In an exclusive interview in the December/January edition of SportsPro, Manchester City’s chief brand and commercial officer Ian Cafferky explains for the first time how he and his team are building the club’s brand in Manchester and beyond.
Last week Manchester City, current Premier League leaders, reported the biggest loss in the history of English soccer. In the 2010-11 financial year the club, bought by United Group, a company ultimately owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nayhan, a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family, three years ago, lost UK£149.9 million as a result of huge spends on new players and facility improvements.
If the financial figures – which also included a 49 per cent increase in commercial partnership revenue and a 27.4 per cent rise in television rights income – make the loudest headlines, behind the scenes something of a revolution is taking place. In an exclusive interview in the December/January edition of SportsPro - marking the first time Manchester City executives have spoken openly about building the club’s brand - City’s chief brand and commercial officer Ian Cafferky, puts it this way: “At a very high level we see ourselves as a media entertainment company, not just a football club.”
•Etihad put name on Manchester City stadium
•Manchester City to build 7,000-seat youth team stadium in Etihad Complex
While Mancini and his coaching staff plot the route to success on-field, it is Cafferky and his team who have the job of enhancing and building the Manchester City brand, both locally and internationally. He is responsible for the club’s sales and services department, ticketing, digital operation, international development, brand marketing and partnerships. “Obviously,” he explains, before the publication of the club’s latest set of results, “there’s 800 million people watching us on television, there’s 50,000 in the stadium so you really have to understand that mechanism: you’re not just about people turning up in the stadium any more, even if your [media] rights are owned by Sky.
“We’re trying to build a sustainable football club for the future. Now, within that we think along multiple axes – so what’s the infrastructure required, what’s the team, who are the people required? We run ourselves along six strategic objectives over a five-year plan period. We’re trying to double our revenues approximately by 2017. It’s quite a tightly run machine – five-year plans, one-year plans, 90 day objectives – so it’s probably not typically what I would say most sports entities are. Most probably have an inherited way of behaving; ours has definitely been driven by best practice in business. A lot of people have been hired from outside the sector so you get a real mix of people from across sports and across media – even outside of media and sports.”
•Manchester City deal is another Premier League first
•Manchester City Football Club secures seven-figure deal
The commercial possibilities opened up by the new investment – and the positive effect that has had on the team - are many. But Cafferky insists the club is walking before it runs, mindful of its rich heritage and its supporters. “We’ve been very careful to look at what the DNA of the club actually is and we’re building that brand story step by step rather than jumping out to the world saying, ‘This is who we are’. We’re being very clear about what has been there for a very long time and how we hold on to it. At the core of that is that it is a community club. It has been by definition for an incredibly long time; it hasn’t been a club about trophies. It’s been about people turning up and participating. This club has been living on that since zero but particularly in the last 20 or 30 years.
Pointing to the results of a recent Football Association supporters survey, in which City ranked first in five of seven questions on community, he adds: “The identity of the club in the eyes of the fans – which is the brand; the brand isn’t something I announce to them, this is their perception – is tightly aligned with the idea that they are a community club. The pillar right in the centre of it that keeps kids right through to adults understanding what this club is is the fact that it is alive in the city of Manchester. A lot of the stories that people tell make up the identity of the club. Part of the identity of the club is sharing those stories and storytelling.”
MORE: http://www.sportspromedia.com/notes_and ... medium=rss
Manchester City kid Chris Chantler is set to sign on loan for Carlisle United this afternoon and could go straight into the squad for Saturday’s home clash with Colchester.
Chris ChantlerThe Premier League giants have agreed to the 20-year-old defender joining the Blues on an emergency loan deal until January. Chantler is a product of City’s academy and graduated to make his first-team debut on his birthday on December 16 last year as a substitute in the Europa League tie against Juventus.
United boss Greg Abbott said: “Nothing is signed yet, but we spoke to [City No2] David Platt a few weeks ago about him and we brought him up here so that he could train with us and see how we do things.
“He’s had a good time, he has settled in well, and the way we have structured this one means that he will get time to work with us and we can take it from there. From what we have seen he definitely has potential but nothing is definite until the paperwork is done.
“We don’t foresee any problems with that and we should be announcing that he has signed early on Thursday morning.”
The Stockport-born youngster has been at City for more than 11 years and has been a regular for their Under-18 side and been part of their Elite Development Squad at Carrington.
Chantler made his bow under Roberto Mancini at the Stadio Olimpico against Juventus in a Europa League group tie.
He has since been a virtual ever-present for the EDS and was included by City on the Club’s ‘B’ list of youth players for the Champions League.
He is the latest City youngster to join Carlisle on loan after a fruitful link-up between the two clubs.
Midfielder Adam Clayton, now at Leeds United, enjoyed a successful spell on loan from City last year and French winger Jeremy Helan recently spent a month at Brunton Park, before quitting Carlisle against the wishes of both clubs who wanted him to stay for a second month.
AC Milan and Roma are keen on Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta.
The City star recently signed a new contract at the Etihad but that has not stopped the Italian giants from expressing an interest in him.
Zabaleta, who joined Manchester City in 2008, is settled at the club and said after City's 2-1 defeat to Napoli on Tuesday night: "At the moment I think only of Manchester City, having renewed my contract."
But both AC Milan and Roma remain interested in the 26-year-old and will press ahead with bids of around £11m in the January transfer window.
Ian Herbert: Mancini uncertain about way forward
The irony of it all is that Edinson Cavani seemed to be a symbol of what Manchester City didn't want, when one of the club's most senior executives met his agent his summer. At a football stadium on the continent, City's man had just finished telling Cavani's how Uefa's financial fair play regime meant the days of the club paying over the odds to attract players were over when it became clear he was wasting his breath. "So, about my player," the agent struck up. "We're talking €50m [£43m]. Great value..."
Though the arrival of Sergio Aguero – at £38m, always City's first choice – was more than adequate compensation, you can now see why Roberto Mancini encouraged the initial contact. City might have around £122m of strike force at their disposal but the fireworks are not always of the right type, nor at the right moments.
The Manchester City manager's weak and confused explanation of another bizarre 24 hours in the life of Mario Balotelli – pizza with the girlfriend, complaints of sickness, a goal and several spurned opportunities – does not obscure the fact that he is not to be relied on.
A headline in the Italian press, meanwhile, perhaps best told the story of Edin Dzeko's latest Champions League malfunction: Milner ispirato, Dzeko invisible. But as Mancini reflects on the likelihood of City becoming the first British team new to the Champions League to fall at the group stage since Kenny Dalglish's Newcastle United in 1997, he knows that the problems go deeper than his forwards. Right back into the core of his side, in fact, where the personnel at his disposal have left him torn between a desire to attack and to defend.
Mancini is in good company. Sir Alex Ferguson felt the same nearly a decade ago when his Manchester United side's European defeats, home and away, to Bayern Munich in April 2001, led him to believe that the quintessentially English 4-4-2 was too airy for the rigours of Europe. "Maybe we need to get new players, break it up, start again," Roy Keane reflected at that time and Ferguson duly dismantled the class and structure of '99, paying £28m to Lazio for Juan Sebastian Veron to break forward from a more fortified midfield and Ruud van Nistelrooy as a lone striker.
Mancini's side in Naples on Tuesday night reflected a similar lack of appetite for airiness. Pablo Zabaleta's selection above Micah Richards was roundly criticised by City supporters yesterday but the logic behind it was reasonable given Mancini's view – and it's one thing he shares with Fabio Capello – that Richards' attacking zeal does not always adequately compensate for the defensive vulnerability which Franck Ribéry exposed so ruthlessly in Munich in September. Sadly, Zabaleta's lack of pace was even more grievous, with Ezequiel Lavezzi buzzing around him. Conversely, Aleksandar Kolarov played ahead of Gaël Clichy for offensive reasons: Mancini thought Balotelli's pace would open up space for the Serb on the overlap. That failed, too.
Mancini's conflicting offensive and defensive impulses have also been reflected in his obvious indecision about Nigel de Jong – left out in Munich, hastily reinstated there after 55 minutes (that's what caused the fateful row with Carlos Tevez), selected once again in Naples but the first man to be hooked when a flaccid, static City looked in need of creativity.
A player who can both repel teams and open them up in Europe is what Mancini wants and it is actually someone Ferguson thought he had found four years ago when he signed Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich, with Europe in mind. The notion of Hargreaves delivering for City what his wretched injury record prevented at United would be some story, though the odds remain stacked against it. On the long road to recuperation, he still trains apart from the senior squad.
Milner could not explain, when he stopped on his trudge through Napoli's crumbling old stadium late on Tuesday night, why City could not locate the success in Europe which they have found in the league. "I don't know," he said. "It's just a different style [in Europe], who knows? We've given away two goals as a team and you can't afford to do that."
If Mancini's quandaries cause him any dark moments between now and the arrival on 7 December of Bayern Munich – whose desire to avoid City in the knock-out stages are a big incentive to keep their foot on the pedal – then Ferguson's attempts to create a style for Europe may not be terribly uplifting.
It was just as well Mancini was turning the key in his front door in Alderley Edge at 4.30am yesterday morning – and not around in Italy to read Gazzetta dello Sport's breathless headline: Cavani abatte il City. Cavani batters City.
ROBERTO MANCINI is lining up a £30m bid for Napoli tormentor Edinson Cavani.
Manchester City boss Mancini has made Cavani his No.1 target to replace rebel striker Carlos Tevez at the Etihad Stadium.
Starsport can reveal the Blues have opened talks with Cavani’s agent in the hope of landing the Uruguayan international in the January transfer window.
The Blues’ chief Italian scout and fixer Barry Hunter met Cavani’s representative Claudio Anelluci in Rome to discuss a deal.
The pair spent several hours in a restaurant discussing the chances of Mancini luring Cavani to the Premier League leaders and big-spenders.
The 24-year-old has been on Mancini’s wanted list for more than six months and enhanced his growing reputation with two goals in Napoli’s 2-1 win over the Blues on Tuesday night.
Cavani’s double hammered a huge dent in Mancini’s hopes of leading the Blues into the Champions League knockout stages.
But Mancini is determined to have the last laugh on Napoli by bringing Cavani to the Premier League.
The Italian is preparing for life without Tevez and knows he will be able to use the cash raised from selling the AWOL Argentine star on Cavani.
Cavani joined Napoli in a £14m deal from Palermo in June 2005 and has scored 30 goals in just 44 games for the Serie A outfit.
He has also plundered 10 goals in 36 international appearances and earned a reputation as one of the hottest prospects in Europe.
Napoli value Cavani in the £40m bracket and know he is also a target of Chelsea, AC Milan and Real Madrid.
He is under contract at Napoli until 2015 but Mancini is confident of can lure him to the Blues on a deal worth around £170,000 a week.
Mancini is determined to keep on strengthening his squad as part of his mission to make the Blues the most successful side in Europe and believes Cavani is central to his long term ambitions.
But Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has warned the Blues to forget signing any of his stars on the cheap.
He said: “If Sheikh Mansour (owner) wants to buy one of our jewels, he should pay much more than he has already spent at City.”
Adebayor has opened the door for a permanent move to Tottenham Hotspur
ON-LOAN Emmanuel Adebayor last night opened the door for a permanent move to Spurs, telling them: Show me the money.
The Manchester City striker says he would love to stay at White Hart Lane if the price is right.
But his £160,000-a-week wages could prove a problem for Spurs, who will also have to find a near £17million transfer fee.
Adebayor insists the money is not just for him but for several children's charity projects he supports in Togo and the Ivory Coast.
The African icon said: "We all play football to get money.
"I have to give something back to my community and I will keep doing this until the end of my career.
"I will leave it to Spurs and Manchester City to find a solution between themselves.
"For me, what is important is to enjoy myself on the pitch."
Adebayor, 27, is clearly doing that with his double helping Spurs to a 2-0 home win over Aston Villa on Monday.
It lifted Spurs to third in the Premier League — just four points behind Manchester United and nine off leaders Manchester City with a game in hand.
Adebayor, who cost City £27m from Arsenal, added: "I don't think our battle is to catch City. Our battle is to finish in the top four.
"That's what the manager told me before I came here.
"I think I'm doing quite well, I just have to keep going.
"For me, if I didn't help the team to get into the top four then I will have failed."
City refuse to let Tevez go out on loan
Manchester City are ready to deal Carlos Tevez another blow by blocking any January loan move.
City have rejected claims that the AWOL striker is set to join AC Milan on a temporary six-month deal with the option of a permanent switch in the summer.
Inter Milan and Juventus are also keen to bring Tevez to Italy after City manager Roberto Mancini made it clear that the Argentinian is finished at Eastlands because of his latest transgression.
However, the Blues are adamant they will not let the AWOL Argentinian - who is back home in Buenos Aires - leave on loan when the transfer window opens and will only consider straight cash deals.
They valued him at £50million last summer before his disciplinary problems with Mancini and believe he still has a high value - despite his fall from grace - because he was the Premier League’s top scorer over the last two seasons.
City are adopting a hardline stance and are prepared to leave their former skipper in the wilderness until they receive an acceptable offer.
Mancini outlined their position when he told Italian TV: “Tevez is strong regardless of what has happened, and great players have a price that is rather high.”
Inter, Milan and Juve all feel City are being unrealistic, considering Tevez has not kicked a ball in anger for just over two months.
Despite Juventus and the Milan giants’ pursuit of Tevez, it is understood none of three has made official contact with either City or the player’s camp.
BINGO'S XMAS BOLLOX
This is a slow burning fundraiser. We know you have be great so far, but when you have the odd spare £3, buy a card and have a chance of winning some great prizes.The Bingo B*ll*x game cards will now be on sale until December 9th, 8pm.
To purchase at the very reasonable price of £3 a card, upon making a donation, please state on remittance BXB*. The * indicates the amount of cards you want to buy, for example you may want to donate £10 to Bingo's wedding fund and get 3 bingo cards so you would enter thus ... [b]BXB3 The Bingo Caller will visit http://www.Mancityfans.net on Monday 12th until Wednesday 14th December (so hopefully prizes will arrive by xmas) You will be contacted via PM after the Bingo Caller has confirmed your payment.
As a token of our esteem any fine members that have already donated £20 or more may apply to the Bingo Caller for a FREE entry on us at B*ll*x Towers, further information on this offer will be issued this weekend. [/b]
and now for a breast break ...
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]So you can make use of the handy donate button where you see this symbol and start claiming you cards, 1 for every £3 donated 3 ...
viewtopic.php?f=119&t=40735
Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour accused of treating club like a 'toy' by Napoli president
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has accused Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan of treating Manchester City like a "toy" and claimed the billionaire could “go somewhere else in four or five years”.
The outspoken De Laurentiis – an Italian film producer who once described Lionel Messi as a “cretin” – has also warned Manchester City off a January move for £30 million-rated Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani, who scored both his side’s goals in Tueday’s 2-1 victory in Naples.
“If Mansour wants to buy one of our jewels, he should pay much more than he has already spent at City,” he said.
City, who reported a record-breaking loss of £194.9 million last week, face possible Champions League elimination next month and the prospect of missing out on up to £20 million of prize money after dropping to third place in Group A following their defeat in Naples.
Having lavished more than £1 billion on City in transfer fees, wages and improvements to the club’s infrastructure since buying the club in September 2008, Sheikh Mansour has been rewarded with last season’s FA Cup and a team now sitting unbeaten, five points clear, at the top of the Premier League.
But with demotion to the Europa League now on the horizon for City barring a surprise defeat for Napoli against Villarreal on Dec 7, De Laurentiis claims that Sheikh Mansour could soon become bored with his project at the Etihad Stadium.
“Football is not just about the money,” De Laurentiis said. “Sheikh Mansour takes all the oil money and has built the club [City] only for a personal whim.
“Mansour has wanted to build a toy, but if he does not win in four or five years, maybe he leaves. Maybe after investing so much, if something does not start winning immediately, he will draw the curtains and go somewhere else and buy another toy.”
City’s emergence as a threat to Europe’s established powers has coincided with Uefa’s attempt to impose its Financial Fair Play regulations, aimed at preventing clubs from spending beyond their means and an over-reliance on wealthy benefactors.
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, a long-term critic of City’s spending, has insisted that the already-qualified Group A leaders will attempt to confirm City’s Champions League exit next month, if only to claim “points for the five-year ranking and the £690,000 to the winner”.
And De Laurentiis, who has guided Napoli from Serie C to the Champions League, claims that his team’s success against City at the Stadio San Paolo is a victory for football.
De Laurentiis said: “At Napoli, we have lost players, but this fact and our success shows that money is not everything.
"Healthy balance sheets are also important. Our stadium is decrepit, but the problem is the recession. Here [in Italy], we are broke.”
The financial cost to City of dropping into the Europa League is evident in the gulf in prize money on offer in both competitions.
While City would receive £2.5 million simply for reaching the knockout stage of the Champions League, they would have to progress to next May’s Europa League final in Bucharest to claim the same amount from Uefa’s less illustrious competition.
Attempts to meet FFP strictures would be severely dented should the club drop out of the Champions League.
Mario Balotelli, who was given permission to delay his return from Italy by 24 hours by Mancini after scoring against Napoli while suffering from a ‘fever’, insists City can still qualify.
“At the interval against Napoli, I went sick because I have been ill for two days.
"I have a fever, but Mancini knew this,” he said.
“Qualification? We lost to Napoli but we could have won, you never know what will happen. I am hopeful though.”
meanwhile ...
Man City kitman Chappy gives Mario an award for the hand hat he wore last season, Mario is not impressed.
[youtube]SrT1piKWV9M[/youtube]
Liverpool legend Alan Hansen is confident his former club can cause Manchester City problems when they travel to Anfield this weekend.
The Barclays Premier League leaders remain undefeated this season, winning 11 of their opening 12 games including convincing wins against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle.
However, Hansen believes there are chinks in the armour of Roberto Mancini's side, and that the Reds can take advantage with confidence sky-high following last Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea.
"I'll tell you something - if Liverpool play like they did in the first half against Chelsea; or like they did against Man City at Anfield last season, and like they did against Man United earlier this season, they can win," said the Scot.
"City have won 11 out of their last 12 and scored 11 goals at White Hart Lane and Old Trafford; you could argue that they look invincible, but I've seen their last two or three games and they haven't played that well.
"It's credit to them that they can still score three or four when they haven't been great, but if Liverpool can remain defensively sold then we have the firepower to hurt them at the other end of the pitch."
The former club captain went on to stress the importance of the home crowd ahead of the clash, and while Anfield form has been the side's stumbling block so far this term, it could make the difference against City.
Kenny Dalglish's side are undefeated on Merseyside, but have draw four of their six home fixtures so far this term. That could be put right with victory over Mancini's men.
"Liverpool always have a chance at Anfield, and after a great result against Chelsea we have more than a chance of beating Man City as well."
Europa League could wreck Man City transfer plans
Failure to progress to the Champions League knockouts could hurt Manchester City's battle to conform to UEFA's draconian financial fair play laws.
The Daily Mail says a demotion to the Europa League would have financial implications for City as they look to maximise revenues ahead of the implementation of UEFA's fair play rules.
City could lose out on £15million in TV cash, prize money and gate revenues if they swap the Champions League for the Europa League and that may impact on manager Roberto Mancini's transfer budget this January and indeed next summer.
Mehmet Topal being watched by Man City and Chelsea scouts
Chelsea and Manchester City have been scouting Valencia midfielder Mehmet Topal for two months, according to his agent.
Batur Altiparmak reckons the Premier League giants are paying close attention to the 25-year-old Turkish international, and although no firm bids have yet been made, Topal’s representative thinks that could all change at the end of the season.
‘They (Chelsea and Manchester City) have been watching him for two months now but I must stress there is nothing concrete from either club.’ Altiparmak told The International Business Times.
‘We will reassess his future at the end of the season. He is happy in Valencia and has two and half years left on his contract.
‘Obviously if the opportunity arose for him to take the next step in his career he would like to take it, but only if Valencia are willing.
‘The Premier League is one of the best in the world but so is the Spanish Primera Division.’
Topal has begun to start establishing himself as a crucial cog in Unai Emery's side this season, and the defensive midfielder is reported to have a release clause of just £8.5million in his current contract.
BLOG BOLLOX
and a quick word from today's sponsors ..
http://purelymancity.blogspot.com/
OTHER BOLLOX
Premier League could use goal-line technology in 2012-13 season
Incidents such as Frank Lampard's disallowed goal in the 2010 World Cup have added to the impetus for introducing goal-line technology
Goal-line technology could be used as early as next season in the Premier League, according to the Football Association.
The general secretary of the FA, Alex Horne, told the BBC that if one or more of the systems currently being tested works then the laws governing football are likely to change.
"I think goal-line technology would be a huge boost for the game," said Horne.
"For years we've thought this was a good addition to referees' armoury."
Nine systems are currently under review by an independent testing authority employed by Fifa. A final decision is expected to be made in July 2012.
Horne recently indicated he believed the 2012-13 season would come too soon to see goal-line technology adopted.
But his comments now indicate that a fundamental change to football's rules could be implemented by the start of next season.
"It's possible we could see [goal-line technology] in the Premier League as early as 2012-13," he said.
"It's easy to make mistakes and we've all seen examples where the referee and assistant referee can't see if a ball has crossed the line or not.
"We need to support them in decision-making."
Fifa were previously opposed to the use of technology in football, preferring that decisions remained in the hands of match officials.
That opinion changed following England's game against Germany in the 2010 South Africa World Cup when Frank Lampard's shot on goal was wrongly adjudged not to have crossed the line.
Football's law-making body, the International Football Association Board, is due to assess the results of the current testing phase in March at a meeting in London.
Companies that have matched the strict criteria laid down by Fifa will then be invited to a second phase of testing which will take place between March and June 2012.
IFAB is then due to meet again in July 2012 when a decision on whether to allow goal-line technology will be made using the data from both test phases.
IFAB is composed of the the FA, Irish FA, Welsh FA and Scottish FA - who all receive one vote.
Fifa, who act on behalf of the rest of the world, have four votes.
IFAB decisions must be approved by three-quarters of its members, which means Fifa's approval is necessary for any change to the law.
With that deadline of July 2012, Horne did admit it could take too long for everything to be fully tested.
He added: "Whether there is enough time for the technology to be bought, paid for and put into any league or competition for next season, I'm not sure.
"It would be really tight - but it might be possible for next season."
Other sports have already embraced technology with the Winchester-based company Hawk-Eye providing tennis players with the ability to challenge line calls.
They are now seeking to extend their expertise to football and their goal-line system was assessed on Tuesday with all nine competing companies due to be analysed before the end of the year.
The Adidas-backed firm Cairos, whose system utilises an electronic sensor inside the match ball and electromagnetic strips buried under the goal and penalty area lines, are also in contention.
Fifa's testers will travel to League One side Rochdale on Thursday to test "Goalminder", the brainchild of inventors Harry Barnes and David Parden.
Barnes and Parden, both Bolton Wanderers fans, were outraged when a Gerry Taggart goal for their team was disallowed in 1997 and Together they patented a system after experimenting with drain pipes and CCTV cameras in Parden's garage.
Fourteen years later their system - which will retail initially at around £100,000 for a set of two goalposts - uses up to 24 high-definition cameras embedded inside the goalposts.
They claim that the cameras can detect almost instantly if a ball has crossed the line. The information collected by the cameras is then verified by a computer using three-dimensional imaging software located next to the pitch.
If a goal has been scored, an encrypted signal is sent to the referee's wrist watch which triggers a vibration and a visual notice.
Crucially the entire process takes less than a second, ensuring there is no delay to the game.
With the potential for commercial revenues streaming from their ability to show broadcasters high definition images of goal-line incidents the founders hope Fifa will see the other benefits of their design.
Real Madrid could be ready to offload former World Footballer of the Year Kaka for around £30m, and Chelsea have been sounded out about a possible January move. Daily Mirror
QPR manager Neil Warnock wants to sign "four or five" players in the January transfer window, and has set his sights on the Asian market after admitting that he went to see three players in action in a World Cup qualifier between United Arab Emirates and South Korea. Evening Standard
Hungary international and Newcastle defender Tamas Kadar remains hopeful that he has a future at St James' Park. Newcastle Chronicle
Arsenal look set to be priced out of a move for Belgium international forward Eden Hazard as French side Lille demand £26m. talkSPORT
Benfica playmaker Nicolas Gaitan has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Manchester United. Daily Mail
Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona are all tracking striker Juan Gonzalez, a 15-year-old striker who plays for Spanish minnows Laredo. Daily Mirror
England midfielder Frank Lampard wants to open talks with Chelsea over extending his contract at Stamford Bridge. Evening Standard
On-loan Sunderland striker Nicklas Bendtner says he has not ruled out a permanent move from Arsenal to the Stadium of Light. Newcastle Journal
Tottenham and Inter Milan are believed to be keeping tabs on QPR midfielder Alejandro Faurlin. talkSPORT
Manchester United are believed to have joined the hunt for Udinese's Moroccan international defender Mehdi Benatia. Inside Futbol
West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson has hinted that he is losing patience with injured striker Peter Odemwingie. Express & Star
Blackburn manager Steve Kean has signed a revised contract with the club, saying that an agreement made in the summer has now been formalised. The club also confirms that contrary to some media reports on Tuesday there has been no change to the length of his contract. Lancashire Telegraph
Former Scotland and Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson believes Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny could be "more valuable" to the Independent
Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer believes that Borussia Dortmund head coach Jurgen Klopp could be the perfect choice to replace current Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes, who has a contract at the Bundesliga leaders until 2013, when he chooses to leave the club. Bild
Republic of Ireland and West Brom striker Shane Long could be facing another injury lay-off after picking up a leg injury in training. Birmingham Mail
Everton and England defender Phil Jagielka says he is happy to continue having painkilling injections in order to preserve his ever-present Premier League record this season. Liverpool Echo
New Turkish reality show Soccer Prince will allow one lucky football hopeful to train under the guidance of Liverpool. Liverpool Echo
Chelsea defender Ashley Cole and West Ham manager Sam Allardyce could be set for film cameos in a new Danny Dyer movie. Metro
BINGO BOLLOX WITH MARIA MAZZA
[spoiler]"I've always had a thing for Bingo and the thought of playing with his bollox is a real turn on for me ... I'll have two please"
[/spoiler]American Samoa football team celebrate first ever win
American Samoa's football team - ranked as the worst international team in the world - has won a game for the first time in its history. The US protectorate managed a 2-1 victory over Tonga after 30 straight defeats in almost two decades.
Reports said the players and coach of the Pacific nation celebrated as if they had won a major championship.
In 2001 American Samoa lost 31-0 to Australia - the heaviest defeat in international football history.
American Samoa are joint bottom of world governing body Fifa's international rankings.
Coach Thomas Rongen said the victory would now be "part of soccer history".
"Maybe we have a chance to do something special here beyond this one game, but let's enjoy this one right now," he said.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING IN OFF TOPIC BOLLOX - PART 632 - IS JACK WILTSHIRE TIGHT?
ruralblue wrote:I think on one hand fair play, he could not have done it, a charity is £3000 better off. Then on the other hand in relation to what he earns, it's not even noticable to the lad, and to get media coverage of any kind makes it look all the more stingy. I admire to those who give, occasionally as I feel guilty buying into the material side of Christmas, I will chuck a tenner Unicef's way. However at the moment that won't be possible and all spend is being scaled down, basically if I have it i will give it. This month I was going to bang a tenner Bingo's way, not a lot and sadly till pay day that tenner is spoken for with a bill. I will and when I do it would just go into the pot, no post to make me out a good boy for doing so, shit like that ain't always needed, so the same with Wiltshire. I would like to think if I was on £60k a week, I could manage to give 3k away every week to a choosen charity.
