it’s ‘oh well we should do it again’.Look at Man City and Chelsea’s wage bill. Have a look at the money they pay out. Why should we finish above them?”
Well, despite the loss at Blackpool, Spurs still sit 4th place and even though a Chelsea victory over Manchester United tonight would see them go a point above their London rivals – Tottenham still have a great chance of getting back their Champions League spot. With their next three league games against the current bottom 3 teams, they will be looking to gain maximum points; meanwhile Chelsea have to play Manchester City during this time.
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Forget wage bills and transfer fees, Tottenham have shown they are good enough by qualifying for the Champions League last season and making an impressive debut in the European competition this season. For Spurs’ sake, hopefully Harry is reminding his squad about all of these positives in the dressing room regardless of what he says to the media, otherwise finishing 5th will be a big probability.
AZ Alkmaar came from a goal down to beat Vitesse Arnhem 3-1 in the Eredivisie, furthering their quest for European football next season.An upset looked in the offering in Friday’s sole league encounter after Japan defender Michihiro Yasuda fed striker Marco van Ginkel shortly before half-time for the 18-year-old’s fourth league goal of the season.But – much to their home fans’ delight – the second half belonged to AZ, with Sweden midfielder Pontus Wernbloom kick-starting the recovery with his 63rd-minute strike.Danish winger Simon Poulsen put his AZ in front in the 81st minute, before his darting run down the left flank ended with Belgian midfielder Maarten Martens stabbing home in a crowded penalty area to ice the game for Gertjan Verbeek’s men.The win moves AZ Alkmaar to fourth ahead on 46 points, while Vitesse remain just one place above the relegation zone but still with a seven-point buffer on 16th-placed Excelsior.