Aston Villa v Manchester City
Villa are near the bottom of the table, having won only one of their last ten matches but Manchester City are pretty good now. A win for them would put them back on top of the table.
James Collins should start for Aston Villa.
James is delighted that Villa have signed Darren Bent.
Blackpool v Sunderland
Sunderland could buy Blackpool’s squad five times over with the money they got from selling Darren Bent. So maybe it wasn’t quite such a stupid move but they will miss him. Blackpool will be hoping for a double over Sunderland – they are the only side to have beaten Sunderland at home in the Premier League.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will probably start for Blackpool. Rob Edwards will probably be on the bench.
The Blackpool players recorded a charity single this week to raise money for their coach Gary Parkinson who has locked-in syndrome and Donna’s Dream House.
Everton v West Ham United
Another week has passed and Avram Grant is still at West Ham. But Everton have beaten West Ham more times than they’ve beaten any other Premier League team. West Ham are looking for their second away win of the season.
Danny Gabbidon will hope to be back in West Ham’s starting line-up. Jack Collison almost certainly isn’t ready to return from a knee injury although he is back in training.
Fulham v Stoke City
The Premier League’s two Welsh managers meet for the third time this season – I wonder if Tony Pulis will shake Mark Hughes’ hand this time. I hope he does. He can’t help disliking him but that sort of behaviour is too childish even for me.
Simon Davies should start for Fulham.
Ryan Shawcross should start for Stoke and Danny Collins seems certain to start too now Danny Higginbotham is injured.
Showing posts with label mark hughes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mark hughes. Show all posts
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part Two)
Coventry City 2-1 Crystal Palace
Both these teams are in the Championship and form often doesn’t matter where the FA Cup is concerned – and it very nearly didn’t in this match, with a late penalty save needed to prevent Palace from taking the match to a replay. Coventry travel to Birmingham City in the next round.
Freddy Eastwood made it three goals in three games for Coventry, also picking up the assist for their second goal.
Andy Dorman started for Palace and came close to scoring. Lewis Price was on the bench.
Doncaster Rovers 2-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Only a late equaliser prevented Wolves from being the victim of a cupset but as it was only an equaliser, and with Wolves probably more focused on survival than the FA Cup, the cupset could yet happen. The winner of the reply will play either Stoke City or Cardiff City. The second one, I hope.
A John Oster header was the assist for Doncaster’s second goal. He was also involved in a worrying incident involving a red-carded Wolves player but I’m hoping Mick McCarthy was mistaken about John’s role in it.
Some reports said Wayne Hennessey didn’t play due to injury but as he was on the bench and this was an FA Cup match, I think it’s probably more likely he was rested. Dave Edwards kept his place in the starting line-up but he suffered a hamstring injury and was substituted after just 28 minutes . His replacement, David Jones, came close to a goal but his shot went over the bar.
Fulham 6-2 Peterborough United
Fulham ensured they weren’t going to be embarrassed by putting six past League One Peterborough. Some fans might be worried by the fact that their team let in two goals but as one was a penalty and one was an exceptional strike (not to mention that Fulham weren’t playing their first-choice keeper), maybe there isn’t too much cause for concern. Clean sheet or not, Fulham’s win was emphatic and well-deserved. Maybe they can do the same against Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round.
Fulham keeper David Stockdale had to be at his best to deny Peterborough’s Arron Davies early on.
Simon Davies missed an early chance against his former club Peterborough and was substituted at halt-time – hopefully this was to rest him rather than because he was injured/in Mark Hughes’ bad books for missing.
Huddersfield Town 2-0 Dover Athletic
Two early goals in two minutes from Huddersfield were enough for them to beat Dover Athletic, who have had a great FA Cup run and also played well in this game too but they were unable to break Huddersfield down, although they did come close, also working hard to ensure Huddersfield were limited to just the two goals. Dover miss out on a potential trip to the Emirates but maybe Leeds will win the replay and I’m sure Huddersfield won’t be too disappointed if they do.
Adam Birchall, who must surely still be the FA Cup’s top scorer, was unable to add to his eleven goals but with 29 for Dover so far this season, he surely won’t be playing non-league football forever.
Lincoln City 3-4 Hereford United (second round)
Seven goals were scored and it could have been either side who scored the winning goal but in the end it went to Hereford – who were probably especially glad to avoid a replay as they tend to struggle at home. Hereford’s third round match against Wycombe Wanderers is also away and if they get through to the fourth round, they will face giant-killers Sheffield Wednesday away.
Hereford opened the scoring with Lincoln then going 2-1 ahead before Hereford took a 3-2 lead, with Stuart Fleetwood scoring the second and third goals, only for Lincoln to equalise again five minutes later. Stuart then set up Matthieu Manset to score his second and Hereford’s fourth and the away side hung on, despite losing Ryan Green to his second red card of the season after the defender received two yellow cards. This was his third match since returning from his last suspension.
Millwall 1-4 Birmingham City
Millwall had 53% of the possession, almost the same number of shots on target, considerably more off-target, and won 8 corners to Birmingham’s 0. But it was the Premier League side who took their chances to set up a fourth round tie with another Championship team, Coventry City. Darren Carter, Jason Puncheon and Ashley Grimes all found the net but as former Millwall loanees Carter and Puncheon are now back with their parent clubs and Grimes is still out on loan, this didn’t do Millwall any good at all. Millwall miss out on the chance to host Coventry City in the fourth round.
Steve Morison did his best to mount a comeback for Millwall and arguably should have scored three: one from a one-on-one situation, one from a penalty which he missed, and one from a goal that was wrongly disallowed. Maybe Steve is still feeling the affects of the flu that kept him out of the win over Crystal Palace last weekend and clearly hampered him during Millwall’s midweek fixture against Derby County..
Both these teams are in the Championship and form often doesn’t matter where the FA Cup is concerned – and it very nearly didn’t in this match, with a late penalty save needed to prevent Palace from taking the match to a replay. Coventry travel to Birmingham City in the next round.
Freddy Eastwood made it three goals in three games for Coventry, also picking up the assist for their second goal.
Andy Dorman started for Palace and came close to scoring. Lewis Price was on the bench.
Doncaster Rovers 2-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Only a late equaliser prevented Wolves from being the victim of a cupset but as it was only an equaliser, and with Wolves probably more focused on survival than the FA Cup, the cupset could yet happen. The winner of the reply will play either Stoke City or Cardiff City. The second one, I hope.
A John Oster header was the assist for Doncaster’s second goal. He was also involved in a worrying incident involving a red-carded Wolves player but I’m hoping Mick McCarthy was mistaken about John’s role in it.
Some reports said Wayne Hennessey didn’t play due to injury but as he was on the bench and this was an FA Cup match, I think it’s probably more likely he was rested. Dave Edwards kept his place in the starting line-up but he suffered a hamstring injury and was substituted after just 28 minutes . His replacement, David Jones, came close to a goal but his shot went over the bar.
Fulham 6-2 Peterborough United
Fulham ensured they weren’t going to be embarrassed by putting six past League One Peterborough. Some fans might be worried by the fact that their team let in two goals but as one was a penalty and one was an exceptional strike (not to mention that Fulham weren’t playing their first-choice keeper), maybe there isn’t too much cause for concern. Clean sheet or not, Fulham’s win was emphatic and well-deserved. Maybe they can do the same against Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round.
Fulham keeper David Stockdale had to be at his best to deny Peterborough’s Arron Davies early on.
Simon Davies missed an early chance against his former club Peterborough and was substituted at halt-time – hopefully this was to rest him rather than because he was injured/in Mark Hughes’ bad books for missing.
Huddersfield Town 2-0 Dover Athletic
Two early goals in two minutes from Huddersfield were enough for them to beat Dover Athletic, who have had a great FA Cup run and also played well in this game too but they were unable to break Huddersfield down, although they did come close, also working hard to ensure Huddersfield were limited to just the two goals. Dover miss out on a potential trip to the Emirates but maybe Leeds will win the replay and I’m sure Huddersfield won’t be too disappointed if they do.
Adam Birchall, who must surely still be the FA Cup’s top scorer, was unable to add to his eleven goals but with 29 for Dover so far this season, he surely won’t be playing non-league football forever.
Lincoln City 3-4 Hereford United (second round)
Seven goals were scored and it could have been either side who scored the winning goal but in the end it went to Hereford – who were probably especially glad to avoid a replay as they tend to struggle at home. Hereford’s third round match against Wycombe Wanderers is also away and if they get through to the fourth round, they will face giant-killers Sheffield Wednesday away.
Hereford opened the scoring with Lincoln then going 2-1 ahead before Hereford took a 3-2 lead, with Stuart Fleetwood scoring the second and third goals, only for Lincoln to equalise again five minutes later. Stuart then set up Matthieu Manset to score his second and Hereford’s fourth and the away side hung on, despite losing Ryan Green to his second red card of the season after the defender received two yellow cards. This was his third match since returning from his last suspension.
Millwall 1-4 Birmingham City
Millwall had 53% of the possession, almost the same number of shots on target, considerably more off-target, and won 8 corners to Birmingham’s 0. But it was the Premier League side who took their chances to set up a fourth round tie with another Championship team, Coventry City. Darren Carter, Jason Puncheon and Ashley Grimes all found the net but as former Millwall loanees Carter and Puncheon are now back with their parent clubs and Grimes is still out on loan, this didn’t do Millwall any good at all. Millwall miss out on the chance to host Coventry City in the fourth round.
Steve Morison did his best to mount a comeback for Millwall and arguably should have scored three: one from a one-on-one situation, one from a penalty which he missed, and one from a goal that was wrongly disallowed. Maybe Steve is still feeling the affects of the flu that kept him out of the win over Crystal Palace last weekend and clearly hampered him during Millwall’s midweek fixture against Derby County..
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Transfer News and Rumours 8th January 2011 (Championship)
It is thought that Bristol City will listen to offers for Gavin Williams, who has just had foot surgery.
Doncaster manager Sean O’Driscoll hopes Brian Stock will sign a new contract but a number of other clubs are interested.
Kenny Jackett says Millwall don’t need to sell Steve Morison – and there’s been no contact from Fulham. So if Mark Hughes wants to manage Steve, he’ll have to wait until the Wales manager post becomes vacant again. And hopefully that won’t be for a very long time.
Millwall striker Steve Morison says he won’t be letting the Fulham rumours distract him. Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested.
Nottingham Forest have told Robert Earnshaw he will need to take a paycut if he wants to remain at the club. Rob’s current contract expires this summer.
Simon Church has been linked with Swansea City but he’s focused on helping Reading into the Premier League.
Hal Robson-Kanu could move from Reading to Swindon Town in a swap with Charlie Austin.
Jermaine Easter hopes to sign a permanent deal with Swansea City, having apparently come to the conclusion he’d rather be on the bench for a top Championship side than for a mid-table League One club.
Newcastle United are interested in Swansea City’s Ashley Williams but Brendan Rogers has no plans to sell him. Swansea are also concerned that they could lose Joe Allen.
Swansea City goalkeeper David Cornell will spend the rest of the season on loan at Welsh Premier League club Port Talbot.
Doncaster manager Sean O’Driscoll hopes Brian Stock will sign a new contract but a number of other clubs are interested.
Kenny Jackett says Millwall don’t need to sell Steve Morison – and there’s been no contact from Fulham. So if Mark Hughes wants to manage Steve, he’ll have to wait until the Wales manager post becomes vacant again. And hopefully that won’t be for a very long time.
Millwall striker Steve Morison says he won’t be letting the Fulham rumours distract him. Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested.
Nottingham Forest have told Robert Earnshaw he will need to take a paycut if he wants to remain at the club. Rob’s current contract expires this summer.
Simon Church has been linked with Swansea City but he’s focused on helping Reading into the Premier League.
Hal Robson-Kanu could move from Reading to Swindon Town in a swap with Charlie Austin.
Jermaine Easter hopes to sign a permanent deal with Swansea City, having apparently come to the conclusion he’d rather be on the bench for a top Championship side than for a mid-table League One club.
Newcastle United are interested in Swansea City’s Ashley Williams but Brendan Rogers has no plans to sell him. Swansea are also concerned that they could lose Joe Allen.
Swansea City goalkeeper David Cornell will spend the rest of the season on loan at Welsh Premier League club Port Talbot.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Premier League Results 11th December 2010
Aston Villa 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
Aston Villa’s run of five straight defeats came to an end when they won the derby match with West Bromwich Albion.
James Collins played for Villa despite daring to go out for a meal with his wife in the vicinity of a nightclub the night before a game. He nearly scored (during the match, I mean, not at the nightclub) and finished the game with a match-saving block.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom and missed the chance to play against a former club.
Fulham 0-0 Sunderland
Both teams have drawn more than their fair share of matches this season so this result was no surprise at all. Fulham remain outside the bottom three on goal difference and have equalled the record for the biggest number of draws in the opening seventeen games. This was their tenth draw. I won’t say how many matches Mark Hughes has won from his last twenty-six because I’m supposed to be nice to Welshmen.
Simon Davies played the full match for Fulham. He might have got an assist if the referee hadn’t been paying attention.
Stoke City 0-1 Blackpool
Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway are good friends and Tony’s son Anthony Pulis, now at Stockport County on loan from Southampton, is apparently Ian Holloway’s godson. Which practically makes Ian Welsh if you’re me. But if Tony had had another child after this match, maybe he would have chosen a different godparent.
Stoke are formidable at home and they were on a five-match unbeaten run but Blackpool fear nobody and they do have the third-best away record in the League, after Arsenal and Manchester City. The win puts them into the top half of the table. They haven’t done enough to stop them from going down (not even Manchester United have done that) but at least they’ve managed to shut up most of the people who are saying they’ll go straight back down again.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played in defence for Stoke. Danny says he can’t blame the fans for jeering.
Neal Eardley nearly scored on his 150th league appearance and also made a great block to deny Stoke a certain goal but this was unfortunately credited to a team-mate.
David Vaughan also had a good game – 91% of his passes were successful. Rob Edwards was on the bench. It’s nice to see the Blackpool players being so complimentary about two of my favourite Blackpool players.
West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City
West Ham must be so disappointed. If only their former player Carlos Tevez had decided to leave forty-eight hours earlier. It would have thrown the club into disarray and maybe West Ham could have got a point or three.
Danny Gabbidon didn’t play for West Ham due to injury. Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion are both said to be interested in bringing Danny to the Midlands.
Aston Villa’s run of five straight defeats came to an end when they won the derby match with West Bromwich Albion.
James Collins played for Villa despite daring to go out for a meal with his wife in the vicinity of a nightclub the night before a game. He nearly scored (during the match, I mean, not at the nightclub) and finished the game with a match-saving block.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom and missed the chance to play against a former club.
Fulham 0-0 Sunderland
Both teams have drawn more than their fair share of matches this season so this result was no surprise at all. Fulham remain outside the bottom three on goal difference and have equalled the record for the biggest number of draws in the opening seventeen games. This was their tenth draw. I won’t say how many matches Mark Hughes has won from his last twenty-six because I’m supposed to be nice to Welshmen.
Simon Davies played the full match for Fulham. He might have got an assist if the referee hadn’t been paying attention.
Stoke City 0-1 Blackpool
Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway are good friends and Tony’s son Anthony Pulis, now at Stockport County on loan from Southampton, is apparently Ian Holloway’s godson. Which practically makes Ian Welsh if you’re me. But if Tony had had another child after this match, maybe he would have chosen a different godparent.
Stoke are formidable at home and they were on a five-match unbeaten run but Blackpool fear nobody and they do have the third-best away record in the League, after Arsenal and Manchester City. The win puts them into the top half of the table. They haven’t done enough to stop them from going down (not even Manchester United have done that) but at least they’ve managed to shut up most of the people who are saying they’ll go straight back down again.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played in defence for Stoke. Danny says he can’t blame the fans for jeering.
Neal Eardley nearly scored on his 150th league appearance and also made a great block to deny Stoke a certain goal but this was unfortunately credited to a team-mate.
David Vaughan also had a good game – 91% of his passes were successful. Rob Edwards was on the bench. It’s nice to see the Blackpool players being so complimentary about two of my favourite Blackpool players.
West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City
West Ham must be so disappointed. If only their former player Carlos Tevez had decided to leave forty-eight hours earlier. It would have thrown the club into disarray and maybe West Ham could have got a point or three.
Danny Gabbidon didn’t play for West Ham due to injury. Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion are both said to be interested in bringing Danny to the Midlands.
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Gary Speed appointed Wales' new manager
To begin with, Gary Speed wasn't even interested. He'd only recently been appointed manager of Sheffield United although he'd been with the club for a number of years, first as a player and then as a coach.
But when Ryan Giggs yet again turned down the chance to become Wales' manager, the Welsh FA turned to an inexperienced manager whose club are near the bottom of the Championship.
A number of people are believed to have applied for the job. Brian Flynn, the caretaker-manager of Wales for their two most recent matches, was the choice of the players and was interested in remaining in the job. Chris Coleman and John Hartson were also thought to have been very keen. Chris was the most experienced Welsh candidate while John had none at all. Lars Lagerback was also interviewed for the position whilst other managers linked with the job included Martin O'Neill.
But it seemed FA Wales were looking for a star rather than an experienced manager and, after holding interviews, they made the decision to approach Gary Speed - and he accepted their offer to become manager of Wales.
It's true he's a Welsh legend and he could inspire the players, as no doubt Ryan Giggs would have done - and although his managerial track record is not particularly good, he does have experience as a coach. The younger Welsh internationals (which to be fair is most of them) will remember him as a star. He's just not that experienced or that successful as a manager and that could turn out to be a disadvantage.
I really hope it works out for Gary and he has my full support. I hope the unsuccessful candidates won't be too disappointed. Brian Flynn certainly has reason to be, although he clearly loves working with and developing young players and there will be more opportunities for him to do this at under-21 level and lower. Chris Coleman has also been offered another job but he'd decided not to accept it until he knew whether or not he's got the Welsh job. It looks like he'll be managing Greek side Larissa then.
As for Wales, we have a Welsh manager who loves his country. That's not something every country can claim.
Gary Speed's career in pictures.
Gary says he has taken a pay cut in order to manage Wales. It's always good finding people like that in the world of football.
Gary says one of his first jobs will be to try to coax Welsh players out of international retirement. That might actually be a harder job than beating England but some of those players could well be his friends so maybe he can do it.
Gary says Wales have nothing to lose. Well, we can lose the rest of the games which would also mean finishing bottom of the group but I do see what he means.
Former Wales manager Mark Hughes, who was linked with a return to the role, believes Gary will do a great job.
But when Ryan Giggs yet again turned down the chance to become Wales' manager, the Welsh FA turned to an inexperienced manager whose club are near the bottom of the Championship.
A number of people are believed to have applied for the job. Brian Flynn, the caretaker-manager of Wales for their two most recent matches, was the choice of the players and was interested in remaining in the job. Chris Coleman and John Hartson were also thought to have been very keen. Chris was the most experienced Welsh candidate while John had none at all. Lars Lagerback was also interviewed for the position whilst other managers linked with the job included Martin O'Neill.
But it seemed FA Wales were looking for a star rather than an experienced manager and, after holding interviews, they made the decision to approach Gary Speed - and he accepted their offer to become manager of Wales.
It's true he's a Welsh legend and he could inspire the players, as no doubt Ryan Giggs would have done - and although his managerial track record is not particularly good, he does have experience as a coach. The younger Welsh internationals (which to be fair is most of them) will remember him as a star. He's just not that experienced or that successful as a manager and that could turn out to be a disadvantage.
I really hope it works out for Gary and he has my full support. I hope the unsuccessful candidates won't be too disappointed. Brian Flynn certainly has reason to be, although he clearly loves working with and developing young players and there will be more opportunities for him to do this at under-21 level and lower. Chris Coleman has also been offered another job but he'd decided not to accept it until he knew whether or not he's got the Welsh job. It looks like he'll be managing Greek side Larissa then.
As for Wales, we have a Welsh manager who loves his country. That's not something every country can claim.
Gary Speed's career in pictures.
Gary says he has taken a pay cut in order to manage Wales. It's always good finding people like that in the world of football.
Gary says one of his first jobs will be to try to coax Welsh players out of international retirement. That might actually be a harder job than beating England but some of those players could well be his friends so maybe he can do it.
Gary says Wales have nothing to lose. Well, we can lose the rest of the games which would also mean finishing bottom of the group but I do see what he means.
Former Wales manager Mark Hughes, who was linked with a return to the role, believes Gary will do a great job.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Premier League Results 4th December 2010
Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
Saturday wasn’t a good day for the Welshmen with none of those in the Premier League finishing on the winning side. Don’t tell me they’re all cursed now. Luckily I was supporting the team without a Welshman in and Arsenal claimed another win following a stressful match.
Simon Davies was playing against Arsenal though and Fulham haven’t won for ages so he might not be cursed. Mark Hughes named Simon as one of his best players in this match and the Daily Mail says he gave Gael Clichy a torrid time which would be great if Clichy didn’t play for Arsenal.
Birmingham City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
At least Birmingham are three points from the relegation zone after this draw. And fifth isn’t too bad for Tottenham.
Gareth Bale played well for Tottenham as usual. Some Tottenham fans are complaining he’s not firing on all cylinders but that’s the thing about Gareth. He can give his cylinders a rest anytime he likes and still be the best player on the pitch. As he arguably was in this match.
Blackburn Rovers 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves losing doesn’t mean they’re cursed either. Wolves always lose. If there was something funny going on for Wolves, they’d be winning.
Wayne Hennessey kept his place in goal for Wolves but he was unable to extend his winning run. David Jones and Dave Edwards were out due to thigh and foot injuries.
Manchester City 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
Manchester City claimed all three points in this, er, battle for the fourth Champions’ League place.
Sam Ricketts was the victim of a tackle that saw Manchester City’s Aleksandar Kolarov sent off.
Wigan Athletic 2-2 Stoke City
Wigan moved ahead of West Ham United after beating Stoke City who have only just broken ther referee curse and definitely don’t need another one.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played for Stoke. Danny scored a goal but it wasn’t in the right net or anything like that.
Saturday wasn’t a good day for the Welshmen with none of those in the Premier League finishing on the winning side. Don’t tell me they’re all cursed now. Luckily I was supporting the team without a Welshman in and Arsenal claimed another win following a stressful match.
Simon Davies was playing against Arsenal though and Fulham haven’t won for ages so he might not be cursed. Mark Hughes named Simon as one of his best players in this match and the Daily Mail says he gave Gael Clichy a torrid time which would be great if Clichy didn’t play for Arsenal.
Birmingham City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
At least Birmingham are three points from the relegation zone after this draw. And fifth isn’t too bad for Tottenham.
Gareth Bale played well for Tottenham as usual. Some Tottenham fans are complaining he’s not firing on all cylinders but that’s the thing about Gareth. He can give his cylinders a rest anytime he likes and still be the best player on the pitch. As he arguably was in this match.
Blackburn Rovers 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves losing doesn’t mean they’re cursed either. Wolves always lose. If there was something funny going on for Wolves, they’d be winning.
Wayne Hennessey kept his place in goal for Wolves but he was unable to extend his winning run. David Jones and Dave Edwards were out due to thigh and foot injuries.
Manchester City 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
Manchester City claimed all three points in this, er, battle for the fourth Champions’ League place.
Sam Ricketts was the victim of a tackle that saw Manchester City’s Aleksandar Kolarov sent off.
Wigan Athletic 2-2 Stoke City
Wigan moved ahead of West Ham United after beating Stoke City who have only just broken ther referee curse and definitely don’t need another one.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played for Stoke. Danny scored a goal but it wasn’t in the right net or anything like that.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Welsh Player News 29th October (Premier League)
Aaron Ramsey should be in full training by the end of next week but if Brian Flynn has any plans to select him for the under-21s, Arsene Wenger will have something to say about it.
Wrexham and Wales under-21 goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has spent two days training with Everton and it probably isn’t just out of the kindness of their hearts. They probably are at least vaguely interested in signing him. But Dean Saunders says it’s nothing to get overly excited about.
Wigan Athletic manaeer Roberto Martinez feels Mark Hughes is doing a good job for Fulham. Mark says he will strengthen his squad in January.
Ryan Giggs could be playing in Dubai next season and earning £20,000 a week. And all his old friends could be going with him.
Owen Hargreaves has had another setback. Poor Owen, you don't want to see that happening to anyone even if they did choose England. Brysiwch wella, Owen.
Wrexham and Wales under-21 goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has spent two days training with Everton and it probably isn’t just out of the kindness of their hearts. They probably are at least vaguely interested in signing him. But Dean Saunders says it’s nothing to get overly excited about.
Wigan Athletic manaeer Roberto Martinez feels Mark Hughes is doing a good job for Fulham. Mark says he will strengthen his squad in January.
Ryan Giggs could be playing in Dubai next season and earning £20,000 a week. And all his old friends could be going with him.
Owen Hargreaves has had another setback. Poor Owen, you don't want to see that happening to anyone even if they did choose England. Brysiwch wella, Owen.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Premier League News 27th September 2010
Mark Hughes is one of many who feels referees need to be more consistent.
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez feels Roberto Mancini made a mistake in sending Craig Bellamy on loan to Cardiff City. Terry Venables feels Craig’s absence is part of the reason why Manchester City aren’t challenging for the title.
Gareth Bale is a contender for the PFA Fans’ Premier League Player of the Month. If Gareth wins, he can put it on the mantelpiece beside his August Goal of the Month trophy. If they have trophies.
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez feels Roberto Mancini made a mistake in sending Craig Bellamy on loan to Cardiff City. Terry Venables feels Craig’s absence is part of the reason why Manchester City aren’t challenging for the title.
Gareth Bale is a contender for the PFA Fans’ Premier League Player of the Month. If Gareth wins, he can put it on the mantelpiece beside his August Goal of the Month trophy. If they have trophies.
Friday, 24 September 2010
Premier League Fixtures 25th September 2010
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion
Arsenal will be desperate to score at least twice as one goal just wasn’t enough against Sunderland last weekend. West Brom are quite a physical side and might fancy their chances. Especially as Cesc Fabregas is injured.
Aaron Ramsey misses out for Arsenal with a broken leg.
Boaz Myhill did well for West Brom in the Carling Cup victory over Manchester City but he’ll probably be back on the bench for this match.
Blackpool v Blackburn Rovers
Blackpool have made an excellent start to the season, only losing to Arsenal and Chelsea – and a number of teams will lose to those two. Blackburn’s recent success tends to be more down to their home form. Sam Allardyce faces the club who gave him his first taste of Football League management. They’ve come up in the world since then.
David Vaughan should start for Blackpool. Neal Eardley is also expected to be back in the starting line-up despite being substituted at half-time against Chelsea last weekend. This is due to a defensive crisis which could also see Rob Edwards return to the matchday squad.
Fulham v Everton
Everton travel to Mark Hughes’. Fulham in search of their first win in the knowledge that Fulham are yet to lose this season.
Simon Davies is likely to start against the club from which Fulham signed him.
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s last match against a London side didn’t go as planned (well it did go as I planned, just not as they planned) and they’ll be hoping for a big improvement against West Ham. As West Ham only got their first point of the season last week, Tottenham probably have a chance of winning this.
Danny Gabbidon is expected to play for West Ham after being rested in midweek. Jack Collison has a long-term knee injury.
Gareth Bale was also rested so Tottenham could recall him unless Harry Redknapp feels he needs a longer rest.
Arsenal will be desperate to score at least twice as one goal just wasn’t enough against Sunderland last weekend. West Brom are quite a physical side and might fancy their chances. Especially as Cesc Fabregas is injured.
Aaron Ramsey misses out for Arsenal with a broken leg.
Boaz Myhill did well for West Brom in the Carling Cup victory over Manchester City but he’ll probably be back on the bench for this match.
Blackpool v Blackburn Rovers
Blackpool have made an excellent start to the season, only losing to Arsenal and Chelsea – and a number of teams will lose to those two. Blackburn’s recent success tends to be more down to their home form. Sam Allardyce faces the club who gave him his first taste of Football League management. They’ve come up in the world since then.
David Vaughan should start for Blackpool. Neal Eardley is also expected to be back in the starting line-up despite being substituted at half-time against Chelsea last weekend. This is due to a defensive crisis which could also see Rob Edwards return to the matchday squad.
Fulham v Everton
Everton travel to Mark Hughes’. Fulham in search of their first win in the knowledge that Fulham are yet to lose this season.
Simon Davies is likely to start against the club from which Fulham signed him.
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s last match against a London side didn’t go as planned (well it did go as I planned, just not as they planned) and they’ll be hoping for a big improvement against West Ham. As West Ham only got their first point of the season last week, Tottenham probably have a chance of winning this.
Danny Gabbidon is expected to play for West Ham after being rested in midweek. Jack Collison has a long-term knee injury.
Gareth Bale was also rested so Tottenham could recall him unless Harry Redknapp feels he needs a longer rest.
Monday, 20 September 2010
Welsh Player News 21st August 2010 (Premier League)
Manager Mark Hughes feels Fulham’s away day problems are a thing of the past.
Ryan Giggs is supporting Wayne Rooney, who is struggling for goals at the moment.
Sir Alex Ferguson says Michael Owen will get ‘enough’ football this season and new Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier can keep his hands off.
Ryan Giggs is supporting Wayne Rooney, who is struggling for goals at the moment.
Sir Alex Ferguson says Michael Owen will get ‘enough’ football this season and new Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier can keep his hands off.
Carling Cup Fixtures 21st September 2010 Part 2
Portsmouth v Leicester City
Both clubs are struggling near the bottom of the Championship and maybe the last thing they need is the distraction of a Cup run. Or maybe a distraction is just what they need.
Andy King has scored three goals in the last three games so he’ll start unless Leicester decide to rest their best players.
Stoke City v Fulham
Stoke are known for their strong home form. Fulham are known for their problems away. But Fulham showed in the Europa League last season that league form and cup form can be very different things.
Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins should play in defence for Stoke.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes doesn’t want to make any changes but he might choose to rest Simon Davies, who has long-term foot problems (unless that was just his polite way of telling John Toshack he doesn’t want to play for him anymore).
Sunderland v West Ham United
West Ham have more important things than cups to worry about this season but perhaps a win at Sunderland could give them some much-needed confidence. Although it would be quite embarrassing if West Ham give Sunderland a thrashing, just a few days after they drew with Arsenal.
Danny Gabbidon will hope to keep his place in defence for West Ham. Jack Collison is out with a knee injury.
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
Arsenal are certain to field a weakened line-up in this match and while Tottenham might well do the same, their second strings should be a bit older and more experienced than Arsenal’s.
Gareth Bale is Tottenham’s best player so it’s very good to hear he’ll be rested. Especially considering what he did to Arsenal last time.
Aaron Ramsey is still out with a broken leg.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Notts County
Wolves are expected to play a weakened side against Notts County, despite Notts County’s recent reputation for giant-killing.
But this is good news. Wayne Hennessey should start in goal while Dave Edwards has a chance of starting. The only downside is that David Jones might be dropped to the bench but that’s only because he’s a regular in the first team and that’s a good thing really.
Ben Davies should play in midfield for Notts County.
Both clubs are struggling near the bottom of the Championship and maybe the last thing they need is the distraction of a Cup run. Or maybe a distraction is just what they need.
Andy King has scored three goals in the last three games so he’ll start unless Leicester decide to rest their best players.
Stoke City v Fulham
Stoke are known for their strong home form. Fulham are known for their problems away. But Fulham showed in the Europa League last season that league form and cup form can be very different things.
Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins should play in defence for Stoke.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes doesn’t want to make any changes but he might choose to rest Simon Davies, who has long-term foot problems (unless that was just his polite way of telling John Toshack he doesn’t want to play for him anymore).
Sunderland v West Ham United
West Ham have more important things than cups to worry about this season but perhaps a win at Sunderland could give them some much-needed confidence. Although it would be quite embarrassing if West Ham give Sunderland a thrashing, just a few days after they drew with Arsenal.
Danny Gabbidon will hope to keep his place in defence for West Ham. Jack Collison is out with a knee injury.
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
Arsenal are certain to field a weakened line-up in this match and while Tottenham might well do the same, their second strings should be a bit older and more experienced than Arsenal’s.
Gareth Bale is Tottenham’s best player so it’s very good to hear he’ll be rested. Especially considering what he did to Arsenal last time.
Aaron Ramsey is still out with a broken leg.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Notts County
Wolves are expected to play a weakened side against Notts County, despite Notts County’s recent reputation for giant-killing.
But this is good news. Wayne Hennessey should start in goal while Dave Edwards has a chance of starting. The only downside is that David Jones might be dropped to the bench but that’s only because he’s a regular in the first team and that’s a good thing really.
Ben Davies should play in midfield for Notts County.
Friday, 17 September 2010
Wales News 17th September 2010
Brian Flynn is Wales’ new manager – but one day soon it will be Ryan Giggs.
Brian feels Ryan still has a role to play for Wales. Mark Hughes has encouraged Ryan to accept a position as a coach for Wales. Brian & Ryan – it sounds good to me.
Brian is delighted to be Wales’ new manager. He hopes his stay will be much longer than two matches. And he says no player is too old to play for Wales…
Dean Saunders and Roy Evans are no longer part of Wales’ coaching set-up.
David Cotterill should be happy. He said he wanted a Welshman ro manage Wales.
Could some of Wales’ former stars return now John Toshack has gone?
Robbie Savage says he will play for Wales again.
Joe Allen is feeling fitter and wiser than he felt last season and is hoping to improve his performances for club and country.
John Toshack seems to have pretty much blamed Ryan Shawcross for ruining his chances of being a successful manager of Wales which doesn’t seem very fair. But maybe that’s not quite what he said. When I write (and when I speak for that matter), I like to make things as dramatic as possible so I can’t blame Wales Online for doing the same. Or maybe he blames the 15 players who dropped out of the Liechtenstein squad, Wales Online says that was the catalyst too. I’m sure those two things didn’t help but I think it was more a combination problems than just one moment.
Brian feels Ryan still has a role to play for Wales. Mark Hughes has encouraged Ryan to accept a position as a coach for Wales. Brian & Ryan – it sounds good to me.
Brian is delighted to be Wales’ new manager. He hopes his stay will be much longer than two matches. And he says no player is too old to play for Wales…
Dean Saunders and Roy Evans are no longer part of Wales’ coaching set-up.
David Cotterill should be happy. He said he wanted a Welshman ro manage Wales.
Could some of Wales’ former stars return now John Toshack has gone?
Robbie Savage says he will play for Wales again.
Joe Allen is feeling fitter and wiser than he felt last season and is hoping to improve his performances for club and country.
John Toshack seems to have pretty much blamed Ryan Shawcross for ruining his chances of being a successful manager of Wales which doesn’t seem very fair. But maybe that’s not quite what he said. When I write (and when I speak for that matter), I like to make things as dramatic as possible so I can’t blame Wales Online for doing the same. Or maybe he blames the 15 players who dropped out of the Liechtenstein squad, Wales Online says that was the catalyst too. I’m sure those two things didn’t help but I think it was more a combination problems than just one moment.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Premier League Fixtures 11th September 2010 Part 1
Everton v Manchester United
Everton will be hoping to quadruple their points total but that might not be the easieat thing in the world considering who their visitors are. Man Utd have not lost away since they last played Everton. Everton meanwhile laven’t lost at home since November. The team who beat them are hated by both Everton and Manchester United fans.
Owen Hargreaves has made it into Man Utd’s 25-man squad but he’s not ready to return from his knee injury. Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen shouldbe in the matchday squad though.
Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers
Arsenal’s injury curse has returned, leaving Arsenal very short in the striker department. Central defence is not looking great either but Bolton’s goalkeeper is suspended so it’s not just Arsenal who are suffering. Both teams are unbeaten so far this season.
Aaron Ramsey is still recovering from his broken leg.
Sam Ricketts will probably be on the bench tomorrow but I never complain about Welsh players being left on the bench when the team in question is playing Arsenal.
Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves are in 7th place while Fulham are 14th but with Wolves only a point ahead of them, the table could look very different this time tomorrow.
Fulham have lots of injuries but Simon Davies has had the chance to rest his long-term foot injury during the international break (I’m honestly not having a dig at him!). Mark Hughes will be hoping to lead Fulham to their first win of the season but he has drawn eleven of his last fourteen games as a manager.
David Jones will hope to keep his place in the starting line-up but competition is fierce and Dave Edwards will be fighting to be a starter. Wayne Hennessey will be on the bench.
Everton will be hoping to quadruple their points total but that might not be the easieat thing in the world considering who their visitors are. Man Utd have not lost away since they last played Everton. Everton meanwhile laven’t lost at home since November. The team who beat them are hated by both Everton and Manchester United fans.
Owen Hargreaves has made it into Man Utd’s 25-man squad but he’s not ready to return from his knee injury. Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen shouldbe in the matchday squad though.
Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers
Arsenal’s injury curse has returned, leaving Arsenal very short in the striker department. Central defence is not looking great either but Bolton’s goalkeeper is suspended so it’s not just Arsenal who are suffering. Both teams are unbeaten so far this season.
Aaron Ramsey is still recovering from his broken leg.
Sam Ricketts will probably be on the bench tomorrow but I never complain about Welsh players being left on the bench when the team in question is playing Arsenal.
Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves are in 7th place while Fulham are 14th but with Wolves only a point ahead of them, the table could look very different this time tomorrow.
Fulham have lots of injuries but Simon Davies has had the chance to rest his long-term foot injury during the international break (I’m honestly not having a dig at him!). Mark Hughes will be hoping to lead Fulham to their first win of the season but he has drawn eleven of his last fourteen games as a manager.
David Jones will hope to keep his place in the starting line-up but competition is fierce and Dave Edwards will be fighting to be a starter. Wayne Hennessey will be on the bench.
Friday, 3 September 2010
Welsh Summer Transfers 2010 (Premier League, E-N)
Everton
Everton were linked with Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ledley, now with Celtic.
Welsh Players: None
Fulham
Simon Davies recently signed a new three-year contract with the club and says he wishes to remain there for the rest of his career.
Mark Hughes became manager of Fulham during the close season. It was his first job since being sacked by Manchester City early in the season although he was recently offered the chance to manage Al Ahi in Dubai. Liverpool were also rumouored to be interested. He later must have terrified Fulham when it was reported he might leave them for Aston Villa. But as far as I know he’s still at Fulham now.
Mark wanted to sign Craig Bellamy, who played for him at Manchester City but Craig wanted to go to Cardiff and Man City didn’t want him to go to a Premier League rival which is a compliment to Fulham in a way.
Boaz Myhill was also linked to Fulham.
Reece Jones was released by Fulham and later joined (sort-of) local rivals AFC Wimbledon.
Welsh Players: One - Simon Davies
Liverpool
Mark Hughes was said to be a contender to replace Rafa Benitez as manager of Liverpool but it didn’t happen. Liverpool appointed Fulham’s manager instead and Mark went to Fulham.
Michael Owen was linked with a move back to the club with whom he began his career but I don’t think anyone took it seriously. He stayed at Man Utd.
Welsh Players: None
Manchester City
There were strong rumours that Craig Bellamy would not be included in Manchester City’s 25-man squad for the new season. Craig said that if he did leave the club, he wanted to play for his hometown club, Cardiff City. No-one took this too seriously but Craig has now joined Cardiff on a season-long loan and he said he’d love to stay longer if he can help Cardiff to promotion. Tottenham were interested in Craig but they’re not his hometown club so they stood no chance.
Welsh Players: None, plus Craig Bellamy (out on loan)
Manchester United
There were some very strange rumours about Michael Owen leaving Man Utd for former club Liverpool or signing for Bristol City on loan but he stayed where he was.
Owen Hargreaves’ Man Utd future was thought to be in doubt in doubt after his knee injury flared up again.
The Sun ran a story claiming that Ryan Giggs could end his career in America. As I said, it did come from the Sun.
Welsh players: One and two halves - Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Owen (the last two of whom chose to play for England)
Newcastle United
Welsh Players: None
Everton were linked with Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ledley, now with Celtic.
Welsh Players: None
Fulham
Simon Davies recently signed a new three-year contract with the club and says he wishes to remain there for the rest of his career.
Mark Hughes became manager of Fulham during the close season. It was his first job since being sacked by Manchester City early in the season although he was recently offered the chance to manage Al Ahi in Dubai. Liverpool were also rumouored to be interested. He later must have terrified Fulham when it was reported he might leave them for Aston Villa. But as far as I know he’s still at Fulham now.
Mark wanted to sign Craig Bellamy, who played for him at Manchester City but Craig wanted to go to Cardiff and Man City didn’t want him to go to a Premier League rival which is a compliment to Fulham in a way.
Boaz Myhill was also linked to Fulham.
Reece Jones was released by Fulham and later joined (sort-of) local rivals AFC Wimbledon.
Welsh Players: One - Simon Davies
Liverpool
Mark Hughes was said to be a contender to replace Rafa Benitez as manager of Liverpool but it didn’t happen. Liverpool appointed Fulham’s manager instead and Mark went to Fulham.
Michael Owen was linked with a move back to the club with whom he began his career but I don’t think anyone took it seriously. He stayed at Man Utd.
Welsh Players: None
Manchester City
There were strong rumours that Craig Bellamy would not be included in Manchester City’s 25-man squad for the new season. Craig said that if he did leave the club, he wanted to play for his hometown club, Cardiff City. No-one took this too seriously but Craig has now joined Cardiff on a season-long loan and he said he’d love to stay longer if he can help Cardiff to promotion. Tottenham were interested in Craig but they’re not his hometown club so they stood no chance.
Welsh Players: None, plus Craig Bellamy (out on loan)
Manchester United
There were some very strange rumours about Michael Owen leaving Man Utd for former club Liverpool or signing for Bristol City on loan but he stayed where he was.
Owen Hargreaves’ Man Utd future was thought to be in doubt in doubt after his knee injury flared up again.
The Sun ran a story claiming that Ryan Giggs could end his career in America. As I said, it did come from the Sun.
Welsh players: One and two halves - Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Owen (the last two of whom chose to play for England)
Newcastle United
Welsh Players: None
Welsh Summer Transfers 2010 (Premier League, A-C)
A number of Welsh players (and managers!) were playing musical chairs over the summer. And even when they weren't moving, there were people making up rumours about them moving. Here is a possibility incomplete list of where the Welsh players are now and where they might have been if the papers had all been telling the truth for once.
Arsenal
Sanchez Watt went back to Leeds United on a season-long loan.
Aaron Ramsey signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.
Welsh Players: One - Aaron Ramsey plus Sanchez Watt (out on loan/wants to play for England)
Aston Villa
Mark Hughes was linked with the vacant manager job despite having only just joined Fulham. At the moment he’s still at Fulham.
Welsh Players: One and a half - James Collins, Elliot Parish (who wants to play for England)
Birmingham City
Welsh Players: None
Blackburn Rovers
Jason Brown was rumoured to be leaving in search of first-team football. He now seems to be Blackburn’s fourth-choice keeper so he probably wishes he had.
Blackburn were said to be interested in signing David Jones from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Welsh Players: One - Jason Brown
Blackpool
David Vaughan’s contract came to an end with the option to extend it for another year. The option was taken.
Rob Edwards had a similar contract situation. His option was not taken but he was offered a new one-year contract with an extension option.
Daniel Nardiello was released following Blackpool’s promotion to the Premier League. He has now joined Exeter City.
Brett Pitman was given the chance to join the Tangerines but the Bournemouth striker decided to go to Bristol City instead.
Welsh Players: Three - Neal Eardley, Rob Edwards, David Vaughan
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton were linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder David Jones.
Welsh Players: One - Sam Ricketts
Chelsea
Rhys Taylor has joined Crewe Alexandra on loan. The original loan deal ends soon but Rhys and Crewe are hoping to extend it.
Welsh Players: None, plus Rhys Taylor (out on loan)
Arsenal
Sanchez Watt went back to Leeds United on a season-long loan.
Aaron Ramsey signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.
Welsh Players: One - Aaron Ramsey plus Sanchez Watt (out on loan/wants to play for England)
Aston Villa
Mark Hughes was linked with the vacant manager job despite having only just joined Fulham. At the moment he’s still at Fulham.
Welsh Players: One and a half - James Collins, Elliot Parish (who wants to play for England)
Birmingham City
Welsh Players: None
Blackburn Rovers
Jason Brown was rumoured to be leaving in search of first-team football. He now seems to be Blackburn’s fourth-choice keeper so he probably wishes he had.
Blackburn were said to be interested in signing David Jones from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Welsh Players: One - Jason Brown
Blackpool
David Vaughan’s contract came to an end with the option to extend it for another year. The option was taken.
Rob Edwards had a similar contract situation. His option was not taken but he was offered a new one-year contract with an extension option.
Daniel Nardiello was released following Blackpool’s promotion to the Premier League. He has now joined Exeter City.
Brett Pitman was given the chance to join the Tangerines but the Bournemouth striker decided to go to Bristol City instead.
Welsh Players: Three - Neal Eardley, Rob Edwards, David Vaughan
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton were linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder David Jones.
Welsh Players: One - Sam Ricketts
Chelsea
Rhys Taylor has joined Crewe Alexandra on loan. The original loan deal ends soon but Rhys and Crewe are hoping to extend it.
Welsh Players: None, plus Rhys Taylor (out on loan)
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Transfer Deadline Day August 2010 - Welsh Players
I was very intrigued to hear that ‘Christian Bale’ was moving to Birmingham. I assumed they meant Gareth which sounded a bit unlikely (although any move that weakens Tottenham Hotspur can only be a good thing) but it turned out they meant former Arsenal man Alexander Hleb. They managed to get him too, despite interest from Liverpool, Tottenham and Benfica.
Mark Hughes was named as a contender to become manager of Aston Villa despite only arriving at Fulham five minutes ago (okay that might be a slight exaggeration). This one didn't happen... although the last time I checked, manager don't have to stick to transfer deadlines.
Swansea City received a bid from Leicester City for Ashley Williams but they told Leicester where to go. Former Swansea manager Paolo Sousa is now at Leicester so it was probably his idea.
Reading striker Gylfi Sigurdsson has made a shock move to the Bundesliga. No he’s not Welsh but striker team-mates Simon Church, Hal Robson-Kanu and Jake Taylor are and Sigurdsson was keeping them out of the team.
Danny Gabbidon was very excited to hear Ryan Babel might be joining him at West Ham. West Ham fans were probably equally excited to hear that Danny is on Twitter and is therefore unlikely to be heading anywhere in the next few hours. Always a worry on transfer deadline day.
Tony Pulis had a go at signing Jermaine Pennant (formerly of Arsenal, Liverpool and Birmingham and I think also Portsmouth) and his Welsh charm worked. Pennant is now an on-loan Stoke City player. For Tony's sake, let’s hope he’s grown up since his Arsenal days.
Mark Hughes was named as a contender to become manager of Aston Villa despite only arriving at Fulham five minutes ago (okay that might be a slight exaggeration). This one didn't happen... although the last time I checked, manager don't have to stick to transfer deadlines.
Swansea City received a bid from Leicester City for Ashley Williams but they told Leicester where to go. Former Swansea manager Paolo Sousa is now at Leicester so it was probably his idea.
Reading striker Gylfi Sigurdsson has made a shock move to the Bundesliga. No he’s not Welsh but striker team-mates Simon Church, Hal Robson-Kanu and Jake Taylor are and Sigurdsson was keeping them out of the team.
Danny Gabbidon was very excited to hear Ryan Babel might be joining him at West Ham. West Ham fans were probably equally excited to hear that Danny is on Twitter and is therefore unlikely to be heading anywhere in the next few hours. Always a worry on transfer deadline day.
Tony Pulis had a go at signing Jermaine Pennant (formerly of Arsenal, Liverpool and Birmingham and I think also Portsmouth) and his Welsh charm worked. Pennant is now an on-loan Stoke City player. For Tony's sake, let’s hope he’s grown up since his Arsenal days.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Welsh Player News 21st August (Championship)
Robbie Savage thinks Craig Bellamy won’t have an entirely easy time of it in the Championship. It’s demanding, it’s physical and Craig is used to playing with much better players.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes is disappointed to miss out on signing Craig Bellamy but he respects his fellow Welshman’s decision to play for his hometown club.
Craig might upset people everywhere he goes but his heart’s in the right place.
Craig’s new team-mate Michael Chopra believes Craig will have an immediate impact on Cardiff City. I heard he also made an impact on John Arne Riise but let’s forget about that.
Cardiff City manager Dave Jones thinks those who have criticised Craig’s move to Cardiff are just jealous.
Vital Norwich City have profiled new signing Andrew Crofts.
Swindon Town’s assistant manager Peter Shirtliff says he doesn’t know where the rumours about Norwich City's Owain Tudur Jones rumours have come from.
Former Swansea City midfielder Matty Collins seems to have signed for Welsh Premier League side Haverfordwest.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes is disappointed to miss out on signing Craig Bellamy but he respects his fellow Welshman’s decision to play for his hometown club.
Craig might upset people everywhere he goes but his heart’s in the right place.
Craig’s new team-mate Michael Chopra believes Craig will have an immediate impact on Cardiff City. I heard he also made an impact on John Arne Riise but let’s forget about that.
Cardiff City manager Dave Jones thinks those who have criticised Craig’s move to Cardiff are just jealous.
Vital Norwich City have profiled new signing Andrew Crofts.
Swindon Town’s assistant manager Peter Shirtliff says he doesn’t know where the rumours about Norwich City's Owain Tudur Jones rumours have come from.
Former Swansea City midfielder Matty Collins seems to have signed for Welsh Premier League side Haverfordwest.
Monday, 16 August 2010
Premier League Results 14th August 2010 Part 1
Aston Villa 3-0 West Ham United
Aston Villa were off to a good start for the new season. I have heard it said that this could be Villa’s season for breaking into the Champions’ League. But now, it seems as though all anyone is talking about is the departure of Villa’s manager, Martin O’Neill.
Speaking of managers, West Ham sacked the loveable Gianfranco Zola and instead hired a manager who, unlike Zola, failed to avoid relegation at the end of last season. So far, it’s not working.
Aston Villa were without James Collins, who missed both this match and Wales’ thrashing of Luxembourg with a calf injury. Young goalkeeper Elliott Parish (another of those annoying people who could play for Wales but want to play for England) wasn’t in the squad but he might be if one of the Brads gets injured.
Danny Gabbidon is still building up his fitness and was on the bench for West Ham. Jack Collison isn’t expected to play again this season but they said the same thing about Aaron Ramsey.
Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Everton
A great start for Blackburn as they beat one of the teams that some have named Champions’ League contenders. Everton seem to make a habit of starting slowly so fans shouldn’t be too worried just yet.
Jason Brown has done well in pre-season while Frankie Fielding made headlines when he failed to follow the example of Blackburn’s No. 1 by accepting his place in the England squad. But it was Blackburn’s other goalkeeper, Mark Bunn, who was on the bench today.
Bolton Wanderers 0-0 Fulham
At the start of last season, Bolton manager Owen Coyle was at Burnley while Fulham manager Mark Hughes was at Manchester City. Here they met on a slightly more equal footing – and the points were shared equally too. Mark says the omission of Mark Schwarzer was due to injury, not an impending move to Arsenal. Oh well.
Sam Ricketts was on the bench for Bolton. Simon Davies probably did benefit from his midweek rest as he played the full match and looked pretty good. He came close to scoring too.
Chelsea 6-0 West Bromwich Albion
Not that I really want Chelsea to go around winning matches by this number of goals – or at all – but it could be great news for Boaz Myhill, who was on the bench for West Brom today – even though losing to Chelsea doesn’t necessarily make Scott Carson – or anyone else – a bad goalkeeper although Bo and also Blackburn’s Jason Brown managed to draw against Chelsea last season.
Aston Villa were off to a good start for the new season. I have heard it said that this could be Villa’s season for breaking into the Champions’ League. But now, it seems as though all anyone is talking about is the departure of Villa’s manager, Martin O’Neill.
Speaking of managers, West Ham sacked the loveable Gianfranco Zola and instead hired a manager who, unlike Zola, failed to avoid relegation at the end of last season. So far, it’s not working.
Aston Villa were without James Collins, who missed both this match and Wales’ thrashing of Luxembourg with a calf injury. Young goalkeeper Elliott Parish (another of those annoying people who could play for Wales but want to play for England) wasn’t in the squad but he might be if one of the Brads gets injured.
Danny Gabbidon is still building up his fitness and was on the bench for West Ham. Jack Collison isn’t expected to play again this season but they said the same thing about Aaron Ramsey.
Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Everton
A great start for Blackburn as they beat one of the teams that some have named Champions’ League contenders. Everton seem to make a habit of starting slowly so fans shouldn’t be too worried just yet.
Jason Brown has done well in pre-season while Frankie Fielding made headlines when he failed to follow the example of Blackburn’s No. 1 by accepting his place in the England squad. But it was Blackburn’s other goalkeeper, Mark Bunn, who was on the bench today.
Bolton Wanderers 0-0 Fulham
At the start of last season, Bolton manager Owen Coyle was at Burnley while Fulham manager Mark Hughes was at Manchester City. Here they met on a slightly more equal footing – and the points were shared equally too. Mark says the omission of Mark Schwarzer was due to injury, not an impending move to Arsenal. Oh well.
Sam Ricketts was on the bench for Bolton. Simon Davies probably did benefit from his midweek rest as he played the full match and looked pretty good. He came close to scoring too.
Chelsea 6-0 West Bromwich Albion
Not that I really want Chelsea to go around winning matches by this number of goals – or at all – but it could be great news for Boaz Myhill, who was on the bench for West Brom today – even though losing to Chelsea doesn’t necessarily make Scott Carson – or anyone else – a bad goalkeeper although Bo and also Blackburn’s Jason Brown managed to draw against Chelsea last season.
Welsh Player News (and rumours) 16th August (Premier League)
Arsene Wenger says he has set a date for Aaron Ramsey’s return. Except he hasn’t really, all he’s really done is set a month for Aaron’s return. Date to me means an actual number with th after it, or maybe st or rd.
But whatever he means, the great news is that Aaron could be playing again in November. And that’s such wonderful news, I honestly don’t care if it’s the 1st or the 31st or one of those dates in between.
The Lancashire Telegraph has some positive words to say about Blackburn keeper Jason Brown – always patient and never lets you down which really are qualities you need in your second-choice goalkeeper. But let’s hope he won’t have to be patient forever.
Joe Ledley took the news of Simon Davies’ retirement much better than I did.
Cottagers Confidential (which sounds a bit dodgy to me!) are also fans.
Boaz Myhill was looking forward to playing Chelsea again and frustrating Didier Drogba a bit. But he was on the bench for West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea won 6-0. Bo also thinks he can keep Wayne Hennessey out of the Wales team.
Gareth Bale is looking forward to playing in the Champions’ League with Tottenham Hotspur.
Craig Bellamy is going to have a very tiring season. He is set to sign for Cardiff City, Celtic, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. Are you sure that’s a good idea with your knee, Craig?
Cardiff manager Dave Jones and striker Michael Chopra are very keen on the idea of signing Craig. Fulham manager Mark Hughes also likes him.
Or maybe Craig will go to Birmingham City, Everton or Sunderland instead. Actually, maybe I should just list the clubs who aren't interested.
Craig was fined two weeks wages (pretty much the same amount as I’ll get in the next 30 years) for having a moan about Roberto Mancini and threatening to quit football. Can I have some of Craig’s wages too? It was a really really big shock when he said he was thinking about retiring and I ended up in hospital, I really did.
I’m really hoping David Jones will make the decision to play for Wales rather than holding out for England but his keenness to get more money makes me wonder if he has a bit of Scottish blood too. He rejected Wolves’ latest contract offer.
Ryan Shawcross could be going to Tottenham Hotspur, who are a bit short in the centre back department.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross are team-mates at Stoke – and they also both played for Buckley Town, although not at the same time. But seeing them play for Wales together isn’t very likely… is it?
But whatever he means, the great news is that Aaron could be playing again in November. And that’s such wonderful news, I honestly don’t care if it’s the 1st or the 31st or one of those dates in between.
The Lancashire Telegraph has some positive words to say about Blackburn keeper Jason Brown – always patient and never lets you down which really are qualities you need in your second-choice goalkeeper. But let’s hope he won’t have to be patient forever.
Joe Ledley took the news of Simon Davies’ retirement much better than I did.
Cottagers Confidential (which sounds a bit dodgy to me!) are also fans.
Boaz Myhill was looking forward to playing Chelsea again and frustrating Didier Drogba a bit. But he was on the bench for West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea won 6-0. Bo also thinks he can keep Wayne Hennessey out of the Wales team.
Gareth Bale is looking forward to playing in the Champions’ League with Tottenham Hotspur.
Craig Bellamy is going to have a very tiring season. He is set to sign for Cardiff City, Celtic, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. Are you sure that’s a good idea with your knee, Craig?
Cardiff manager Dave Jones and striker Michael Chopra are very keen on the idea of signing Craig. Fulham manager Mark Hughes also likes him.
Or maybe Craig will go to Birmingham City, Everton or Sunderland instead. Actually, maybe I should just list the clubs who aren't interested.
Craig was fined two weeks wages (pretty much the same amount as I’ll get in the next 30 years) for having a moan about Roberto Mancini and threatening to quit football. Can I have some of Craig’s wages too? It was a really really big shock when he said he was thinking about retiring and I ended up in hospital, I really did.
I’m really hoping David Jones will make the decision to play for Wales rather than holding out for England but his keenness to get more money makes me wonder if he has a bit of Scottish blood too. He rejected Wolves’ latest contract offer.
Ryan Shawcross could be going to Tottenham Hotspur, who are a bit short in the centre back department.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross are team-mates at Stoke – and they also both played for Buckley Town, although not at the same time. But seeing them play for Wales together isn’t very likely… is it?
Monday, 2 August 2010
Welsh Player News (and rumours) 2nd August, Premier League (Part One)
Aaron Ramsey could be back playing for Arsenal – and hopefully Wales – as early as November. It’s great news and I can’t wait but let’s hope he’s not rushed back too soon. (I wouldn’t usually post a link to Tribalfootball because they’re not... highly regarded but the alternative was a link to the Daily Mail site and that’s got a picture of Aaron’s injury and I’m not posting links to that.)
Sanchez Watt scored for an Arsenal XI side who beat Dagenham & Redbridge 2-1 away.
James Collins still has a calf injury and has missed Aston Villa’s recent games. Unfortunately nearly all Villa’s other central defenders seem to be injured too.
Blackpool’s Neal Eardley could recover from his injury in time for tomorrow’s friendly against Bristol City.
Sam Ricketts was in the Bolton Wanderers side who drew 0-0 away at Falkirk. He did his best to help Johan Elmander score but it didn’t work out.
Simon Davies is hoping new Fulham manager Mark Hughes will sign Craig Bellamy. If Fulham actually had more than one striker, they might not lose to embarrassing teams like Portsmouth.
Former Fulham youngster (he’s nearly 5 years younger than me, I can just about call him a youngster) Reece Jones is expected to travel down the District Line to AFC Wimbledon in the next couple of days after impressing the manager whilst on trial.
Former Wales, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is the new manager of Fulham. Mark is apparently interested in signing some Manchester City rejects, including Craig Bellamy. Fulham players Stephen Kelly and Dickson Etuhu are very excited about their new manager.
It looks as though the papers were actually right for once. Assuming the Metro isn’t talking rubbish too. Tottenham Hotspur have apparently made a bid to take Craig Bellamy on loan – but Manchester City want to sell him. Like they really need the money. But Craig isn’t going without a fight. Now there’s a surprise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
