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Fan Football - by Craig Hill

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NinetySix

April 16th 2009 00:03
The following excerpt was taken from 'Across The Park' by Peter Lupson, a new book that examines the shared heritage of Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs.

15 April 1989 is a date no Liverpool supporter will ever forget. It was the day on which one of the worst disasters in football history occurred, and its memory remains as vivid and horrifying as ever. The occasion was the FA Cup semi-final clash between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield, a match that should have been an exciting cup tie with the added spice of the prospect of an all-Merseyside final at Wembley. But it turned out to be a nightmare of the worst kind.

The day started normally enough. Liverpool and Nottingham Forest had both enjoyed good seasons and there was an air of eager anticipation as both sets of supporters made their way to the ground in glorious sunshine. As the Liverpool supporters headed for the Leppings Lane end of the ground there was nothing at first to suggest a terrible tragedy was about to unfold. But about half an hour before kick-off, the congestion at the turnstiles had built to such an alarming level that supporters had become frightened and distressed. To relieve the pressure at the turnstiles, the police took the decision to open one of the exit gates in the perimeter wall. The consequences proved disastrous.

Within minutes of the gate being opened, some 2,000 Liverpool fans made their way onto the terrace, most going down a tunnel immediately in front of them. The tunnel led to two already full pens but they had no idea of this. As they pushed forward into the pens, the crush at the front by the perimeter fencing became intolerable for those unfortunate enough to be there. There was no means of escape. As the pressure from behind increased, many lost consciousness. Tragically, 96 never recovered.

The shock and horror of the disaster reverberated throughout Britain and far beyond, but nowhere more so than on Merseyside, which was engulfed with grief. It was a grief of such intensity that it could not be carried alone. Its burden had to be shared. And instinctively Anfield became the place to share it.

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Is GOALwen going home?

April 6th 2009 05:28
After Newcastle Uniteds two nil loss to Chelsea on the weekend, it all but seems like the Geordies will be a Championship team next year.

The Geordies are currently sitting third from the bottom in the Premiership, and are four points from the safety position.

Newcastle United also welcomed back favourite son Alan Shearer, this time as manager of the northern English side, but his arrival back at Newcastle was not enough to hold off third placed Chelsea, whom are also in intention for the Premiership title.

Owen who is said to be delighted to have Shearer back at the club, after these two have teamed up so many times when Shearer was a player for Newcastle and England, has also backed the appointment of Shearer as manager.

The press in England is also saying appointing Shearer as manager of the Geordies, is the last chance for the club to stay alive in the premiership.

Michael Owen (left) with former Newcastle play and now manager Alan Shearer
Michael Owen (left) with former Newcastle player and now manager Alan Shearer. Courtesy of Skysports


If by any chance the Geordies lose their battle to stay in the premiership. Michael Owen like Robbie Fowler, who are favourite sons of the red side of Liverpool, must be a damn certainity of returning to his old club. Benetiz who has shown interest in getting Owen back to merseyside before must be thinking of the same again.

Owen who is too good of a player to play in the Championship, and help Newcastle back in to the Premiership, if Newcastle gets relegated will somehow have a clause in his contract where he can leave the club shall they not be in the premiership. You see this with most players.

If Newcastle goes down, it will be another fight for the Geordies to hang on to Owen, pathing the way for him to return to Liverpool.

Owen who is also in good form currently with Newcastle, and was considered for the recent internationals for England will only get better for the rest of the season while Newcastle fights to stay in the top league, and will play a big role in that fight.

Michael Owen.
Michael Owen the player. Courtesy of Skysports


Owen who left Liverpool on the 14th August 2004 to join Real Madrid for a undisclosed fee, only lasted a year with the Spanish giants before being signed by the Geordies on the 31st August, one year later.

Liverpool then was the other team to make a unsuccessful bid for Owen .

The 29 year old striker from Chester England has scored 40 goals in 89 games for his country, and is still in intention to play more international games.
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Premier League Week 29 Results

March 23rd 2009 10:36
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Premier League Week 29 Results


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Down to the wire...

March 23rd 2009 05:16
Just weeks ago now, football critics like myself were handing the silverware to Manchester United, but with a end of year revival by Liverpool and with Chelsea slowly creeping to the top as well, despite a loss this week, it is coming down to one of the most exciting finishes to the Premiership in seven years.

Liverpool this week who trounced a 10 man Aston Villa at Anfield 5-0 including a hatrick by captain courageous Steven Gerrard, coming off enormous wins thrashing Manchester United at Old Trafford 4-0 and beating Real Madrid twice in recent weeks are in outstanding form which we must say is better than their form at the beginning of the season.

Courtesy of sky sports
Steven Gerrard-Liverpool


Liverpool who were going through another mid season slump in January and February were slowly slipping out of contention for the flag, and were starting to be written by everyone.

A mid season slump in January and February is nothing new to Liverpool under Benitez and even his predecessor Gerrard Houliard. This is something that Liverpool has to overcome if it is going to win more Barclaycard Premierships.

Can we say that the mid season slump this season by Liverpool ' May have cost them the Premiership again". I think we can. At the start of the season, they were also in tremendous form, opening up a 6 point lead on their rivals.

With nine weeks left in the season, leaders Manchester United have two more matches more to play than their closest rivals Liverpool and I have to unfortunately say that they are still the favorites to take out the Premiership, on their games in hand.

Manchester United are still to play Aston Villa, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Tottenham, Middlesborough, Manchester City, Wigan, Arsenal and Hull City in their last match.

While Liverpool has only seven matches to play in the premiership with their next Premiership match not until the 11th of April against Blackburn, then it is Arsenal, Hull City, Newcastle, West Ham, West brom and then Tottenham to finish off the Premiership season.

We still can not write of Chelsea who has one more match to play than Liverpool, and they have slightly the easier run home with Newcastle in their next match, and then Bolton, Everton, West Ham, Fulham, Arsenal, Blackburn and Sunderland.

For Liverpool to hold up the silverware at the end of the Premiership season we can not afford to drop a game while we need two or three of Manchester United games to go our way, and for Manchester to lose.

One thing going Liverpools way, is that, they have creeped in front of Manchester on the for and against goal tally, which may come into account if the teams end up on the same amount of points at the end of the season.

Also to take into account that Manchester United and Chelsea still have a Champions League and FA Cup season to play while Liverpool still have a Champions League season to play, and it may come down to who is the fittest team at the end.

One thing we can say it is going to be an exciting finish to the end of the Premiership season.
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Down to the wire...

March 23rd 2009 04:51
Just weeks ago now, football critics like myself were handing the silverware to Manchester United, but with a end of year revival by Liverpool and with Chelsea slowly creeping to the top as well, despite a loss this week, it is coming down to one of the most exciting finishes to the Premiership in seven years.

Liverpool this week who trounced a 10 man Aston Villa at Anfield 5-0 including a hatrick by captain courageous Steven Gerrard, coming off enormous wins thrashing Manchester United at Old Trafford 4-0 and beating Real Madrid twice in recent weeks are in outstanding form which we must say is better than their form at the beginning of the season.

Courtesy of sky sports
Steven Gerrard-Liverpool


Liverpool who were going through another mid season slump in January and February were slowly slipping out of contention for the flag, and were starting to be written by everyone.

A mid season slump in January and February is nothing new to Liverpool under Benitez and even his predecessor Gerrard Houliard. This is something that Liverpool has to overcome if it is going to win more Barclaycard Premierships.

Can we say that the mid season slump this season by Liverpool ' May have cost them the Premiership again". I think we can. At the start of the season, they were also in tremendous form, opening up a 6 point lead on their rivals.

With nine weeks left in the season, leaders Manchester United have two more matches more to play than their closest rivals Liverpool and I have to unfortunately say that they are still the favorites to take out the Premiership, on their games in hand.

Manchester United are still to play Aston Villa, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Tottenham, Middlesborough, Manchester City, Wigan, Arsenal and Hull City in their last match.

While Liverpool has only seven matches to play in the premiership with their next Premiership match not until the 11th of April against Blackburn, then it is Arsenal, Hull City, Newcastle, West Ham, West brom and then Tottenham to finish off the Premiership season.

We still can not write of Chelsea who has one more match to play than Liverpool, and they have slightly the easier run home with Newcastle in their next match, and then Bolton, Everton, West Ham, Fulham, Arsenal, Blackburn and Sunderland.

For Liverpool to hold up the silverware at the end of the Premiership season we can not afford to drop a game while we need two or three of Manchester United games to go our way, and for Manchester to lose.

Also to take into account that Manchester United and Chelsea still have a Champions League and FA Cup season to play while Liverpool still have a Champions League season to play, and it may come down to who is the fittest team at the end.

One thing we can say it is going to be an exciting finish to the end of the Premiership season.
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Premier League Week 28 Results

March 17th 2009 10:06
Premier League Logo


Premier League Week 28 Results


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Club News 16th March

March 17th 2009 09:44
Arsenal

Arsenal Arsene Wenger was eager to share the praise throughout his team after the 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. Andrey Arshavin, who received stitches in a cut on his foot at half-time and celebrated his second-half strike with club doctor Gary O'Driscoll, was the man most obviously in the limelight after opening his account for the Gunners. Nicklas Bendtner, by contrast, may question his finishing after he spurned several presentable chances, but the Frenchman was content to praise his all-round effort. "Arshavin has intelligence, vision and talent and his goal was an example of that," said Wenger. "But I liked Samir Nasri's contribution also. He looks to have more personality now and his influence is growing. Nicklas' overall contribution was also good. His finishing wasn't sharp but he played well. He has power, pace and he understands the game. People forget he is only 20 years old. It is wrong to boo him. But when he left the pitch, the fans clapped him."

Aston Villa

Aston Villa Martin O`Neill has backed his Aston Villa side to bounce back from their recent dip in form and claim a top-four place in the Barclays Premier League. Villa have gone seven matches without a win in all competitions following their 2-1 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and are now behind fourth-placed Arsenal on goal difference. They now face two daunting away trips to Liverpool and Manchester United, but O`Neill is confident they can respond. "It was a disappointing result (against Spurs) because it was a game we felt we could win but I still feel it is possible to reach our objectives," said the Villa manager. "In November we lost two games in six days and then went on a 13-match unbeaten run. We probably have to get something from the next two games which will be pretty difficult but I believe it is possible that we can still fight back and the players feel that."

Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers Sam Allardyce was left disappointed by the 4-0 defeat at Arsenal. Nevertheless, the former Bolton and Newcastle United manager remains upbeat about his side's chances of beating the drop. "It chops and changes by the week," he said. "It's what other people haven't done which is most important for us, because we could have been back in the bottom three had results gone differently. We can't control that obviously but they've gone in our favour and we still have only lost three in 12, so we're on the up. If you only lose to the big boys, that's not so bad. What's important is that you don't lose to the other teams who are down there with you."

Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers Defender Gary Cahill admitted there could be no excuses for the team's performance in the 3-1 defeat at home to Fulham which increased relegation worries at the Reebok Stadium. Gary Megson's side were clear favourites after three successive home wins, in stark contrast to the Cottagers who had scored just three goals on the road in a season-long winless run away from home. But they never got up to speed and Cahill admitted too many players failed to perform. He said: "We went into the game on the back of some good form at home so it was not a good performance to say the least. We were lucky to come in 1-1 at half-time and I felt we couldn't go out in the second half and play as badly as we did, it was a very sloppy performance. It wasn't much of a spectacle, to say it was the Premier League it was a terrible game."

Chelsea

Chelsea Captain John Terry reaffirmed his commitment to the club after the Blues' victory over potential suitors Manchester City - saying he wanted to see out his career at Stamford Bridge. Terry, who was linked with a big-money move to Eastlands during the January transfer window, was quick to respond to questions about his future after the 1-0 win, which takes Guus Hiddink's side back up to second place in the Barclays Premier League. He said: "I can't ever see myself leaving Chelsea Football Club - I love this club. I've been here since the age of 14 and I never want to leave. I've done a statement because there was some speculation a few months ago and that's what I'm putting in it - I never want to leave Chelsea Football Club, simple as that."

Everton

Everton Manager David Moyes feels his current squad is the best he has had in his seven years at Goodison Park. The Toffees almost assured of European qualification this season and awaiting an FA Cup semi-final. Moyes said: "We are still going to chase the teams above us; we are going to keep those below away from us and we are going to try to reach a cup final. This is the best squad I have had at Everton, and it is being underlined by the effort the players are putting in. The quality we have is excellent - if not the quantity of players in the squad. Nevertheless, we are still getting good results."

Fulham

Fulham Roy Hodgson saluted a professional performance from his side following the 3-1 win at Bolton Wanderers. Andrew Johnson, Simon Davies and Diomansy Kamara secured the Cottagers' first away victory since the final day of last season. "I'm happy with the result and the performance, I thought we played very well," said Hodgson, whose team are now eight points clear of the relegation zone. "I've been a little bit unhappy with the last two results, although not the last two performances. When we conceded a goal in injury time I was rather concerned the players would not be able to pick themselves up and give the same performance in the second half which had given us the lead in the first, but luckily they did."

Hull City

Hull City Manager Phil Brown felt his side had earned a good point from the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United - even though they remain far from safe. The Tigers lie just four points above the bottom three with nine matches remaining. Brown said: "It was a scrappy affair, not a great spectacle in terms of football but there was probably a lot of nervous tension about, from both sides. I think we came out of the traps and approached the game in the right manner and got our noses in front with a great goal. But then that lapse of concentration in the first half and we allowed a poor goal from our point of view. In the second half I think Newcastle huffed and puffed and didn't trouble the goalkeeper. You can't say they deserved to win but the only way I can say we deserved to win was if Bernard Mendy had composed himself when he went through two on one."

liverpool

Liverpool Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez stood by his recent comments about Sir Alex Ferguson following his side's 4-1 win at Manchester United. Benitez's outburst, now known as 'Rafa's rant', was widely interpreted as a moment of folly. But he insisted: "What I said were facts. I did not say anything that wasn't true. Sir Alex Ferguson is a great manager and I have a lot of respect for him. But I have to defend my club."

Manchester City

Manchester City Manager Mark Hughes accepts John Terry is unlikely to be heading to Eastlands any time soon. The Chelsea skipper was strongly linked with the Blues during the January transfer window, with Hughes ready to tempt the centre-half with a lucrative contract. However, the England international, who has spent his entire career at Stamford Bridge, has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Chelsea. That stance has been reiterated in recent weeks, after speculation resurfaced, and Hughes has been forced to admit defeat in his pursuit of the talented 28-year-old. Hughes said: "Any manager would be interested in John Terry but I can't see him coming on the market any time soon. John is an outstanding player, someone everyone in football has a great admiration for. He's a great guy and commands respect because of his attitude, application and the way he leads his team."

Manchester United

Manchester United Rio Ferdinand admits the 4-1 hammering Manchester United took at the hands of title rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford has given the world champions a very rude awakening. After carrying all before them since their last defeat at Arsenal in November, collecting the Club World Cup and Carling Cup, as well as establishing a handsome lead in the Barclays Premier League, reaching the last four of the FA Cup and last eight in Europe, United suffered their biggest home defeat by the Merseysiders since 1936. It has cut United's advantage to four points, although they do still have a match in hand, and given them a few problems to address ahead of next weekend's trip to Fulham, when Nemanja Vidic will be suspended because of his red card. Ferdinand said: "We have got a rude awakening. None of us has been taking anything for granted but subconsciously there may have been complacency. Losing any game is disappointing but losing to a team who we have such a big rivalry with is even worse. And the scoreline takes it beyond that. It is very hard to take."

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough Gareth Southgate accused the Middlesbrough fans of being "disrespectful" after they targeted his players during the 1-1 draw with Portsmouth. Southgate's side had been heading for defeat after Peter Crouch's first-half volley until Marlon King's injury-time equaliser secured a possible lifeline for Boro in their fight against relegation. Boro fans had booed several players and started chanting "We've only got one player" - in reference to Turkish striker Tuncay, who had an impressive match. But Southgate was unhappy with the reaction of the fans and said: "It's one of those situations where I am going to get slaughtered whatever I say, so I'm going to say what I believe. Some of the chants were disrespectful to the rest of the team. The crowd are right to laud Tuncay's efforts but we will win and lose as a team. The other lads may not have been as eye-catching but they were making important saves, blocks and interceptions. It's hurtful for a lot of the other players. We will survive as a club and as a town by everyone pulling together."

Newcastle United

Newcastle United Caretaker manager Chris Hughton admits his side's run-in will be tough but insists they can handle the pressure. The Magpies remain in relegation trouble and still have to face Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa before the end of the season. "It is going to be a tough run-in towards the end of the season but we have been able to go up a place," said Hughton after the 1-1 draw at Hull City. "But the teams around us have tough games as well. Ours has been highlighted a bit more because of our next two games. We have got to make sure we win a better percentage of games than the others do."

Portsmouth

Portsmouth Paul Hart was full of praise for Peter Crouch after the England striker's goal against Middlesbrough. Crouch's volley was his first goal in 10 matches, and although Boro hit back through Marlon King to earn a 1-1 draw, Hart revealed the frontman had been inspirational since he took over as manager. Hart said: "I think this could be very important for Peter. I have been delighted with his performances, he's thoroughly deserved that goal and he took it brilliantly."

Stoke City

Stoke City Manager Tony Pulis maintained his side's destiny was in their own hands despite the Potters dropping into the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League following a 3-1 defeat at Everton. Jo, the Brazilian striker, and defender Joleon Lescott had given Everton a comfortable half-time lead, but after Ryan Shawcross had pulled one back after the break, Stoke battled hard for a point before Marouane Fellaini got Everton's third in injury-time. Pulis said: "It was disappointing, we didn't throw any punches until the second half, we did not take the game to them and looked laboured, that's the nicest way to put it. But after the break we showed a lot more spirit, the goal helped and we made them nervous. We had chances and could have scored again. But we cannot wait until we are 2-0 down every game before we start to fight back. We know we are now in the bottom three, but survival is in our own hands. If we can win an away game somewhere, it will take a lot of pressure off everyone. I believe we have to win one away from home minimum."

Sunderland

Sunderland Manager Ricky Sbragia admitted the fans had a good reason to voice their displeasure after his side were booed off against Wigan Athletic. Grant Leadbitter was on target for the hosts but goals from Charles N'Zogbia and Ben Watson secured a 2-1 win for Steve Bruce's men. Sbragia said: "They are entitled to boo. They pay good money and we haven't delivered for them. They are entitled to it, I don't have any problem with that, they can vent their anger. On the day, we have got to deliver for them and get results, and we didn't do that."

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur Manager Harry Redknapp hailed the performance of centre back pairing Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King after Tottenham's 2-1 win at Aston Villa. He said: "Ledley has come back into the side and, with Jonathan, forms one of the best pairings in the country. You can talk about Ferdinand and Vidic but these two are also up there. They are fantastic central defenders. They have got bags of pace, bags of ability and play a key part for us."

West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion Tony Mowbray insists West Brom are "only a couple of players away" from being a top 10 side in the Barclays Premier League despite their current precarious position. Mowbray said: "Can we match teams in the Premier League? They can't beat us playing football but they can do the other side of the game. We need some experienced men in our team who know the Premier League, who have been there, seen it, felt it, worn the shirt and know what it takes. We're a couple of players away from being a decent team. We are `so near' and I like the team. But we are judged on results. I believe we are close to being a team that could be in the top 10 but we have flaws that continue to let the team down like some of the defending recently. Those are the areas that need addressing."

West Ham United

West Ham United West Ham United and Sheffield United have reached an out-of-court settlement over the Carlos Tevez affair. In a joint statement, the agreement was described as "satisfactory settlement for compensation" but the figure paid by the Hammers was not confirmed. It means the independent tribunal chaired by Lord Griffiths to rule on the controversy will not reconvene on Monday. The statement from Blades chairman Kevin McCabe and West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "Both clubs are pleased to announce that a satisfactory settlement for compensation has been reached which brings the dispute between Sheffield United and West Ham to an end. The tribunal will not be resuming."

Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic Steve Bruce saluted his January signings after Charles N'Zogbia and Ben Watson teamed up to fire Sunderland into relegation trouble. Former Newcastle midfielder N'Zogbia applied the finishing touch with a winner in first-half injury-time after Watson had opened the scoring at the Stadium of Light with just 12 minutes gone. Bruce said: "I don't think anyone has ever questioned Charles' ability. He is 22 years of age - I remember him scoring a wonder goal here a couple of years ago for Newcastle. I never thought I would have the chance of signing him, but there you go, that's how football works. He has great ability. To go the length of the pitch in the Premier League is terrific. It was a great goal. To come here and the way we have played delighted me, and the two new boys. It can only do them the world of good."
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Club News 13th March

March 14th 2009 09:40
Arsenal

Arsenal Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia praised his team's growing maturity after the Gunners knocked Roma out of the Champions League. Arsene Wenger's side reached the quarter finals of Europe's elite club competition for a second year in a row as they ousted Roma on penalties at Rome's Stadio Olimpico. "I am so proud of my team-mates because they showed a lot of character and maturity on the pitch," Almunia said. "We have players who are very young and proved they have a great future ahead of them. We didn't have fear in the penalty shoot-out, being a young team we stood our ground. We faced adversity as men."

Aston Villa

Aston Villa Martin O'Neill admits he is excited about the final stretch of the season as Aston Villa bid to finish in the top four. He said: "I'm excited by the prospect of finishing in the top four. The players have stuck with it and their performances on the whole have been terrific. Can we stay with it? There is no reason why we shouldn't be in the mix at the end of the season. There should be no reason at all. We should be there. We have kept it going now for the past six months and we now only have three months to go now."

Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers Sam Allardyce is confident his Blackburn side are a team heading in the right direction after seeing them overturn a one-goal deficit to defeat Fulham at Craven Cottage. Rovers went into Wednesday's match third from bottom and harbouring serious relegation worries, while victory would have put the hosts within touching distance of the European places. And while Allardyce accepts that relegation remains a genuine concern he is also convinced that his players are in good enough form to edge past their rivals for the drop. "That's two defeats now in 11 games since I've been here and we've had two away wins on the bounce - that shows we are gathering enough points to get us out of trouble," said the former Bolton and Newcastle manager. "It's important the results and the form keep coming. As long as we are carrying on in that vein, the sooner we can try and get to safety. Gifting that goal in the first half made it very difficult for us but games are 95 minutes now and at the end of that 95 minutes it said, Fulham 1 Blackburn 2. That's a result I feel we thoroughly deserved. We're a team in good form on the way up rather than some of the teams around us who are in poor form and sliding down."

Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers Gary Megson has warned his side they cannot afford to allow complacency to slip into their game again if they want to avoid a relegation scrap. Wanderers are currently 11th in the Barclays Premier League but only five points above third-bottom Portsmouth. After their 2-0 defeat at Stoke City, Bolton will have had a 10-day break by the time they face Fulham, one place above them, at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday - for which the club have slashed ticket prices to £10. The Cottagers, by contrast, have played twice since then and, although Roy Hodgson's side have now lost their last three matches, Megson is more concerned by how his players react. "We didn't have very many who could turn around in the game against Stoke and say, 'That was my absolute best'," he said. "Work-rate, we were fine, but we didn't show the same desire and determination that Stoke did and that is what has gained us a few decent results this year, and we have to get back to that. Although it might stick in the throat a bit, it was complacency. We had won our last two games, we were in that mid-table bit where we still are and we wanted to push on from there. It was disappointing but hopefully now a lesson has been learned and we can crack on again."

Chelsea

Chelsea Frank Lampard believes Chelsea's rediscovered fighting spirit will have sent a shudder through the rest of Europe's top clubs. Chelsea remain unbeaten under interim coach Guus Hiddink after their 2-2 draw against Juventus in Turin on Tuesday night meant they progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals 3-2 on aggregate. "Maybe no-one will want to face us the way we are playing," the England midfielder said. "When you get to this stage your away performances are important and it is a good sign we scored two against Juventus. Against Juventus and the previous five games we have shown we are together and, when we have the spirit combined with our quality, we can do whatever we want."

Everton

Everton Leon Osman has set his sights on seeing off Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final to win the FA Cup. "We are looking forward to our trip to Wembley but we don't want to be going there just to be seen as the fourth team in the draw, nor are we going there to make up the numbers," he said. "We are going there because we want to win the FA Cup."

Fulham

Fulham Roy Hodgson believes his chances of taking Fulham to the next level depend as much on decisions in the boardroom as progress on the training pitch. Asked if he had a clear vision of where he wants to take Fulham in the next few years, Hodgson said: "That is not just a question for me, but also for the chief executive of the club and the owner Mohamed Al Fayed. It is up to them to decide. If things go okay this season and we do achieve our goal of stabilising the club and being less relegation prone - which I said was the aim from day one - then we are looking better and it will be up to the chairman to decide where he wants to take the club. There is no doubt that to take the club to the next step, it won't be purely down to the coaching and the preparation we try and do, it will also be down to recruitment - what players we can bring in to strengthen what is a very fragile squad."

Hull City

Hull City Chairman Paul Duffen has revealed the club has already started planning for a second season in the top flight. The Tigers are currently four points clear of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone following a 1-0 victory over Fulham in their last outing and although Duffen is not taking survival for granted, he admits they have already identified targets for next term. He said: "We have been constantly scouting and we have a list of targets that we have identified over the course of the season. Many are young players, some are proven talent from abroad and others are emerging talent from home, whom we believe we can develop. However, at the moment we don't know if we have to sign players for a second season in the Premier League or not, so things are on hold for a couple of weeks. Staying in the Premier League is the first priority but we have the list of targets identified and that is something we have left in the hands of Bob Shaw and his scouting team."

Liverpool

Liverpool Ryan Babel admits he needs to be 'more greedy' if he is to establish himself as a striker at Liverpool. The Dutch youngster has generally been used in a wide role by Reds manager Rafa Benitez since joining the club from Ajax in the summer of 2007. He has made occasional appearances up front and is keen to be given the opportunity to make a name for himself in front of goal. Babel has scored just 13 times in 83 matches for Liverpool and accepts he must start to display a selfish streak in front of goal if he is to fulfil his aim of being a striker. Babel said: "Right now, there are too many times when I can go for goal myself that I pass the ball to another to try to give an assist. At the end, if I watch the game back I think, 'hey, I could shoot or I could go for myself'. I still believe I can be a striker, but if you want to be a striker you have to think more about yourself and that's why you are a striker. So I think that's a part I have to learn more, to be more greedy. It's a process and I'm confident that it will come."

Manchester City

Manchester City Mark Hughes is confident Manchester City's failure to make the most of their dominance against Aalborg at Eastlands will not cost them a place in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals. City will take a two-goal advantage to Denmark next week thanks to first-half strikes from Felipe Caicedo and Shaun Wright-Phillips. But it could have been many more. Indeed, had the Blues scored five their visitors could not have complained such was the one-sided nature of the contest. "Ideally we would like to have put the game to bed," Hughes said. "We had enough chances to score more than we did. But we got a positive result and a clean sheet and overall it was a very good European performance. Aalborg have to attack us now. I am sure that will provide us with opportunities and if we play as well next week as we did here it will be very difficult for them."

Manchester United

Manchester United Ryan Giggs thinks Manchester United have the momentum and belief to clinch an unprecedented quintuple of trophies this season. Sir Alex Ferguson's silverware hunters already have the Carling Cup and Club World Championship in the trophy cabinet this season. United are also fast closing in on retaining their Barclays Premier League title, and next month face an FA Cup semi-final tie with Everton at Wembley. Ferguson is also just five matches away from his dream of becoming the first manager to retain the Champions League title after reaching the last eight with a 2-0 win over Inter Milan. When asked whether United could clinch the lot, Giggs said: "We've certainly got the momentum, but we'll have to wait and see. We'll take each competition as it comes and obviously try and win every game, but you need a lot of luck, as we enjoyed against Inter Milan, and hopefully we'll get there. But with the run of results we've had, the belief is definitely there within the squad, with individuals in good form, and the team generally in good form. Everything is set up for an exciting end to the season, which will be a test of character, a test of that belief."

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough Gareth Southgate has backed record signing Afonso Alves to help save the club from relegation. The Brazilian striker, signed from Heerenveen for £12m last year, has found the net just seven times in his first full season on Teesside. Southgate said: "I think in terms of the number of goals he has been able to score, he'll be disappointed that he hasn't got as many as he might have done, because we have had some good chances. But I still believe he can score goals between now and the end of the season. As far as we are concerned we have got a squad of players that have got to keep us in this division. Everyone has got a key part to play in that. There is nothing to be said for any player with regard to the summer, until the summer."

Newcastle United

Newcastle United Michael Owen will play against fellow Barclays Premier League strugglers Hull City on Saturday. The 29-year-old England international has been back in training for around 10 days after recovering from the ankle ligament injury he suffered in January, and will play some part at the KC Stadium. Caretaker manager Chris Hughton said: "Michael will be involved. The decision on the team will be left until tomorrow, but Michael has had a good week-and-a-half's training under his belt. He has trained very, very well and it is a massive bonus to have him back involved again."

Portsmouth

Portsmouth Paul Hart has brought his newly-inherited Portsmouth squad back from the warmth of a five-day break in Dubai to the cold shock of finding themselves in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League for the first time in three years. But the 55-year-old former Nottingham Forest and Barnsley manager said: "I'm just going to tell the players to keep concentrating on what we've done over the last three games. I think it's still only three-and-a-half weeks we've been with them and the performances have been excellent. They have shown a great desire and a great attitude. We've done well as a team, defended well and still managed to create chances. We certainly deserve to have picked up more points than we've got."

stoke city

Stoke City Tony Pulis says the door is not closed on record signing Dave Kitson after he returned to former club Reading on loan. Kitson failed to find the net in 11 starts and six substitute appearances for Stoke after a £5.5m move last July. The 29-year-old moved back to Reading this week and he could start for the Royals against Ipswich Town on Saturday. Pulis said: "Dave is a good player but sometimes it happens where players come in and it just doesn't go for them. It could have happened for him and I'm just hoping he goes back to Reading and gets his confidence back. Dave's back with a manager he knows in Steve Coppell and he just needs to score a few goals. He will be on loan until the end of the season and we will see where it goes. No doors have been closed."

Sunderland

Sunderland Djibril Cisse's future will be thrashed out the day Sunderland secure their Barclays Premier League status. Manager Ricky Sbragia has promised the 27-year-old Frenchman, who is currently on a season-long loan deal at the Stadium of Light from Marseille, that his situation will be resolved swiftly once the Black Cats know where they will be playing their football next season. Sbragia said: "(Chairman) Niall (Quinn) has spoken to Djibril and I have spoken to him about it, and the day everything is safe and rosy will be the day we will sit down and talk to him. That has always been the case with all the players at the club, and we just hope we can focus on doing well for Sunderland and putting all our energy into that, and leaving that for another day. We have spoken to him umpteen times about it. My priority is to make sure Sunderland go up the table and stay in the Premier League. That's important and I would hope all the players would be focused that way."

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur Nottingham Forest have agreed the loan signing of Tottenham Hotspur defender Chris Gunter. The 19-year-old Wales international, who can play in either full-back position, will join the Championship strugglers until the end of the season and ease a defensive crisis at the City Ground. Forest manager Billy Davies is delighted to be bringing in a player who can offer versatility and said: "We are pleased we are bringing in an excellent player who can play a number of positions. He is a first-class lad to have here and I am delighted to have him. Hopefully we will see the best of him."

West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion Paul Robinson wants some of his team-mates should to show more "pride and passion." Robinson is known for his full-blooded and passionate approach to the game and is demanding the same attitude from other members of Tony Mowbray's squad. He said: "The supporters deserve more and as players we deserve more out of each other. There are a few out there who need to wear the shirt with a little bit more pride and passion and commit themselves to this club a bit more. I would like to see a bit more passion and commitment. I think we have lacked that. I am not afraid to say it. It shouldn't bother me to say it. I think a few more players should stand up and come out and say it themselves, that they should be more committed to the club and they should be fighting for the cause a bit more."

West Ham United

West Ham United Midfielder Mark Noble believes his team-mates have responded to manager Gianfranco Zola telling his squad to play for enjoyment. Zola endured a tricky start to his managerial career but has guided the Hammers to seventh in the Barclays Premier League, putting them in the hunt for a European place. "The gaffer always says 'go out and enjoy yourself, work hard and play with a smile'," Noble said. "That is what we have done and it is fantastic."

Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic Steve Bruce is hopeful Won-Hee Cho will have as big an impact on the Barclays Premier League as he has on his Wigan Athletic team-mates. Bruce knows he has taken a gamble on South Korea international Cho who was determined to follow his close friend, Manchester United's Ji-Sung Park, into the Barclays Premier League. "When you sign a player from overseas it's always about how they adapt to playing in England, but with his personality he will give himself every chance," assessed Bruce. "Talent alone is never enough, but through hard work and effort I am sure he will be okay. He is industrious, hard working, and he possesses a never-say-die attitude. He is tough, wants to win, you can see that with the way he trains. In fact, he has illuminated training. When he first joined us all the other players went 'Wow! Who is this guy?' But it's about the demands of the Premier League, and we hope and we think he will cope with it."

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Club News 12th March

March 13th 2009 09:30
Arsenal

Arsenal Manuel Almunia was unhappy not to have saved more than one Roma penalty in the Champions League second-round shoot-out win over Roma on Wednesday night. The Gunners progressed 7-6 on penalties after losing the match 1-0. "My heart was nearly out (of my chest), but had high hopes in my team-mates," he said soon after the final whistle. "I was sorry because I couldn't save more than one penalty but at least now we go through to the next round. They took good penalties as well, Roma did. But my team-mates kept their nerves quiet and they showed great maturity. I am proud."

Aston Villa

Aston Villa Martin O'Neill believes Aston Villa's players will reap the benefits of their sunshine break as they prepare for the final push for a Champions League spot. Villa have returned from a five-day trip to Dubai to start the countdown in earnest to Sunday's home Barclays Premier League match with Tottenham Hotspur. The manager said: "When the team are together for more than an overnight stay for a game I think it is almost inevitable that the players bond and get on better. They are living together for a few days and I really think that experience helps the entire team. I felt it was important for us because we wanted to get prepared for this very tough run-in, mentally and physically. We have done some training and enjoyed some sun and the players now feel refreshed. It was vital to regroup, get ourselves together again and now we want to go out and win some games."

Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers Midfielder Keith Andrews admitted he had been sad to see former manager Paul Ince ousted in the manner he was but said it had not created a problem. "I've been in football a long time and you see these things happen" he said. "Obviously I had a close affinity with the previous manager, but that's football - people come and go and you've got to dust yourself down and go again. A lot of people might have said it was quite harsh letting the manager go but the chairman made his decision and we have to get on with it." Andrews added: "I certainly hope (I'm making my mark), it's not through lack of effort. I'm totally enjoying it, every minute of it, even though we are down there. But hopefully I can make a few more marks between now and the end of the season."

Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers Gretar Steinsson says Bolton Wanderers have to make the most of their remaining five matches at the Reebok Stadium. That starts on Saturday against Fulham, one place and one point above them, and Steinsson said: "It's a long season and the further you go, the harder it gets. Every game is really competitive and when you are playing at home it helps you find that little bit extra. It keeps you going when thousands are cheering for you and we need that from our fans and hopefully they will be there on Saturday."

Chelsea

Chelsea Petr Cech's agent has dismissed reports linking the Chelsea goalkeeper with a summer move to Barcelona. According to Pavel Zika, the club are interested in Cech but he insists the Czech Republic international has no interest in leaving Stamford Bridge for the Nou Camp. "We are aware of the interest from Barca but Petr is very happy at Chelsea and has one of the best contracts possible here," Zika said. "He and his wife are expecting their second child, they really like London and Chelsea wouldn't let him leave easily."

Everton

Everton Louis Saha cannot wait to face his former side Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-finals. Saha said: "It will be tough. But we can bring quality to the match, we will have chances to go through to the final. But we will have to play hard against a team of United's quality. We will be underdogs against a great team of quality and belief. They do not seem to lose many semi-finals, so it will be one of our hardest games of the season, we all know that. But that is why there is such magic in football. We can do it, we can get to the final even against the best team in the country. It is special and everything is possible. That is why people pay so much money to see such games between the big clubs. We too have the quality and belief to achieve our ambitions, this team knows they are capable of reaching the final."

Fulham

Fulham Roy Hodgson felt Blackburn deserved their 2-1 win over his side on Wednesday evening. "I've got to say I thought Blackburn played with a lot of energy. We were struggling to match that energy," said Hodgson. "There have been a lot of games for us recently and players are beginning to look tired. They've played the long-ball game very well and forced us back. I can't say they didn't deserve to win the game, I can't say that we did enough to win it. We lacked a bit of energy but the lads put up a brave performance. We simply met a Blackburn team with more energy than us, more strength than us and as a result they were able to get the three points which were so vital for them. We'll just have to wait for ours."

Hull City

Hull City Chairman Paul Duffen reckons two wins from the last 10 matches will be enough to secure their Barclays Premier League status. He said: "The win at Fulham took us another step closer to guaranteeing Premier League football next season, and I think 38 points will be enough for us. Two wins and we will be there so, by definition, Newcastle is a massive game for us because it is an opportunity to get half of the points we need."

Liverpool

Liverpool Dirk Kuyt believes the team can draw on their performances against Real Madrid to re-ignite their Barclays Premier League title challenge against leaders Manchester United on Saturday. The foundation for a 5-0 aggregate Champions League last-16 victory over the nine-time European champions was set up by Yossi Benayoun's solitary goal in the Bernabeu a fortnight ago. "This was a great result and performance in the Champions League, but it's also great going into our next game on Saturday," said the Dutchman after the club's 4-0 demolition of Real at Anfield on Tuesday night. "It gives us confidence and we're really looking forward to the weekend now. Man Utd are playing very well - they've had some great results - but we'll see what we can do on Saturday. Of course Liverpool have to win every game but it will be very difficult against a side like Manchester United. It was the same for us when we played Madrid two weeks ago. We will give it a try."

Manchester City

Manchester City Mark Hughes is not convinced the scrutiny on him as Manchester City manager would reduce even if he ended the Blues' 33-year trophy drought by winning the UEFA Cup this season. City entertain Aalborg at Eastlands on Thursday night, their third Danish opponents in a competition they entered as Fair Play winners in the first qualifying round back in July. Victory would see City claim a quarter-final berth, leaving them just a couple of rounds away from a place in Istanbul on 20th May. "I don't see the scrutiny we are under lessening anytime soon," said Hughes. "We must get used to that. "It is about dealing with that pressure and those expectations. As I keep stressing, the expectations some people have for us are a little bit unrealistic. First, we need to become a team that is solid and understands how to win games. We can compete in this league. What we have to do is compete consistently."

Manchester United

Manchester United Nemanja Vidic felt nerves played a part in Manchester United's unconvincing 2-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League second-round, even though his early goal should have settled the team. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a second after half-time, but the Italians had their chances. "We started well and played well until I scored my goal, and then after we looked a little bit nervous," said Vidic. "I agree we played better in Milan without getting the win than we did in this game which we won. Inter had two good chances to score in the first half, which they didn't take, so for the second half we knew we had to play better. The manager told us before the game not to play defensively, to go out and score goals, and we did that. We knew if we conceded then it would have been difficult because Italian teams play tactically very well and it becomes hard to score against them."

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough Gareth Southgate is keeping his fingers crossed over utility man Matthew Bates as he prepares for Saturday's must-win match with Portsmouth. The 22-year-old, a defender by trade, has been a revelation in central midfield in recent weeks. However, he could be needed at the back this weekend with Southgate having been presented with yet more injury problems in the wake of Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Everton. Southgate said: "Matthew is an intelligent footballer and he reads the game well. He is more comfortable in possession than a lot of defenders in terms of receiving the ball. There's a lot to work on and it is very early stages, but certainly, it gives you somebody with a bit more of a defensive mind in there, and that gives a player like Julio Arca a bit more freedom to attack."

Newcastle United

Newcastle United Steve Harper will run out for the biggest match of his Newcastle United career at Hull City on Saturday. The 33-year-old believes the trip to the KC Stadium is more important than anything he has experienced previously in the club's colours. Harper said: "We know how big this game is. Make no mistake, this really is a relegation six-pointer. I said last year before the game against Birmingham at exactly the same stage of the season that it was the biggest game in the club's recent history. Thankfully, that night we got a draw, which kickstarted a run of seven games unbeaten, which ultimately kept us up. And I have got no problem about saying this game at Hull is just as big."

Portsmouth

Portsmouth Peter Crouch will not care about his recent goal drought - as long as the club stay in the Barclays Premier League this season. The 28-year-old England international has not scored in the league since before Christmas but feels the defensive side of his game has helped Pompey earn four points from two matches before losing to Chelsea last week. "I have to get back and make sure we defend from the front. I don't mind doing that," he said. "I'm always confident if I get chances I'll score goals. If we create and I get chances, I can do that. But as long as we win games and stay up I do not mind."

Stoke City

Stoke City Tony Pulis insists his tactics and formation did not lead to the exit of Dave Kitson. The 29-year-old has re-joined former club Reading on loan just eight months after arriving at the Britannia Stadium for a club-record fee of £5.5m. Kitson was often used in a withdrawn role at Stoke, rather than as a main striker, but Pulis said: "Dave's never come to me and spoke about that. He's always been good, he's trained well and done all we've asked of him. We try and make this football club as warm and welcoming as we can, we've worked very hard to do that for Dave."

Sunderland

Sunderland Ricky Sbragia has told Craig Gordon to remain patient as he seeks to regain his place as the club's number one. The 26-year-old Scotland international currently finds himself displaced from the first-team by Hungarian Marton Fulop. Sbragia said: "I would hope it would make Craig mentally strong. I know he is disappointed, and I would expect him to be disappointed." Gordon had earlier said: "I know Marton was very frustrated in the summer when he hadn't had a look-in last season, and now I know how he felt. It's not nice. There is a situation here in that we both want to play, and there is nothing wrong with that. All I can do is focus on doing my job and hopefully I will get my place back as quickly as possible."

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur Kevin-Prince Boateng could be forced to return to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season unless they lower their asking price for Borussia Dortmund to buy him. The 22-year-old German midfielder, who was not given a squad number at Spurs at the start of the season, is on loan at the Bundesliga club and has a knee injury that could rule him out for at least a month. "We had wanted to wait until the end of the season to see how things went with Kevin," Dortmund general manager Michael Zorc said. "He is overpriced. He will not be able to show what he can do in the Bundesliga now, so perhaps that will make him cheaper."

West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion James Morrison admits West Brom must learn to grind out results and stop conceding stupid goals if they are to have any chance of Barclays Premier League survival. The Scotland midfielder revealed the players and coaching staff had a "frank exchange of views" after watching a video re-run of the 3-1 home reversal by Arsenal. Albion are six points adrift of the safety zone and that gap could be increased over the weekend before they return at West Ham next Monday. Morrison said: "We spent almost two hours going over the Arsenal game to see exactly where we went wrong and how we can put it right. As always, there was a healthy and frank exchange of words, with both the coaching staff and players chipping in. We did a lot of defensive work when we were out in Spain recently but, if you don't take it into the matches, it doesn't count for much. To be fair, we've been working on it for months because it's been our biggest problem this year. I'm sick of talking about it. That's why we're bottom."

West Ham United

West Ham United Gianfranco Zola's men, who are in the hunt for Europa League qualification, were last in action a week ago and their next match is not until Monday, when they host West Bromwich Albion. Centre-back Matthew Upson said: "We are going to recharge the batteries. We have a lot of players who have played nearly every match this season, so it is a good rest and we have a couple of fixtures coming up where we can pick up points."

Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic Former Heerenveen defender Erik Edman has returned money awarded to him as part of his move to Tottenham in 2004 after admitting he made a mistake. The 30-year-old Swede, who currently plays for the Latics, believed he was entitled to a portion of his transfer fee and was granted the money by a court after the Eredivisie club contested the claim. However, he discovered two months ago the club had been right and has now given back the money. Edman, who played for Heerenveen for three years, said: "I was wrong. I was misguided. At that time I didn't know what kind of games are played in the football world. I have made a big mistake and I want to make up for that as much as possible."

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Club News 9th March

March 10th 2009 03:56
Arsenal

Arsenal Arsene Wenger praised the samba skills of Eduardo after the Brazil-born Croatian striker netted a sublime goal to help fire Arsenal into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after Burnley were beaten 3-0 at Emirates Stadium. The forward, handed the captain's armband by Wenger, had endured a year on the sidelines following a broken leg and fractured ankle - but showed he was back to his clinical best with a superb left-foot volley at the start of the second half. Wenger feels the 26-year-old, has come back mentally stronger from his experience. "It looked like a bit of a 'beach' goal - and he meant it, he sliced the ball," said Wenger. "Eduardo is a surprising finisher and an intelligent player. He has short back lift and understands what to do very quickly. Goalscorers are moving in the box when everyone else is standing still, he has that. I have never seen him do that before, his goal was instinct and shows you that finishing is all about what you do in a fraction of a second. I did not expect him to come back like that, and it is a tribute to his personality. He has never complained and that is a big example in our world."

Aston Villa

Aston Villa Martin O'Neill says his enthusiasm for the game is still as great as it was when he began his professional career as an 18-year-old. "I have had the same enthusiasm for this game since I was a player," he said. "I came into the professional ranks at the age of 18 and it has never ebbed, never ebbed at all. I loved my days as a player - I was very lucky to be involved with a fantastic group of players and be able to travel all across Europe for four or five years. In those days I used to think life would never end and I wouldn't get any older. And then when my playing days finished prematurely there was nothing else for me to do than go into management. And I have stuck with it and I have that same hunger and desire as I did when I was playing."

Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers Andre Ooijer is predicting that the Barclays Premier League relegation battle will not be solved until the final day of the season. "If you see the other results, teams are scoring last minute (goals), and getting results you don't expect," he said. "I think it is going to be like that right until the end. When it gets to the last game there could be four, five or even six teams who could go down. Hopefully we will already be out of it. Every team has chances to get out of it, I think we've to look at ourselves, not at the other teams or the other results."

Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers Kevin Davies believes Johan Elmander will soon hit the goal trail after failing to find the net since mid December. "We know what Johan brings to the table; he works hard and he will create chances," Davies said. "He's honest and he's a decent finisher as well. He has been out injured, has come straight back into the team and probably needs that goal to give him a lift. And he probably still needs to work on his fitness a bit. He had a few decent efforts (against Stoke City last Wednesday). He'll always get chances because his movement is great and he works really hard for us. He has said before that once he gets that one goal, he tends to get on a run. He's a handful at times so the sooner he gets that goal, the sooner he can get on a run until the end of the season."

Chelsea

Chelsea Guus Hiddink heaped lavish praise on striker Didier Drogba following his second goal in a week in the FA Cup victory at Coventry. The Ivory Coast international followed up his midweek winner against Portsmouth with a clinical first-half finish after some sloppy defending to grab his sixth goal of the campaign at the Ricoh Arena. And Hiddink was quick to hail the work rate and attitude he has seen in the striker since arriving at Stamford Bridge in mid-February. "From the first day I have seen him, he has been a guy who has been working very hard," Hiddink said. "I don't want to judge what happened before I came here but outside of training sessions with the whole group, we are also doing a specific programme with him and that is paying off.

Everton

Everton David Moyes revealed his players were given a half-time rollicking get them back into the match against Middlesbrough on Sunday. Trailing 1-0 at half-time, the Toffees turned the FA Cup quarter final around thanks to goals from Marouane Fellaini and Louis Saha. Moyes said: "It was who could get into the dressing room first to have a real go at them. It was Steve Round, my coach, who got there first. The way we played in the first half is not the way Everton play. And they were told that in no uncertain terms by both of us. There was a lot of re-organisation needed at the break, but they also needed to be really charged up. We have talked a good game beforehand, but we didn't do anything in that first half to deserve a semi-final place. I can be angry at half-time, but Steve got there first this time and did a good job on them. I felt they responded very well. For the first 15 minutes of the second half they were really up for it."

Fulham

Fulham Roy Hodgson tried to take the positives from the 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester United on Saturday. Two first-half goals from Carlos Tevez, and strikes after half-time from Wayne Rooney and Ji-sung Park completed the victory. He said: "I thought we were good in the first half, obviously we were disappointed with the first goal, we know how good they are at set plays so that is a major disappointment. The second goal was a wonder strike, then you have a mountainous task. Your only chance against them is to go a goal up."

Hull City

Hull City Geovanni has praised manager Phil Brown for breathing new life into his career. Brown signed the Brazilian on a free transfer last summer after he was released by Manchester City. "He came to Brazil to find me and he said to me 'I want you at Hull, I believe in you'," said Geovanni. "I felt great warmth coming from him and he gave me another chance, which I still want to embrace. I would like to thank the manager for his trust for the rest of my career. At Manchester City, I started six matches and scored three goals but I didn't have any more real chances in the team."

Liverpool

Liverpool A Kuwaiti investment group are continuing negotiations to invest in Liverpool, with representatives set to meet co-owner Tom Hicks "within the next two weeks". Hicks and George Gillett purchased Liverpool in February 2007 but their relationship has since deteriorated and now an investor or outright buyer is being sought. Abdulla Al-Sager, who is representing his family in the talks, said talks with Hicks in Texas are imminent after last week insisting the Americans were asking for "too much" to invest in the Anfield club. "They are willing to negotiate and we are negotiating and will continue to do so in the weeks to come," Al-Sager said. "We are serious and things can change." Al-Sager did not reveal the size of the stake to be discussed, but hinted the group would be prepared to work with Hicks. "Hicks and his team are nice people and unbelievably humble," he said. "We are huge supporters and we definitely want something to happen."

Manchester City

Manchester City Shaun Wright-Phillips has echoed the thoughts of his manager Mark Hughes by stating that the club can finish in the top seven. He said: "We believe we can do it. We're only four points off seventh, so I don't see why not. We've always believed we will be difficult to beat at home, but we have to show it in our away games as well. I don't think the team has ever been lacking in confidence."

Manchester United

Manchester United Patrice Evra insists Sir Alex Ferguson's men are not being distracted by dreams of an unprecedented quintuple this season. The win over Fulham in the FA Cup kept United on course for a clean sweep of five trophies, having already lifted the Carling Cup and FIFA Club World Cup earlier in the season. However, Evra added: "None of the players are talking about this. We're not thinking about winning five trophies." Rather than looking at an unprecedented trophy haul, Evra is focused on getting the better of Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho this week after the "Special One" won the Champions League with Porto by beating Monaco. "When I lost against him with Monaco I was eager to face him for Manchester United against Chelsea," Evra said. "And when I won my first Premier League medal he was still the manager of Chelsea and it was a nice little victory. I'm not thinking about revenge but its clear I don't want to lose against him."

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough Gareth Southgate admitted his side could not handle Everton's comeback in Sundays' FA Cup quarter-final. Leading 1-0 at the break through David Wheater, two second-half Everton strikes in six minutes turned the match on its head. Southgate said: "Of course it is a huge disappointment to lose a cup quarter-final, and we were in a position of being 45 minutes from Wembley. Everybody's emotions are pretty raw, but the way we gave the lead away underlines why we are where we are this season. We had commitment and endeavour, but we have to learn how to win matches and see matches through to the end. We had a six-minute period where we didn't deal with the high balls into the box, which we had done brilliantly before that. There were harsh lessons to learn."

Newcastle United

Newcastle United Joe Kinnear is hoping to be back in the dugout for next month's match against Tottenham. Kinnear is currently recuperating after undergoing a triple heart bypass operation last month after complaining of feeling unwell before the match at West Brom. Chris Hughton is in caretaker charge, along with Colin Calderwood, as the Magpies look to preserve their Barclays Premier League status. But the experienced Kinnear is likely to be back at the helm before the end of the season after making good progress following his surgery. Reports had suggested that the former Wimbledon manager had targeted a return for the crucial encounter with relegation rivals Stoke City on 11th April. However, Kinnear is eyeing the trip to White Hart Lane to tackle Spurs a week later for when he picks up the Newcastle reins again. "I am feeling really good and am desperate to get back," Kinnear said. "I'm hoping I will return for the Spurs game."

Portsmouth

Portsmouth Reading have re-signed winger Glen Little on loan from Portsmouth until the end of the season. Little left the Royals to join Pompey last summer but is now back in Berkshire to boost his former club's Championship promotion hopes. Royals manager Steve Coppell said: "Despite leaving in the summer, I know Reading has a big place in Glen's heart and I'd like to think he can make an impact in the next two months. He was a huge favourite in our promotion year and made countless goals with his ability. Hopefully now he will be fresh and inspired to make a difference. It's too early to say whether he's ready to challenge for a starting place. We'll look at his condition and take it from there." Little will also be available to Reading if they are involved in the play-offs.

Stoke City

Stoke City Stoke have appointed former Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Holland as new academy coach. The 39-year old has a wealth of experience working with youngsters having nurtured the likes of Dean Ashton, Robbie Savage and Danny Murphy through the Crewe set-up, during his time there in charge of the academy. The latest chapter of his footballing career begins at the Britannia Stadium next Monday, and Holland revealed he can't wait to get started. "I'm really looking forward to it, Stoke is a massive cub and this is a big challenge for me," said Holland."I have been extremely impressed by the enthusiasm of all the senior staff, Peter Coates, Tony Pulis, John Rudge and Tony Scholes. We have held extensive meetings and you know we are all of the same mindset, we want the academy to be very successful so that's what I will be hoping to try and do. The challenge is massive and it's something I am going to relish. It is obvious to me that from the meetings we have held that the academy is something the club want to move up a gear or two, and the challenge of trying to take something to a whole new level is something which really, really excites me. The foundations of a successful academy are already there, you just have to look at the result against Manchester United to see that, so it will be a case of hopefully me coming in and trying to push things on even more, and bring through players who are of the quality that is needed to play in the first-team."

Sunderland

Sunderland Kieran Richardson has urged Sunderland to look to Europe rather than the Championship by producing a rousing finish to the season. The Black Cats allowed two precious Barclays Premier League points to slip from their grasp on Saturday when Robbie Keane's 89th-minute strike secured a draw for Tottenham Hotspur. However, Richardson, whose third-minute strike got Sunderland off to the perfect start at the Stadium of Light, insists they should be looking upwards rather than anxiously over their shoulder as they prepare for Wigan Athletic's visit to Wearside next weekend. He said: "If we win next week, then we could be safe. But you have got to play to the end. Obviously, we all want to stay in the Premier League, but there is a chance there for us to get into Europe, so why not kick on? We are talking about relegation, but you win three games on the bounce and you are up there. I am just keeping my head steady. I just want to see Sunderland move up the table and see what happens up there. Relegation, there is still a chance, but I am a positive thinker and I think Sunderland won't be there."

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur Harry Redknapp has warned winger Aaron Lennon he needs to perfect the art of crossing if he is to fulfil his rich potential. The 21-year-old midfielder's form has been a key factor in Spurs' recent resurgence, with his double against Middlesbrough in midweek helping to secure a vital 4-0 Barclays Premier League victory. But Redknapp said: "If Aaron has got one fault, it's his final ball. He's a real threat, the little lad. He's got that ability and that pace to go at defenders. He's a fantastic talent, but he does need to improve his final ball. Sometimes he hits balls across the face of goal, they look great balls but they have got too much pace on them for anyone to deal with. In the first half, he had one - Darren Bent tried to head one that came in like a rocket. He had a great position when he broke away and we had three or four arriving in the box, and he only had to pick somebody out at the back post, but he hit a low ball in."

West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion Roman Bednar is aiming to be back in action at West Ham. The Baggies' top scorer has missed the last two matches after suffering an injury during Albion's recent four-day training camp in Spain. Bednar's back is still not 100 per cent but he is confident of boosting Tony Mowbray's forward options for Monday week's trip to Upton Park. "I landed heavily from a great height on the base of my back," he said. "The pitch was hard but at the time it just felt a bit sore and I carried on training. But a couple of days later it started to swell up and get really painful and I wasn't able to train. It died down and I was due to be in the squad for last Saturday's game at Everton. But the day before I got a knock in a collision on the training ground and it swelled up to the size of a tennis ball. The swelling didn't die down in time for Tuesday's Arsenal game but I have been back in training for the last couple of days. I'm still having to take things easy and make sure I don't get another blow on my back. But unless it gets caught again, I should be fine and available for the team against West Ham." Bednar's hopeful return would give Mowbray a welcome selection headache in attack. Luke Moore has impressed in Albion's last two games and Jay Simpson will return to contention after being ineligible for Tuesday's defeat by his parent club Arsenal.

West Ham United

West Ham United Former West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has praised striker Carlton Cole. "What suits West Ham with Ashton out is Cole playing down the middle on his own. He can do that and I played him as a lone frontman a lot last year," Curbishley said. "He brings people into the game, he's got great movement and they are passing it well now. People are looking like they want to join in and they're comfortable. I had Carlton Cole at Charlton and Paolo Di Canio was there at the time and we spoke about him. You could see that Carlton has got everything. He just needs to take one or two more of his chances because perhaps his finishing lets him down. But this year he's picked up his goals and he's got the confidence that he's leading the line. He's been given a run."

Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic Titus Bramble says the team are intent on returning to winning ways in the Barclays Premier League at Sunderland next weekend. The Latics have not won a league match in their last eight attempts and are getting increasingly close to the relegation zone. The side currently sit in ninth place in the Barclays Premier League, but are just eight points from safety. Bramble believes the club have had some good defensive performances this season, but need to start winning again. He said, "We're enjoying some good performances at the back, and we're at a stage where Boyce, Scharner and myself are all comfortable playing with each other and forming different partnerships. We want to hit that magical 40-point mark, that's really important to us. It's fortunate that teams below us keep getting beat so we'll make sure we get back to winning ways soon. Unfortunately we've lost our last two games now and we want to get another game underway to rectify that."

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