OFFICIAL BOLLOX ROUND-UP
The Mario Balotelli saga has taken another twist this morning with reports that an alleged move the San Siro is off.
According to the Daily Shit Stirring Cunts, the City striker will not be heading back to his native Italy this winter.
“Mario Balotelli's agent claims Manchester City will not sell the striker to AC Milan this month,” claims John Drayton.
“Mino Raiola said: ‘City don’t want to sell Mario. At the minute there is a zero per cent chance of a move.
But who knows what will happen until January 31? There is an agreement between Inter and City, but that does not stop the player from choosing a different destination.’”
The Guardian, on the other hand, believe there is still a chance that Mario could be on his way to Milan in a matter of weeks.
“Mario Balotelli's potential move from Manchester City to Milan may not be decided until the close of this transfer window, according to Mino Raiola, the striker's agent,” writes the paper’s Jamie Jackson.
“There is yet to be any formal meeting between the clubs with the proposed re-signing of Kaká from Real Madrid by Milan potentially a factor in whether Balotelli moves back to Italy.”
Remember the only place you will get any transfer news confirmed as soon as a deal is done is here on mcfc.co.uk.
Elsewhere this morning, the Blues have been linked with a move for Stoke City stopper Asmir Begovic.
“The Sentinel understands that their hierarchy see Begovic as providing viable competition for their England goalkeeper Joe Hart,” the paper reports.
“Any move is likely to come in the summer, at the earliest, after Stoke boss Tony Pulis ruled out selling any of his top players in January.
“But City's interest can only bump up Begovic's asking price and make it increasingly difficult for Stoke to reject any offer.
“Whether the 25-year-old Bosnian could oust Hart at The Etihad, however, is a consideration that could deter him from making that move.”
Finally, City’s Ivorian Coast trio are preparing for their Africa Cup of Nations opening match against Togo later today and Yaya Toure has told African press that his side are determined to show their intention early on.
“Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure says his side are ready to challenge for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations despite the strong opposition that they will face,” reports Nigeria’s Vanguard News.
“The Elephants go into the tournament as one of the top favourites, and the Manchester City star says they are prepared mentally and physically.”
Yaya is joined by brother Kolo Toure and u21 star Razak at the tournament and we will keep you up to date on how the three Ivory Coast internationals fare today and throughout the tournament.
AC Milan prepared to pay Manchester City's asking price of £22m for Mario Balotelli
AC Milan are prepared to offer Manchester City an instalment-based deal which would guarantee them their money back if the Premier League champions agree to sell Mario Balotelli before next week’s transfer deadline.
City manager Roberto Mancini has sanctioned the sale of the controversial 22-year-old this month, but the club’s hierarchy have made it clear the former Inter Milan player will only be sold if an offer which meets their market valuation is received.
City paid £22 million to sign Balotelli from Inter in July 2010 and believe that is still the right price for the Italian international, despite the numerous episodes of indiscipline he has been involved in, both on and off the pitch, during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani insisted at the weekend that City’s initial valuation of £30 million was excessive, but it is understood that the Italian giants are prepared to pay the £22 million City are looking for.
The sticking point is likely to be Milan’s attempts to structure the deal to pay for Balotelli over as many as six instalments.
City are reluctant to sell Balotelli on those terms, but with Milan still to make a formal offer for the player, senior figures at the Etihad are prepared to wait for the Italians to submit their proposals.
Meanwhile, City full-back Pablo Zabaleta expects to be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Stoke after undergoing a scan on a foot injury sustained against Fulham at the weekend.
Zabaleta said: “I took a kick on the top of my foot which caused me a lot of pain afterwards and that’s the reason it was better that I came off.
“Thankfully, the scan showed there was no serious damage. I should be fine for Saturday, but it will be a couple of days before it is 100 per cent again.” Telegraph
GOLDEN WAG 22-1-2010
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]James Milner Set For New Deal For Manchester City
James Milner is set to end speculation over his long-term future after opening talks with Manchester City over a new four-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.
The England midfielder still has two-and-half years left to run on his current deal but is to be rewarded for his performances for the Premier League champions with new terms which will increase his weekly salary to £80,000 a-week, the Daily Star report.
Milner, who joined from Aston Villa having also played for Leeds United and Newcastle United in the top flight, has never held down a regular place in the starting line-up, but has been a crucial squad member at the Etihad Stadium including playing a significant role in the title-winning side last season.
There had been some speculation over potential moves away from Manchester City for the 27-year-old midfielder during the January transfer window with Sunderland, managed by his former Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill, thought to interested in doing a loan deal but that link did not come to fruition. Caught Lying Offside
Yaya Toure Q&A BOLLOX
Ahead of the start of Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations campaign, Yaya Toure gives his thoughts on the tournament and assesses the rivals for victory
Ivory Coast on Tuesday begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign when they take on Togo in South Africa.
As always, the Elephants are among the favourites to win the competition but, having lost 2012's final in a shock penalty shoot-out defeat by Zambia, they also have a reputation as perennial under-achievers.
Star midfielder Yaya Toure and his squad-mates will be determined to shed that tag when they get their campaign under way and, here, the Manchester City hero discusses the tournament and assesses Ivory Coast's chances.
What are your expectations for the Africa Cup of Nations? Ivory Coast are one of the favourites but which other teams do you expect to do well in the tournament?
I think the past tournaments have shown that in the Africa Cup of Nations anything is possible. There were many surprises already in the qualification stage of the tournament and I think what we have learned in the past is that you have to take every opponent seriously and go through the tournament step-by-step. I think that the team who fights the hardest and wants it the most will have good chances to win the tournament. And we are more than motivated to make this victory finally happen.
Ivory Coast are one of the best African national teams but they have only once won the Africa Cup of Nations. This year, you come with full strength for the tournament. Do you think that the team are the favourites to win?
Of course we are one of the teams that are always in the talks for winning the title. I guess it is because we have many players that play in the strong European leagues. But in this tournament I think it also counts how much you work together as a team. We do not have as much time for preparation as some other teams with players that are based in Africa. We only come together two weeks ahead of the tournament which makes it harder to work together smoothly. But we do have great talents in the team and I think it is about time to win the trophy again.
Many of the rivals of Ivory Coast were undermined by relationship problems and poor organisation. Did you experience these things in the previous tournaments? How is the relationship between the players now?
The relationship within the Ivory Coast team is amazing. It feels like a unity and we support each other where we can. I can only make a comment on my own team but with us there are not any issues in regards to the organisation of the team.
Many of the players in the Ivory Coast national team were brought together in Jean-Marc Guillou's Academy. Is the fact that you know each other very well something that strengthens the team? How important were Guillou's methods to your formation as a player?
Yes, absolutely. The fact that we know each other for many years really supports the chemistry within the team. It is always fun to come back together and perform as one squad. The atmosphere simply seems right. Guillou's methods definitely helped to build this.
For many years, Ivory Coast had to deal with a Civil War in the country, and the national team played an important role in the peace process. Can you tell us more about those days? How did the players decide to get involved in it? How was that experience for you? How did it help to strengthen the team?
It was a very emotional time back then, it felt really tense. The country's Civil War had been raging for five years when we qualified for the World Cup in Germany in 2006. It was just a wave of positive emotions that helped us players and the country to look forward to the future. We hated what was going on in our country but it was not really planned to get involved in it as a team. It was more of an emotional decision that was born through the moment of our success. Before we were aware of it, our role had already evolved. When we travelled to Germany it really made us stronger, it gave us some sort of family feeling and the support from our country was intense.
Recently, African football has been experiencing a change in the hierarchy, with teams like Zambia, Mali and Cabo Verde impressing, while Cameroon and Egypt failed to qualify. In your opinion, what are the reasons behind this change?
I think this change simply shows that African football is improving. It is not only a few countries anymore that play on a good level. The gaps between the African countries became smaller and smaller. One reason might be that more and more European coaches start to work with the national teams. The necessary know-how is available in most of the countries by now and the impact of football as a sport grows continuously. I do not think Egypt or Cameroon got worse. I would rather say the 'smaller' football nations improved.
What did it mean to you to be awarded the 2012 African Player of the Year? Do you think that it adds an extra pressure for you to play well?
To receive this award twice in a row is a huge honour for me and I am really proud of it. It has been my dream since I was a child and it feels great to get awarded for something you worked really hard for. I do not feel like there is extra pressure for me now. It gives me power and motivates me to show what I am capable of. With that in mind, I feel very honoured by everyone who voted for me. Thank you one more time.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 22-1-2011
Rodwell eyed by Real Madrid as Mourinho joins Manchester clubs in race to Everton star
Jose Mourinho has instructed Real Madrid spies to compile a dossier on Everton starlet Jack Rodwell.
Sportsmail revealed last week that Manchester United are preparing a £15million bid for the versatile 19-year-old, while Manchester City have also been linked with a move for Rodwell.
But the Manchester clubs are set to be joined by Real in the race after Mourinho’s intervention.
The Spanish giants have kept an eye on Rodwell since he impressed in England’s run to the European Under 21 Championships final in 2009.
Mourinho is poised to reignite the Bernabeu club’s interest after asking Madrid scouts to update him on Rodwell’s progress.
The Portuguese manager’s request underlines Rodwell’s growing reputation as one of the brightest talents in Europe.
Everton’s tight finances are making it increasingly difficult for the Merseyside club to hold on to their prized assets and it is looking increasingly likely they will listen to offers for Rodwell in the summer.
Sportsmail understands a switch to Old Trafford is Rodwell’s preferred choice should he leave Goodison Park.
Rodwell, who can play in central midfield or at centre back, came through Everton’s youth set-up and has a strong affiliation with the club.
However, he is unwilling to let emotional attachments stand in the way of a move that he feels would progress his career.
Rodwell believes joining one of the top flight’s big guns will provide him with a better platform to win silverware and break into the senior England set-up.
But, while Rodwell’s first choice is a move to Old Trafford, Manchester City’s wealth could yet dash Sir Alex Ferguson’s hopes of landing the youngster.
United know they will struggle to compete with their arch rivals to finance a package that would suit both Everton and Rodwell’s advisors, should City follow up their interest.
French midfielder Samir Nasri has revealed he could quit Arsenal for Barcelona in the summer - if the Gunners win the title. Daily Mirror
Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Barcelona's out-of-favour defender Gabriel Milito and hope to snap him up for free in the summer. talkSPORT
Manchester United have set their sites on CSKA Moscow keeper Igor Akinfeev as a replacement for Edwin van der Sar, who is retiring at the end of the season. Footylatest
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti wants to form a dream centre-back partnership between David Luiz, who arrived from Benfica in January, and Borussia Dortmund's Serbian star Neven Subotic. talkSHIT
Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar and Barcelona winger Alexander Hleb, who is on loan at Birmingham, are both wanted by newly promoted Russian Premier League team Krasnodar.DSSC
Former Liverpool and Sunderland star Djibril Cisse, now with Panathinaikos, says he will definitely leave Greece in the summer after alleging he was attacked by Olympiakos fans at the weekend.DSSC
Manchester United midfielder Anderson could be out for two months after suffering his second knee injury in the last 12 months in Saturday's FA Cup win over Crawley. Guardian
Former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll, the most expensive British player in history, is ahead of schedule in his attempt to return to fitness after a thigh injury and could even make his Liverpool debut this weekend against West Ham. Daily Mirror
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims forward Andrey Arshavin is close to rediscovering his best form for the Gunners after a below-par season so far. Metro
Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has confirmed he is speaking to the club about signing a new contract. Metro
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says it would be "a miracle" if his side managed to finish in the top four of the Premier League for a second season running. the Guardian
Twenty reasons to visit Manchester
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/twenty-rea ... 2cx99.html
MANCHESTER TITLE RACE
PTS +5 GD +1
MANCHESTER CITY/UNITED OASIS XI: THE PERFECT TEAM AND THE PERFECT SETLIST
Trending Twitter topics often provide humorous distractions from mash-ups of popular topics, and one of our favourite trends of recent times was #OasisXI.
Football and Oasis just seem to fit together perfectly, don't they? Inspired by this, we put together our #OasisXI with only players from the title-chasing Manchester teams – despite how much the Gallagher brothers would hate us for including their red rivals in our eleven.
Goalkeeper - Stop Crying Your Hart Out
The obvious choice. England and Manchester City's number one, Joe Hart wouldn't let our side down. The inspiring lyrics behind Stop Crying Your Heart Out should ensure heads don't drop in the event of a defeat: Try not to worry, you'll win the Capital One Cup someday.
Right Back – Turn Up The Sun Jihai
The popular Chinese full-back may not be the most talented defender to ever grace Manchester, but you know you'd get 100 percent commitment as he marauds up the wing to the rhythmic beats of Turn Up The Sun.
Centre Back – Stam By Me
Widely regarded as one of the finest centre backs to grace the English game, any defence would instantly be improved by the towering Dutchman standing at its heart.
Centre Back – Don't Look Back Nemanja
As a no-nonsense defender who plays best when sitting deep, Don't Look Back Nemanja is rather appropriate tactical advice, as you wouldn't want the tough-tackling Serbian pushing too far up the pitch and being forced to chase the attackers.
Left Back – Live ForEvra
The goals have certainly been flying in for the French left-back this season, even if his positioning is often as nonsensical as Noel Gallagher's lyrics, often seeming to be half the world away from the rest of the defensive line.
Left Wing – Giggsy's Dinner
What a life it would be if we could have Ryan Giggs in his prime once again, rampaging down the left side of the pitch with an elegance which has seen him accumulate more trophies in his Manchester United career than many football clubs have done in their entire history.
Central Midfield – (What's The Story?) Yaya Toure
Since his move from Barcelona, Yaya Toure has become something of a one-man wrecking crew, often dominating opposition midfields almost single-handedly. His contribution to Manchester City has certainly made the dreams of Blues fans worldwide. This is has to be our favourite song title to sing in this mash-up Go on, sing it to yourself in the office and wait as the admiring stares make their way towards you.
Central Midfield – D'You Know What I Keane
Imagine a central midfield pairing of Yaya Toure and Roy Keane. OK you done yet? It's understandable if you're still salivating over what would undoubtedly be a dominating partnership combining tough tackling and pure physical power.This pairing could only be topped by Chiles and Keane.
Right Wing – Park Ji Sung In A Bad Place
The former South Korea captain has certainly been in a bad place for the majority of the season: rooted to the bottom of the table with QPR.
Striker – Slide aWeah
Some might say that George Weah's career was on the slide by the time he moved to England (apologies for that awful double-pun) but the former World Player of the Year's natural ability and mesmerising skill makes him a dead cert for our eleven.
Striker – Rock n' Rösler
A terrific set closer of a song and an efficient finisher of a striker. With Rösler's strength and Weah's flair, we reckon this strike force has everything you'd want from a fictional, band-based nonsensical partnership.
Substitutes:
Jo Let it Out
Where Did It All de Jong
Some Might O'Shea
Half A World Bebe
A Colin Bell Will Ring
Manager – D'Yer Wanna Be A Space Mancini
Gary Neville Shows True Colours on Diving as Manchester United Fall to Spurs
The mask of the usually impeccable and fair-minded Gary Neville slipped on Sky Sports’ Payback Sunday yesterday when discussing his former side’s capitulation to Spurs with Jamie Redknapp. His words gave key insight into the win-at-all-costs mentality that has served the Red Devils so well.
Yet what cost does that mentality have for the integrity of the modern game?
Clint Dempsey’s late equaliser in front of the White Hart Lane faithful warmed up the watching British public on the wintriest of weekends and left Alex Ferguson clutching his watch for non-existent “Fergie-time.” The deflected criticism of the linesman who turned down Wayne Rooney’s penalty appeals made sure media attention was taken away from his team dropping two points in the title race to rivals and current champions Man City.
Yet more revealing was his former acolyte Neville’s comments when discussing American Clint Dempsey, who dared to stay on his feet and attempt to score instead of keeling over for a penalty after a first-half Evra challenge.
Neville says Dempsey should have gone down after the soft challenge and co-presenter Jamie Redknapp replies in amazement: "Why on earth would you want to go down? You are going clean through there—he is a goal scorer, why would he want to go down? I think you have got to look at that as an opportunity."
In the immediate wake of the Lance Armstrong mass cheating scandal and Luis Suarez’s admission of diving last week, such a comment is very revealing of the mentality possessed by one of the former cornerstones of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Premier League dynasty.
Neville, of course, is a highly decorated former youth product of Manchester United, so was firmly indoctrinated in their "winning" ways.
Recall the Ashley Young diving scandal towards the end of last season (2011/12) when the new £9M signing, who had "won" the most penalties of any Premier League player over the last two seasons, was heavily criticised by fellow players. Fellow professional footballer Ryan Taylor of Newcastle United was outraged so much at a Young dive versus Aston Villa, he blurted out on Twitter, "Ashley Young is an absolute DISGRACE. He’s the biggest cheat in the league. His antics are a joke."
Just a week later, Young dived again blatantly against QPR when challenged by Shaun Derry, who was subsequently sent off, effectively ending the game. Is it too much a flight of fancy to consider the possibility that diving is part and parcel of the "winning" culture at Old Trafford and those willing to flout the rules and gain advantage by any means necessary are bought for such a purpose?
Yet, thankfully, cheats didn’t prosper on this occasion as Manchester City went on to win the title and Dempsey’s fair actions yesterday may have “earned him the later goal” according to Neville.
In a modern world in which technology is so prevalent, it is high time that any form of diving and gamesmanship is outlawed. Stoke manager Tony Pulis has championed the cause of bringing into the game retrospective action against "simulation" whereby if a player is judged to have dived after the match, he would be subject to a lengthy ban of three, four or five matches.
Until the rules are changed, perhaps as Pulis suggests by the introduction of a panel meeting on a Monday to judge the weekend's incidents, the existing minority culture in the game to gain advantage by any means necessary may continue unchecked.
With time, there will be changes to the rules and technology will play a greater role in the game, just as the introduction of floodlights and the back-pass rule, for example, have helped take the sport to the next level in the past. Fortunately, like the outraged Jamie Redknapp and Ryan Taylor and Clint Dempsey himself, the vast majority of pros and ex-pros clearly do play in a spirit of sportsmanship.
Yet perhaps tellingly, like the advantage gained by the one-eyed man in the kingdom of the blind, those who clearly do not figure heavily among the most successful.
SNUB COUNT - 241
GOLDEN BOLLOX 22-1-1977
Brian Kidd bags four goals in City’s 5-0 win over Leicester City at Maine Road.
It was his biggest haul in a sky blue jersey and, not surprisingly, he went on to finish the club’s top scorer that season.
It’s also City’s 14th game without defeat in all competitions and takes Kidd’s scoring run to 11 goals in eight games and further underlines the Blues’ championship credentials.
Liverpool were three points clear of third-place City, but had played three more games.
YESTERDAY'S OTHER BOLLOX ..... TODAY
Arsenal and others will go to court to get Financial Fair Play
A small group of top clubs is willing to take legal action if nothing is done to stop Chelsea, Man City and possibly others evading Uefa’s financial fair play system.
Having put their concerns in writing to the League, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man U and Tottenham, are now openly stating that the full financial fair play rules should be introduced into the League. And that if Uefa is seen to be issuing minor fines of no significance to clubs that break FFP, the Group of 4 will go to court.
The grounds of the G4′s proposed action is that club owners have taken business decisions based on Uefa’s clear statements that it will be rigorous in introducing FFP, and if they don’t they will be guilty of having misled investors.
John W Henry, owner of Liverpool, has said that he bought Liverpool in 2010 on the basis that FFP would change the way football works and levels out the finances of clubs. He and others have been encouraged by the fact that the transfer dealings among top clubs had been in decline since the period of the initial run up to full FFP introduction.
Arsenal are in a similar position, with the club’s entire financial system based on the existence of FFP – a system which largely generates a profit for Arsenal. Meanwhile Man City are willing to lose around £100m a year at a time when FFP allows only a total of £38m loss over this season and last season.
The notion that Man City will make a profit of £62m this season in order to balance the loss is extremely unlikely, and so it looks as if Man City think they have found the loophole in the plans. All they have done so far is halved the insane losses of the previous year.
The notion that clubs are going to get around FFP and that Uefa will treat FFP avoidance as they treat racism, is given a boost by the fact that we have seen clubs counting the accounts in strange ways – such as with intellectual property rights sales being counted as income.
For Man C the centre of everything is Ethiad airlines which now spends hundreds of millions each year on promoting itself – and yet never once makes a profit.
Chelsea are doing the same, introducing £18m “exceptional share profit” into their accounts, as revealed on the http://www.financialfairplay.co.uk website.
The same oddities are showing up everywhere as PSG have put up a deal with the Qatar Tourism Authority as a source of income. Qatar is of course a prime destination for Parisians each summer. Or perhaps it is just the owner of PSG.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi knows that Uefa has to show that this deal is between two organisations that are related. If they can’t prove what we all know – the Qatar owns football clubs – or if the fine is measly then FFP is shot, and the G4 will be the first group to take renegade Uefa to court. http://blog.emiratesstadium.info/archives/26776
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident of signing Wilfried Zaha, 20, for £12m from Crystal Palace by the end of the week, with the aim of loaning the winger back to the Championship club for the remainder of the season. Guardian
Meanwhile, United striker Federico Macheda, 21, is poised to join Elche on loan, according to the Spanish club's president Jose Sepulchre.talkSHIT
The decision by Victor Valdes to reject a new contract at Barcelona will ensure Manchester United consider the 31-year-old keeper to replace David de Gea, 22, at the end of the season. Daily Telegraph
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is considering making a move for Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama, 21, as he attempts to improve the Gunners hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Independent
Newcastle United's troubles are showing no signs of easing after Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, 23, did not arrive for a planned medical and captain Fabricio Coloccini, 31, failed to resolve his future at a meeting with club officials. Daily Telegraph
Liverpool are poised to snap up Inter Milan midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 20, after offering an improved fee of £8m. Metro
New Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino has joined the chase for Anderlecht's £8m-rated midfielder Lucas Biglia, 26. Daily Mirror
John Terry's long-term future at Chelsea remains in doubt, with the club unlikely to open discussions about an extension to the 32-year-old's contract until the end of the season. Daily Telegraph
West Brom forward Peter Odemwingie, 31, wants to speak to QPR and may hand in a transfer request if Albion continue to block him. Daily Mirror
France international Moussa Sissoko, 23, is ready to spurn interest from across Europe to push through a move to Newcastle United - although QPR could look to hijack the Magpies' bid for the midfielder. talkSHIT
Fulham are considering a move for Blackpool midfielder Ludovic Sylvestre, 28. DSSC
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is considering whether to take Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, 26, on loan. Daily Star
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina's father says his son, 30, would love a return to Barcelona. Metro
Long-serving Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, 34, says game-time could determine whether he will end his career with the club. Daily Mirror
Brazilian playmaker Kaka, 30, is likely to stay at Real Madrid after negotiations with AC Milan broke down over "tax issues". futbol.as.com
French midfielder Yoann Gourcoff, 26, will not be leaving Lyon this month, despite interest from Arsenal, according to the Ligue 1 side's president Jean-Michel Aulas.Sport24.com
Japanese side FC Tokyo are hoping to sign Spanish legend Raul, 35, from Qatari side Al-Sadd. nikkansports.com
Marseilles manager Elie Baup says he does not expect to sign Moussa Sissoko, 23, from Toulouse, saying the midfielder appears to want to move to Newcastle. lequipe.com
Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, 49, has been paving the way for a remarkable return to Stamford Bridge by regularly texting and phoning club owner Roman Abramovich. Daily Star
Arsenal striker Theo Walcott, 23, who signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal last week, admits he was distracted by his drawn-out contract saga. Sun
Chelsea defender Gary Cahill, 27, believes Arsenal are no longer a threat to the Blues in the race for Champions League places and is more concerned with catching Manchester United in the title race. London's Evening Standard
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, 32, says he has set his sights on catching David Beckham's England haul of 115 caps.Sun
Midfielder Clint Dempsey, 29, is confident he can start repaying the £6m Tottenham paid for him in the summer, following a difficult start to his career at White Hart Lane.London's Evening Standard
BBC 5 live's 606 newsletter reports that Manchester United players wore matching pairs of Bugs Bunny pyjamas for their journey to Qatar at the weekend. The United players jetted to the Middle East following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham for warm weather training and team bonding.
Oldham's chances of avoiding the big freeze to host Liverpool in their televised FA Cup fourth round tie on Sunday have been boosted after they took delivery of an inflatable pitch cover. DSSC
[spoiler].
.[/spoiler]GOLDEN BOLLOX 22-1-2010
Manchester City set to unload Robinho at last with loan move to Santos
Robinho could make his final appearance for Manchester City in the FA Cup tie at Scunthorpe after club officials sanctioned moves to offload the £32.5 million British record signing on loan to Santos.
Attempts by Man City to re-ignite Barcelona's interest in the Brazil forward by offering him on loan until the end of the season have been met with a cool response from the European champions, who have told City that Robinho is no longer a leading target.
But Brazilian club Santos, who sold Robinho to Real Madrid for £20 million in 2005, are in talks with City over a short-term move for the 25 year-old.
Although the two clubs remain some distance from agreeing on financial aspects of the deal, which would involve Santos paying a substantial proportion of Robinho's £160,000-a-week wages, sources at City believe a compromise can be reached.
Manager Roberto Mancini has been dismayed by Robinho's performances since succeeding Mark Hughes at Eastlands and he has informed City's football administrator, Brian Marwood, that he is ready to part with the player.
Despite making an instant impact at Manchester City following his move from Real in Sept 2008, Robinho scored just three goals in 2009 and he has yet to find the net this season.
He has done little to assuage the perception that he is unhappy at City, making regular comments about his desire to play for Barcelona, but Mancini's decision to replace Robinho at Everton last Saturday – 51 minutes after introducing him as a substitute – prompted chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak, chief executive Garry Cook and Marwood to re-evaluate their stance on Robinho's future.
City are determined to dispense with Robinho on their terms and it has been made clear to him and his representatives that he will not be allowed to leave during this transfer window unless a deal can be struck to City's satisfaction.
For the first time, though, City have acknowledged that they are prepared to offload the player, who has stressed a desire for first-team football in the build-up to the World Cup.
With Mancini preparing to rest key players such as Shay Given, Gareth Barry and Carlos Tévez at Scunthorpe, Robinho could yet figure at Glanford Park after being named in City's travelling squad.
But having sanctioned the loan of City youngster Vladimir Weiss to Bolton until the end of the season, Mancini admits the prospects of AC Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini arriving at Eastlands this month appear slim.
"Flamini is a good player but he is playing at Milan and playing very well, so I don't think it is possible for him to come," said Mancini. "Chiellini is the best defender in Italy right now, so it is impossible for Juventus to lose him."
Emmanuel Adebayor, who is due back at Eastlands after a period of compassionate leave following the terrorist attack on the Togo team bus in Angola two weeks' ago, is not expected to figure against Manchester United in the Carling Cup semi-final second-leg at Old Trafford on Wednesday due to fitness concerns.
Chief executive Cook has added to the verbal sparring between United and City, however, by claiming his club will be, 'without doubt, the biggest and best football club in the world.' Cook, addressing supporters at a club function in New York's Mad Hatter Saloon, added that 'it is not if, but when, we're at Wembley having beaten Man United yet again."
Doug's Training Day Goals Bollox
[youtube]51UTTAsdJ00[/youtube]
LAHAD'S LICK BINGO OUT BOLLOX
A perfect place to honour the Fez & Nipple Tassel wearing one ....
King Kev wrote:We will be having a poll to decide what message to have put onto the plaque. If you would like to put forward a suggestion to go into the poll please post it in this thread. . viewtopic.php?f=121&t=44934 .
Please keep in mind that the club may refuse to engrave the plaque with 'lick me out' so whilst I am sure Danny would have approved, maybe it would be better to chose a more poignant heart-felt message.
Bingo's wife Diana will have the final say on whatever message is chosen.
Patrick's got a broken leg .... and a 10k speach to do!!
