The first leg ties will take place on August 10 and 11 while the returns will be on August 24 and 25.
Full draw:
Grazer AK v Liverpool
Juventus v Djurgardens / Kaunas
Tirana /
Ferencvaros v Hapoel Tel Aviv / Sparta Prague
Rosenborg / FC Sheriff v
Maccabi Haifa
Bayer Leverkusen v Banik Ostrava
Rangers v Neftchi /CSKA
Moscow
Pyunik / Shakhtar Donesk v Club Brugge / Lokomotiv Plovdiv
Dynamo
Kiev v Skonto Riga / Trabzonspor
YB / Crvena Zvezda v PSV
Ziliina / Dinamo
Bucharest - Manchester United
Basel - Internazionale
Benfica -
Anderlecht
Deportivo La Coruna - Hadjuk Split / Shelbourne
PAOK v HJK
Helsinki / Maccabi Tel Aviv
WIT Georgia / Wisla Krakow - Real
Madrid
Monaco - NK Gorica / FC Copenhagen
Teams:
(First-leg scores in brackets for teams still playing
second qualifying round ties)
Seeds: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Deportivo La Coruna, Liverpool, Juventus, Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven, Bayer Leverkusen, Apoel Nicosia (2) or Sparta Prague (2), Monaco, Anderlecht, Bruges (2) or Lokomotiv Plovdiv (0), Rangers, Rosenborg (2) or FC Sheriff (1), PAOK Salonika, Dynamo Kiev.
Non-seeds: Benfica, Banik Ostrava, FC Basel, Maccabi Haifa, AK Graz, Tirana (2) or
Ferencvaros (3), WIT Georgia (2) or Wisla Krakow (8), Neftchi (0) or CSKA
Moscow (0), HJK Helsinki (0) or Maccabi Tel Aviv (0), Gorica (1) or FC
Copenhagen (2), Pyunik (1) or Shakhtar Donetsk (3), Zilina (0) or Dinamo
Bucharest (1), Young Boys (2) or Red Star Belgrade (2), Skonto Riga (1)
or Trabzonspor (1), Hajduk Split (3) or Shelbourne (2), Djurgarden (0)
Kaunas (0)
Other then that.......
Wenger blames pitches in Portugal for keeping Henry, Campbell, and Viera
out of first match of the season......Michael Owen is ready to sign a new
contract........Villa report £10 million loss.......Partick Thistle add
super Spaniard to there already potent squad.
Footiemad news item
July 29, 2004
Good on ya Stevie!
Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, says he has no regrets about turning down the 30 gallons of oil offered to him by a thirty-something Russian in a balaclava, to join Chelski. He believes he can win trophies with Liverpool (poor boy, isn't well). He is fond of the new coach, and he thinks Cisse is the biz. Nice to see a bit of loyalty from a modern footballer.
This and that......
Imagine how his wife feels, when he's had a few shandy's, and decides he's
"keen"?!............Patrick Viera may not be going to Spain after
all. But i'm sure Madrid are waiting for the player to come out and say
he'd like to go, driving the transfer fee down. Looks familiar?..............Robbie
Keane got tackled at Ibrox, and may miss season opener........Fergie may
bring van Nistelrooy, Scholes, etc. (the good players) over to US tour,
as punters feel they didn't pay to watch Kieron Richardson.
Go to the Message Board. Praise brilliance, and spot the bollocks! Cheerio,
FMM.
Footiemad news item
July 28, 2004
SVENGATE
Sven is not worried about being sacked, or so says his pal, Tord Grip.
Sven thought it was a natural reaction to say "I did not have sexual
relations with that woman." The saga continues!
Ch-ch-ch-changes.
Chelsea are at it again. They've picked up defender Ricardo Carvalho, from
Porto, for £19.85 million...............Apparantly Real Madrid have come
to terms with Patrick Viera. Thierry Henry was seen weeping at a wine bar
in North London....................Liverpool claim that Barcelona have
had the cheek to ask for a one-year loan of new signing Djibrill Cisse.
Not likely.
Some player!!!
Wearing the number 19 shirt he famously wore in the 1990 World Cup, it took six minutes for the former England international to bring the crowd to its feet, with a turn, a flick and a 50-yard cross-field pass.
Despite an evident lack of pace and upper body strength, the 37-year-old rarely gave the ball away and one run saw him beat a bemused Jamie McClen three times. Some player, that GAZZA!!
Go to the Message Board and have your say. Register free, and tell the
world how it really is.
Footiemad news item
July 27, 2004
Josemi joins Liverpool
His full name is Jose Miguel Gonzales Rey, he can play right-back or centre-back
and he was bought for £2 million from Malaga. Sure to be some player, now
that Houllier is gone. I really liked Houllier though.
You'll never walk alone. (Now, that's not right, is it?)
Nicky Butt, part of the famous "class of '92" is on the move
to Newcastle United, as they've agreed to pay Manchester United a fee in
the region of £2.5 million. He'll surely benefit the Magpies, and somehow
I don't think Kleberson will be able to fill his boots. Premiership titles,
FA cups, European cup, and an England international. Good luck to him.
Makes it look sooooo easy!.
Beck's was brilliant in a 2-2 friendly draw with Benfica. His passing from
central midfield was a constant threat, and he even managed to hit the
crossbar. Already improving, God bless'em!
Feel free to have your say. Go to the Message Board, give your opinion
of the game, and though we've got plenty of "experts", you'll
still manage to fit in!
Footiemad news item
July 26, 2004
A sinking ship???
Can't get the new stadium up fast enough, can they? Unfortunately, even
the current champions don't have the money to compete with "the big
club's". Will Thierry tolerate this sale? How long before he is out
the door (hopefully by the end of the week)? His smugness, the manager,
(can't think of his name, but he may be in the photo) would surely have
to consider leaving, if the club can't hang on to it's best players, let
alone buy any. Not very happy days at Highbury. Oh well.
....and ANOTHER great signing for the Jags!!
Steve Fulton, Andy Wilkinson, and now Andy Dowie!!! Looking very positive
for the Firhill club. And they said Britton and Whyte couldn't manage the
team. Get on the bandwagon now, before it fills up!!
Sorry mate, but you brought it on yourself!
He only works about 45 days a year. Should we really be suprised?!!
The end of the road.
A persistent knee injury has forced Marc Overmars to call it a day. Certainly
one of the more entertaining players of the past decade.Won the champions
league with Ajax in 1995, and became the most expensive Dutch player, of
all time, with a record £25 million transfer from Arsenal to Barcelona
in 2000. In my opinion, he was more of a threat then the diving ponce,
Robert Pires.
Feel free to have your say, by heading to the Message Board. Registering
in free, and you can enlighten some of the confused, who seem to find there
way onto the site!! Cheerio, FMM.
Footiemad news item
July 18/04
BARNET 1 - arsenal 10 ( Propaganda!!)
Gunners keeper Manuel Almunia conceded early on when Richie Graham converted Ian Hendon's right-wing cross.
Arsenal suffered a surprise early set-back against Barnet, when Graham tucked away his shot just inside Almunia's right-hand post.
A dream start. But somewhere in the 90 minutes Arsenal managed to sneak a few goals.|
Argentina defeat hosts Peru
|
||
| Peru 0-1 Argentina
Argentina knocked hosts Peru out of the quarter-finals of the Copa America
thanks to a stunning free-kick from 20-year-old Carlos Tevez Argentina captain Roberto Ayala was sent off for a second bookable offence after 82 minutes but the team held on. Argentina will meet Colombia in the semis after they beat Costa Rica 2-0. Peru appeared to miss injured striker Claudio Pizzaro and their best chances came immediately after the goal. Nolberto Solano crashed a free-kick against the crossbar and Roberto Palacios side-footed wide a seemingly unmissable chance. Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa said he was not sure he had done the right thing when he sent Tevez on. "When I made the change, I had my doubts," he said. "I thought the team was in its best part of the game and I wasn't sure it was in our best interests - but I went ahead and did it anyway." Peru assisant coach Victor Zegarra said: Our only problem was that we didn't
score." |
||
Real want to land Vieira in a £30m deal, and hope manager Arsene Wenger's long-time admiration of Morientes, 28, could be a sweetener in any transfer.
Vieira, also 28, is still on holiday and has yet to make any comment on the latest speculation linking him to Real.
It has been reported Vieira's future was discussed by a concerned Arsenal
board at their meeting on Thursday.
Shearer denies quit threat
Alan Shearer has denied reports he had threatened to quit Newcastle after
being told he was not assured a first-team place this season.
The former England striker was quoted as saying he was considering his position at the club following talks with manager Sir Bobby Robson.
But Shearer told the club's official website: "I did not say I would quit.
"What I did say was that I wanted to play regular football in my final season
at the club."
He said: "There are reports that Newcastle are going to sign some players
and, with the excellent players we already have, I know full well that we can
only play two up front.
"I'd never take my place in the team for granted but, form permitting, then obviously I'd like to be a regular."
Shearer, who is on tour with the club in Thailand, plans to retire from playing after the end of next season.
"Copenhagen are a good side and to get a draw was very positive because they are in good physical condition whereas we've only had six or seven days of training.
"In eight days I've seen many, many things for my own information and I think
in another one or two weeks my vision will be clearer.
Destined for 9th position........again???!!!
Stories for BBC Sport site.
Footiemad news item
July 15/04
At a news conference today, visibly shaken Inverness Caley defender Martin
Lawrence told a stunned gathering of local reporters, newsmen and dignitaries,
including the Lord Provost of Inverness, the Right Honorable Ian McClure,
who had recently been voted the "man most likely to" by the Highlands
and Islands Tourist Board but who now may have to recind the title given
that his new wife, 16 year old Lizzie (Liz) McFadden is now expecting twins
which is unsusual since neither sets of family's have a history of twins
in them going back as far as anyone can recall, declared that he hated
Bells whisky.
Bits and pieces..............Crespo to Milan, Shearer might quit (YEEAH!)
and open his hairdresser shop.
Footiemad news item
July 14/04
The odyssey begins today
The quest to discover footiemadandy's raison d'etre begins in earnest today.
What makes this lad tick? There will be periodic updates on any findings
over the coming weeks.
FIFA have announced the 'six subs rule' will only apply to international
friendlies.
Kluivert a Geordie at heart
Dutch international striker Patrick Kluivert, shown the door by Barcelona
at the end of last season, insists there is nowhere in the world quite
like Newcastle and wages are not a problem,
"Newcastle is absolutely his first choice from a career point of view," Kluivert's agent, Paul Foortse, told BBC Sport. "Reports we have asked for £80,000 a week are absolutely not true. We haven't put a figure on wages - we haven't asked for anything. Newcastle haven't offered us a penny and we haven't asked for a penny."
Foortse also denied that the 14-day deadline Kluivert has imposed on any deal is designed to put pressure on Newcastle. "The season is going to start very soon so the issue should be sorted quickly," he said. It's nothing to do with Newcastle, we just want things sorted within 14 days."
Kluivert remains a target for a number of clubs, including Turkish side
Galatasaray.
Olympics now a problem at Old Trafford
Manchester Utd. may just cancel the Olympics if Argentina decide to call
on new signing Gabriel Heinze as part of their team.. The 25 year old has
been named in his country's provisional squad for Athens. Should he be
selected for the final 18, he would miss the Community Shield, the first
four Premiership games and the Champions League qualifier. That would give
United a defensive crisis with Rio Ferdinand banned until September and
John O'Shea injured. O'Shea has already been ruled out of the club's tour
of the United States, which begins next week.
Heinze, who signed from Paris St Germain for £6.9m last month, is currently
playing for Argentina in the Copa America. It was expected he would be
overlooked for the Olympics as the rules state only three players in each
side can be over 23-years-old. Now United boss Alex Ferguson faces a nervous
wait to see if Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa chooses Heinze as one of his
over-age contingent. The club have already lost Portuguese winger Cristiano
Ronaldo to the Olympics and the absence of Heinze would be a major blow.
Viana really doesn't want to be there
Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana has renewed his desire to get away from
St. James' Park. The 21-year-old international has been linked with Champions
League winners FC Porto.
"I don't like being here. I don't feel well at Newcastle," he told Portuguese daily 24Horas. "I want to leave, but always with the agreement of those in charge at Newcastle. I am willing to go to any team in the world. Since last season I have shown my desire not to stay at the club. I just want to play."
Newcastle signed left-footed Viana for £8.5m from Lisbon-based Sporting
in July 2002 but the Portugal international has failed to earn a regular
spot in coach Bobby Robson's side. In December the player said he had agreed
to take a 60% salary cut in order to return to his former club Sporting.
He was on the verge of signing a loan agreement with the Portuguese side
but Robson halted the move at the last minute. Robson, who has coached
Portuguese giants Sporting and FC Porto in the past, said at the time that
Newcastle had too many injured players and could not afford to lose Viana
as well.
He shouldn't go anywhere
Arsenal's longest serving player, Ray Parlour, 31, is currently in the
midst of contract negotiations at Highbury and the situation is being closely
monitored by both Birmingham and Middlesbrough. It is thought his wage
demands could price him out of the Gunners' market.
Premiership new boys Norwich are keen to take Parlour on loan but will
not offer him a long-term contract. A knee injury limited the former England
international to just 16 Premiership games and four Champions League matches
last season.
Bits and Pieces
Holland want to talk to Marco van Basten about vacant coaching post......Wolves
want Henri Camara to fulfil his obligations......Teddy Sheringham to decide
his future this week......Carlton Cole confirms Villa move on season long
loan......Real Madrid will make an offer for Patrick Vieira......Bolton
to make a decision on Jordi Cruyff after Dundee friendly......Dunfermline
will take a look at Diego Maradona Jr......
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
July 13/04
Kezman now officially a Blue
Serbian striker Mateja Kezman was granted a work permit and his move to
Stamford Bridge from PSV Eindhoven is now complete. New Chelsea boss Jose
Mourinho is happy to have got him, saying: "I like him because he
is a team player. He has the motivation to come to the top league in the
world and that, along with his scoring record, makes him a good player
for me."
Kezman will face tough competition for his place in Mourinho's starting line-up at Stamford Bridge, but he is not deterred by the challenge. "I'm very glad that I'm here," Kezman told Chelsea's website. "It's a fantastic club with a great history and has a good team."
The former FK Loznica, Sartid 1913 Smederevo and Partizan Belgrade forward scored 105 goals in 122 games over four seasons at PSV. In the 2002-03 season, Kezman scored 35 goals in 33 games, which was the highest total in Holland since Marco van Basten's 37 for Ajax in 1987.
"I've got the best record in the history of PSV," he said, with a distinct lack of false modesty.
From Lancs to East AngliaCanaries boss Nigel Worthington hopes that Charlton's considerable experience
will help last year's Division One champions adjust to life in the top
flight. "I am delighted to get a player of Simon's quality. He is
a first-class professional," Worthington told the club's official
website. "Simon has great energy and great enthusiasm for the game
and is a good quality addition to the squad."
Where there's smoke
Didier Drogba rumours won't go away. Peter Kenyon, Chelsea chief executive,
is believed to have travelled to Marseille to discuss a transfer, with
£26m the number being bandied about. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who has
been unimpressed by Hernan Crespo's late arrival for pre-season training,
is known to be a fan of Drogba. He said of the 28-year-old: "I see
the qualities of power and speed. Also his control on the first touch and
the way he fights - He's a player who can achieve great success."
Marseille general manager Pape Diouf told French magazine 'But' two weeks ago that money accrued from the sale of Drogba to Chelsea would allow the club to buy three players of international stature.
Drogba, who cost Marseille only £4m when he moved from Guingamp, is contracted to the Ligue 1 club until 2008. He scored 19 goals in the French league last season and 11 in the Uefa Cup after joining from Guingamp.
Since arriving, Mourinho has already brought in Portugal defender Paulo
Ferreira from his former club Porto and on Monday concluded the signing of PSV
Eindhoven striker Mateja Kezman.
Bits and Pieces
Real Madrid have earned the ire of Arsenal with Florentino Perez' statement
about wanting Patrick Vieira in the Spanish capital......Wayne Rooney's
agent denies any conversation with the same Perez......Rafael Benitez says
he wants to win the Premiership. I'm guessing Iain Dowie does also......Dundee
keeper Julian Speroni joins Crystal Palace.......Arsenal and Manchester
Utd. are among the top eight Champions League seeds, although United still
have to qualify......Sheffield Utd. boss Neil Warnock watching developments
in the Jason McAteer situation......Barca have signed Brazilian defender
Silvinho from Celta Vigo...... Middlesbrough are hoping to sign Boudewijn
Zenden on a regular basis......
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
July 12/04
The F.A. will decide today whether to take any action following the farce
at Craven Cottage on the weekend. The referee walked off at half time as
both Fulham and Watford ignored the new FIFA rule of a maximum of six substitutions
per side in friendlies. A total of 27 subs were used on Saturday.
Birmingham finally get Gronkjaer
Birmingham, who thought they had a deal some time ago, have completed the
signing of Chelsea's Denmark winger Jesper Gronkjaer in a £2.2m deal. The
Dane has signed a two-year contract, with the option for a further 12 months
at St Andrews, after Sevilla pulled out of a proposed move. He re-joins
former Chelsea team-mates Mario Melchiot and Mikael Forssell.
The Spanish club claimed that they had reached a deal to sign Gronkjaer, but he has chosen to remain in the Premiership at Birmingham. Sevilla ditched any possible deal after Gronkjaer asked for more time to think about the switch.
A statement said: "The club believes it has waited long enough," read a statement from Sevilla. "The club will now work to sign another player of similar characteristics." The 26-year-old winger was due to meet with Sevilla coach Joaquin Caparros on Tuesday, when Caparros said he was planning to "look him in the eyes, and have a talk to find out if he can adapt to the team and the city".
However, Birmingham maintained their interest and, of course, patience
is a virtue, for which the Midlands club have been rewarded.
Addicks still in the market
Charlton have snapped up PSG defender Talal el Karkouri for £1m and signed
him to a three year deal. The 27-year-old Moroccan has already played in
the Premiership during a brief loan spell with Sunderland in the 2002-2003
season.
El Karkouri, who has 26 international caps, began his career at Raja Casablanca,
before moving to PSG. He follows Dennis Rommedahl and former Birmingham
midfielder Bryan Hughes to the Valley this summer.
Pompey get two out of three so far
Portsmouth have reportedly completed the signing of two of the three targets
they had disclosed last week, Newcastle striker Lomana LuaLua and Everton
defender David Unsworth. Both are understood to have travelled to the club
for medicals on Monday.
LuaLua, 23, was on loan at Portsmouth from Newcastle last season and is believed to have cost £1.75m while Unsworth, 30, joined on a free. Unsworth was on the verge of a move to Bolton before talks broke down.
Pompey have also agreed a deal with Preston for striker Ricardo Fuller.
Knee problem for Bellamy again
The start of the season is in jeopardy for Craig Bellamy after he hurt
his knee once again in traing. He now faces an anxious wait as Newcastle
are assessing the injury to see how long the Wales striker will be out.
A lay-off would be another devastating blow to Bellamy, 25 on Tuesday,
who has already had six operations on his knee and he played only 24 games
last season because of injuries.
Foxes and Hammers agree fee
Leicester City have agreed a £500,000 fee with West Ham for Republic of
Ireland striker David Connolly. The 27 year old will visit the Walkers
Stadium this week to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.
"Moving for a player like this shows that those who may have written us off in the transfer stakes should think again," said Foxes' boss Micky Adams.
Connolly scored 14 goals for the Hammers last season after joining for
£285,000 from Wimbledon, now Milton Keynes, a year ago.
Villa get Cole on loan
Chelsea striker Carlton Cole has moved to Aston Villa on a season long
loan deal. The highly rated 20-year-old, who helped Charlton finish seventh
in the Premiership in a loan spell last season, starts training with his
Villa team-mates today.
"Cole is widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in
the country," Villa chief executive Bruce Langham told the club's
website. "We have been negotiating with Chelsea for a number of weeks."
Bits and Pieces
Sven-Goran Eriksson would like to coach Sweden at some point, but wants
to see through his England commitment until 2008......France have named
Raymond Domenech as coach to succeed Jacques Santini......Real Madrid president
Florentino Perez re-elected in a landslide......Sammy Hyypia keen to impress
new Anfield boss Rafael Benitez......Republic of Ireland keen on joint
Euro 2012 bid with Scotland......Scots are a little cautious after failed
2008 bid, although could possibly opt for a solo try...... Blackburn will
give trial to 17 year old Diego Maradona Jr., although it is delayed by
injury......
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
July 11/04
Crespo given another chance
Hernan Crespo will be given a last chance at making the Chelsea squad,
according to new boss Jose Mourinho. The Argentine striker's future has
been in doubt since Mourinho's arrival at the Bridge and his prospects
were not helped when he showed up late for pre-season training. Chelsea's
interest in Marseille's Didier Drogba is contingent on Crespo's status
with the club, if the manager is to be believed.
"If the decision is for Hernan to go looking for a new club, we have an open space," said Mourinho. "So Didier can become a good option if we decide about Hernan."
Mourinho was angry with Crespo following his late arrival for training but the new Chelsea boss has vowed to give him one more chance. "I was not happy when Hernan did not turn up for the first day of training," he said."If you can't get on a plane from Argentina because it is full then you can still come by bus. But he gave me some excuses I could accept and we started from scratch. We have to decide in the next few days and I mean we - we as a club, Hernan, Hernan's family - what is going to happen with Hernan."
Meanwhile, Marseille claim they have not agreed a £22m deal with Chelsea
for Drogba. President Christophe Bouchet insisted: "I've received
no fax from Chelsea concerning Drogba, who is on holiday in Florida."
The London club are believed to be keen for Drogba to line up alongside
Serbian forward Mateja Kezman, who is expected to sign for the club.
Davids back in Serie A
Dutch international Edgar Davids has returned to Italy, signing a three
year deal with Inter Milan. The 31 year old midfielder, who spent half
of last season on loan at Barcelona, was a free agent after being released
by Juventus. The former AC Milan and Ajax player has 65 caps for Holland
and featured in all their matches during Euro 2004. He turned down a contract
offer from Barcelona and also attracted interest from Premiership clubs
Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Inter hope that Davids can inspire them in the same way he kick-started Barcelona's season last term. Barca were in the bottom half of the Primera Liga table when Davids joined in January. They then embarked on a fantastic run, which eventually saw them finish as runners-up behind Valencia.
Inter president Giachinto Facchetti said: "We're delighted. Davids' qualities as a player are well known. I'd like to underline what he managed to achieve at Barcelona in a few months. He demonstrated that he had the drive and enthusiasm to drag a team up the table to a second-place finish that seemed impossible."
Davids is the latest piece in a jigsaw that Inter hope will land them their
first Sudetto since 1989. The Nerazzurri have already signed Argentine
midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron from Chelsea and Boca Juniors defender
Nicolas Burdisso.
Arteta goes home
Mikel Arteta has finally got his wish and been transferred from Rangers
to Primera Liga side Real Sociedad for a reported fee of £3m. The 24 year
old midfielder has signed a four-year deal with his hometown club. He passed
a medical on Saturday before signing his new contract. Arteta arrived in
Glasgow for a £5.8m fee from Barcelona in 2002 following a loan spell with
Paris St Germain.
Arteta said: "It's a dream to be coming home after so much time away.
I've been moving around for seven years and I'm delighted to come to Real.
I didn't think twice when I knew Sociedad wanted to sign me. I'm from San
Sebastian, I've got family here and I've been a fan of the club since I
was small. I said I would do anything to ensure the deal came off and at
last it is a reality."
Real Sociedad coach Jose Mari Amorrortu admitted he was delighted to have
signed Arteta, who he described as a "benchmark" for players
of his age. "From very young he's played at the top level," Amorrortu
told the Sociedad website. "He will bring a huge amount to Real Sociedad."
Bits and Pieces
Otto Rehhagel has turned down the coaching job with Germany and will remain
with Greece until 2006...... Fulham's first game at the Cottage for more
than two years ended in farce as the referee called the game against Watford
at half time due to substitution row......Spurs land Swindon teenager Leigh
Mills......Danny Mills to train with Manchester City from Monday prior
to joining the club......
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
July 10/04
Elland Road on the block
Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner confirms the ground is for sale, however,
fans will not have to find a new route to get to the matches. He is currently
negotiating a sale and lease agreement in a bid to cut the club's debts
of more than £50m, and insists that the club will not be leaving their
100-year-old home.
"Any deal will have to include a minimum 25-year lease because football
will be staying at Elland Road," he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
"We are currently talking to a number of people about a sale and lease
agreement."
Agent's fee the fly in the ointment
Millwall's Australian international Tim Cahill's move to Crystal Palace
seems to have hit a rock, over a payment to his agent.
Eagles chairman Simon Jordan refused to pay £125,000 to the 24-year-old midfielder's management company SFX. Jordan told The Sun: "We offered Tim a decent Premiership salary and he seemed very keen to join us. The agent then asked for 5% on top - about £125,000. I told him he doesn't work for me but for the player, and to take the money out of his wages." That would seem to be a reasonable and prudent position to take and I, for one, applaud the Jordan stance on this matter.
Sam Rush, chief operating officer of SFX, claimed: "The terms of
the deal did not appeal to the player."
Cahill has been with the Lions for seven years after moving from Sydney
United in Australia. He is hugely popular at the New Den, scoring the goal
against Sunderland which took Millwall through to the FA Cup final.
No less a personage than
Bobby Charlton says Manchester Utd. will not be moving to get Wayne Rooney
from Everton. The young striker has been repeatedly linked with a £35m,
or some even more outrageous amount, move following his superb performances
for England at Euro 2004.
"I think he's quite happy at Everton and I don't see any reason why he shouldn't stay there," said Charlton. (That's just common sense.) "At the moment Alex (Ferguson) has not come to us demanding: 'Let's
have Wayne Rooney'. We are quite satisfied with what we've got."
Charlton, a director at Old Trafford, backed comments from the club's chief
executive David Gill that they have to be prudent in the transfer market.
"Wayne Rooney is a great player, but he's not our player," Charlton
told MUTV. "David Gill has already said that Wayne is not for us.
We have long-term plans and we are a bit careful, we don't just throw money
away."
Now if Bobby could just pull the 'loaves and fishes' trick, maybe his words
would be treated as gospel.
Davis takes the tube
Subject to a medical and agreement on personal terms, Fulham midfielder
Sean Davis is on his way to White Hart Lane. The 24-year-old has been linked
with a host of Premiership clubs, but has opted for Spurs after eight years
at Fulham.
"I'm absolutely delighted to have signed Sean," sporting director Frank Arnesen told the Spurs website. "He is one of the highest quality midfield players in the Premiership and he will have a crucial role to play for us."
Fulham are somewhat less ecstatic that Davis has decided to leave after he turned down an extension to his contract which was due to expire at the end of the season. "It is disappointing that despite the club's best endeavours, Sean Davis has been unwilling to commit himself to Fulham beyond the coming season," a statement said on the Fulham website. "Nevertheless, the club is appreciative of the player's commitment during previous seasons and would thank him for his contribution to Fulham during his time here."
Both clubs have agreed that the transfer terms are to remain undisclosed.
WBA nix Koumas request
A transfer request, in writing, from Jason Koumas has been rejected by
West Brom, back in the Premiership a year after relegation and hoping to
stay this time around. The Welsh international has two years left on his
current contract, but is thought to be frustrated at the lack of progress
on extending the deal.
"His transfer request has been flatly refused," said manager Gary Megson. "We want him to stay here and continue progressing as a player, as he has done during almost two years with us."
The Wrexham-born player signed from Tranmere in August 2002 and has scored
14 goals in 81 appearances for the Baggies, playing a key role in their
return to the top flight. "We're interested in getting him to sign
a new contract which suits both him and the football club - not selling
him," said club chairman Jeremy Peace.
Bits and Pieces
Pompey are hoping for a hat-trick as they move for Lomana LuaLua, Ricardo
Fuller and David Unsworth...... Middlesbrough sign Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink,
on a freebie, to two year deal......Mario Melchiot moves to Birmingham
on a free transfer, gets a three year contract......Helder Postiga leaves
Spurs for Porto in £5m deal. 25-year-old midfielder Pedro Mendes goes in
the opposite direction for £2m...... Antti Niemi extends Saints deal until
June 2008......Peter Crouch heads for Southampton in a £2m move from Aston
Villa......A knee injury has forced Croation Mario Stanic to call it a
day at Chelsea......Ian Harte signs with Levante in La Liga for four years......Kevin
Horlock moves from West Ham to Ipswich on a free transfer......Glenn Hoddle's
return to the international scene won't happen with France......Sepp Blatter
has blasted Rangers over the Craig Moore business, (In this instance, he should mind his own.)......Manchester City hope to get Danny Mills on a free transfer......
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
July 9/04
Viduka move completed
The transfer of Australian international Mark Viduka for £4.5m from Leeds
to Middlesbrough has now been finalized. The 28 year old striker passed
a medical on Friday, but had to sort out a dispute with Leeds before clinching
a three-year Riverside deal yesterday. He scored 11 league goals last term
and joins Dutch star Michael Reiziger, who signed for Boro on Tuesday.
"I really want to win something and I'm very excited to be part of this," said Viduka. "I think Middlesbrough should be pushing for the Champions League."
Middlesbrough have not had a 20-goal-a-season striker since Fabrizio Ravanelli left them, but Viduka vowed to justify the club's faith in him by scoring.
"Hopefully I'll repay everybody with what I'm here for, which is goals,"
he said. The set-up here is second to none and the coaching staff really
good. Going into the dressing room there are so many internationals. I
would love for us to achieve something over the next three years and I
think we're going to turn a few heads this year. With the players we have
here we should be aiming for the top six at least. I think we should be
planning for that."
Drogba to Chelsea rumours persist
Chelsea are reported to have upped their bid for Marseille's Ivory Coast
striker Didier Drogba to £22m - a British transfer record for a striker
and it may be an offer the French club can't refuse. The Blues have already
had two previous bids rebuffed by the French club, but it is believed that
the Marseille board has agreed to sell Drogba, who will now spend the weekend
discussing personal terms with the London club.
If the deal comes off, it will surpass the £19m Manchester United paid PSV Eindhoven for Ruud van Nistelrooy. Last month, Marseille insisted Drogba was not for sale and general manager Pape Diouf claimed even a £30m bid "would make no difference".However, it appears that Marseille's resistance over the 26-year-old has crumbled in the face of Chelsea's persistence.
Drogba would be the second striker to arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer
following the signing of Serbian forward Mateja Kezman. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
has been released from his Chelsea contract, while Drogba's arrival could
pave the way for Hernan Crespo's departure, despite the Argentine's insistence
that he wants to stay and fight for a place.
Wenger plays waiting game
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will wait until October to decide on his long-term
plans, although he ruled out the possibility of becoming Germany's coach
earlier this week.
"I am under contract with Arsenal until 2005, and I plan to fulfil that contract," he said. "Our season is due to start in four weeks' time, and in any case my club would not let me go. In October, I'll decide what to do after that. At the moment I am not free and not available."
Wenger's decision to delay talks on a new contract extension at Highbury is bound to alert Europe's clubs. In addition to Germany, the Frenchman has also been courted by the likes of Real Madrid, but Arsenal are hopeful that Wenger, who has won three league titles during his eight-year tenure at the club, will stay on to oversee the Gunners' move to their new £400m stadium at Ashburton Grove.
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood insisted on Thursday that Wenger would
extend his contract and had a job for life at the club if he wanted it.
He said: "Arsene is fully committed to Arsenal, there is no doubt
about that. He has played an integral part in our plans for the new stadium
and he wants to see that through. He wants to help the club grow and get
stronger and that is why I am totally convinced he will stay for years
to come."
While both he and the club have achieved a great deal, there is still much
unfinished business. Why would he want to leave such a situation?
Bits and Pieces
Sean Davis crossing London. Moving to Spurs from Fulham......Fulham and
Middlesbrough are apparently both keen to sign Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.......Boro
have announced a press conference for today, expected to get the Dutchman......Terry
Venables to coach Newcastle in the proposed new Australian Premier League,
if the club gets a place in it......Arsenal's Republic of Ireland International
goalkeeper Graham Stack goes on year long loan to Millwall......Paul Ince
agrees new 12 month deal with Wolves......Joe Jordan has joined Portsmouth
coaching staff......Hull boss Peter Taylor will also coach England U-21
side......Michael Duberry will stay at Elland Road......Bradford's future
a little brighter after agreement on short-term deal for ground rent......Rangers
take the arm-band from Craig Moore and transfer list him.The Australian
wants to play in the Olympics......Partick lose relegation appeal., now
appear certain to be in Division 1 next season.......Ian Harte to move
to Pimera Liga. Will sign with newly promoted Spanish side, Levante, today......Bolton
want veteran Spain and Real Madrid defender Fernando Hierro......Tim Sherwood
signs two year deal with Coventry......El Hadji Diouf wants to stay at
Anfield......Southampton have a 12.00 news conference, will announce Peter
Crouch coming to St. Mary's from Villa Park......Sevilla say Jesper Gronkjaer
is Spain bound. It's news to Birmingham who thought they had the Dane......Sammy
Lee quits Liverpool to join F.A. on a full-time basis......
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
July 8/04
Matteo moves to Blackburn
Leeds skipper Domenic Matteo has moved to Blackburn on a free transfer
and signed a three year deal at Ewood Park. He becomes Graeme Souness's
third summer signing after Paul Dickov and Javier de Pedro.
The 30-year-old former Scotland international is the latest in the long list of Elland Road departures. Paul Robinson, Alan Smith and Michael Bridges have already left Leeds while Ian Harte may move to Spain and Mark Viduka is set to go to Middlesbrough.
Souness was delighted to have captured Matteo. He told the club's website
"Dominic is a proven player with an impressive track record and I
am delighted to have him on board. He is versatile, able to play a couple
of roles both in defence and midfield, and that is an important feature.
I am very pleased he has chosen to join us and, along with Paul and Javier,
feel sure we have recruited someone who will play a major part for us in
the forthcoming season."
Radzinski seems to want out
Canadian international striker Tomasz Radzinski is apparently no longer
finding life to his liking at Goodison Park, having rejected a three year
deal with Everton. The 30-year-old still has 12 months to run on his contract
after coming to Merseyside for £4.5m from Anderlecht in 2001. He had a
transfer request rejected after turning down a one-year extension, but
is still unsettled.
"Tomasz Radzinski requested a three-year contract, we offered a three-year contract but he rejected that," Everton boss David Moyes told the club website.
Radzinski
scored eight goals in 34 appearances last season and was a useful foil for
18-year-old star Wayne Rooney, who is being courted by Europe's leading clubs.
Meanwhile Toffees' chief executive Trevor Birch has said he will make a
formal approach to Liverpool within the next couple of weeks, to consider
a plan whereby the two clubs would share a new stadium. Liverpool are hoping
to build an £84m ground at Stanley Park and Everton's financial situation
makes a groundshare their best option.
"In the next couple of weeks I will make this proposal to Liverpool," Birch told the Daily Telegraph newspaper. "We need a new ground and we know it makes sense to share." Everton's scheme to build a new stadium alongside the River Mersey at King's Dock collapsed last year. Birch, who took over last month, insists the club must move away from Goodison Park in order to generate the additional revenue needed to compete in the Premiership.
Debts of about £30m make the prospect of Everton building a new ground
unrealistic without help from a second party. The two clubs could also
apply for a £20m grant from the North West Development Agency if they decide
to team up and build a new stadium.
Coleman and Kean rewarded at Fulham
Fulham boss Chris Coleman, above, and his assistant Steve Kean have agreed
new deals with the Cottagers. Coleman, who took over when Jean Tigana was
sacked in 2003, and his number two have agreed rolling deals. The duo have
been rewarded by the club for steering Fulham to an unexpectedly high Premiership
finish last season.
"I'm delighted we've signed rolling contracts. We're both looking
forward to the new season and the challenges that lie ahead," said
Coleman. "Last season was a dream start to my managerial career, but
I am under no illusions as to how hard this next one will be. We have a
fantastic team spirit, both on and off the pitch at Fulham. It is mine
and Steve's job to make sure that it remains that way, and that we continue
to develop as a team and improve on the standards that we have set for
ourselves."
The 33-year-old - the Premiership's youngest manager - was a surprise choice
to take over from Tigana and his appointment prompted many pundits to predict
a season of struggle for Fulham. However, Coleman guided the club to ninth
place despite the acrimonious departure of top goalscorer Louis Saha to
Manchester United during the January transfer window.
"Many so-called experts criticised my decision to appoint Chris as
manager of this club because of his lack of experience," said Fulham
chairman Mohamed Al Fayed. "His first full season in charge astonished
many of these critics, but his achievements have not surprised me. Chris
shows true commitment and passion for the game and for this club and his
hard work and dedication paid off in our highest ever finish. I believed
that Chris was the right man to manage Fulham and I continue to believe
that, so I am more than happy that he and Steve will be staying with us
for a long time to come."
Fulham
will return to their traditional home of Craven Cottage next season after two
years groundsharing with QPR at Loftus Road.
Bits and Pieces
Surprise, surprise. David Moyes urges Wayne Rooney to stay at Everton......Glenn
Hoddle reported to be in shortlist of three for France job......Marcel
Desailly would be keen to move to Celtic......Eric Black to coach first
team at St. Andrews......Simon Grayson signs new deal at Blackpool......Mark
Viduka signs three year deal at Riverside......Crystal Palace agree £2m
fee for Millwall's Australian midfielder Tim Cahill. .....Hernan Crespo
vows to fight for Chelsea place......Stuart Pearce appointed joint first
team coach at Manchester City.......Arsene Wenger rules out German job......SFA
to rule on Partick situation today......
The draw for the first round of the Carling Cup
Lincoln v Derby
Sunderland v Chester
Darlington v Barnsley
Hull v
Wrexham
Nottingham Forest v Scunthorpe
Rochdale v Wolves
Bradford v
Notts County
Bury v Burnley
Tranmere v Shrewbury
Crewe v
Blackpool
Mansfield v Preston
Sheffield Wednesday v Walsall
Sheffield
United v Stockport
Hartlepool v Macclesfield
Doncaster v Port
Vale
Oldham v Stoke
Grimsby v Wigan
Rotherham v Chesterfield
Leeds v
Huddersfield
Colchester v Cheltenham
Peterborough v Milton Keynes
Dons
Gillingham v Northampton
Brighton v Bristol Rovers
Leyton Orient v
Bournemouth
Wycombe v Bristol City
Boston v Luton
Watford v
Cambridge
QPR v Swansea
Kidderminster v Cardiff
West Ham v
Southend
Ipswich v Brentford
Rushden & Diamonds v Swindon
Oxford v
Reading
Yeovil v Plymouth
Coventry v Torquay
Games to be played the week of August 23.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
July 7/04
Sounds like the mind games have started
New Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has warned rival managers Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger not to try playing mind games with him. Was that the gauntlet hitting the floor?
Mourinho fell out with Ferguson when Porto knocked Manchester United out of the Champions League last season. Now he will be doing battle with the Scot and Arsenal boss Wenger for the Premiership and said: "If they don't touch me, I won't touch anyone. If they touch me, I'll be ready to hit back even harder. But I didn't come here to have problems. I didn't come here with rivalry in mind. I hope to do my work and may others do theirs."
While Wenger and Ferguson have had public spats, Mourinho's only track record in England is with the Scot, but the Chelsea manager has played down his rivalry. "With Porto I knocked out United in two games which have a lot of history to them. But there will not be any resumption of animosities. Not from my part. At the end of the second leg, we talked and there was no problem."
Mourinho believes the presence of such heavyweights as Arsenal and United
makes his job much harder than managing Porto. "I knew that with a
good team I could win the Portuguese league. Here it is different. We have
a good squad, a good financial situation, but so do United and Arsenal.
We've also got Liverpool and Newcastle snapping at our heels."
Madrid hopeful wants Baros
Liverpool and Czech Republic striker Milan Baros would be on Real Madrid's
shopping list if presidential candidate Lorenzo Sanz is elected. (It is
later reported that Baros claims a bid has already been made by the Spanish
club). Sanz favours a more youth-driven policy than current Real chief
Florentino Perez, who prefers to sign one 'galactico' each summer.
Baros was the leading scorer at Euro 2004 for the Czech Republic with five
goals in his side's run to the semis, but he has only been a bit-part player
at Anfield since joining Liverpool from Banik Ostrava for £3.2m in 2002.
However, Liverpool may be reluctant to sell Baros given his excellent form
for the Czechs and the fact that fellow striker Michael Owen's future is
still somewhat cloudy at Anfield.
Baros, 22, has indicated that he wants to stay at Liverpool and prove himself
to new boss Rafael Benitez. "All I can hope is that I transfer this
form to next season and I'm sure I can," he said at Euro 2004. "It
was a very difficult period for me but now I'm sure I can play for Liverpool
like I'm playing for the Czechs."
Sanz, who will compete against Perez in this month's presidential elections,
is also believed to be interested in signing Portugal midfielder Maniche,
who was one of Euro 2004's most impressive performers. The Czech Republic's
Tomas Rosicky is another player on Sanz's shopping list and he is keen
to sign a pre-contract agreement with Borrusia Dortmund to secure Rosicky's
services for next summer.
Rooney checking bank vaults for size
England's favourite teenager, Wayne Rooney, has been offered a new five
year deal by Everton, the biggest in the club's history. It comes as speculation
is rife as to where he will be playing and what it will cost to get him
there.
"We believe this is the right offer for Wayne, which fully reflects his growing stature in football," said Everton chief executive Trevor Birch. "The offer is the biggest ever made in this club's history. Hopefully this will not only satisfy Wayne's demands but will also serve to underscore the club's ambition. Everyone at Everton is anxious that Wayne remains at Goodison Park to continue his footballing education under the stewardship of David Moyes and his coaching staff."
Rooney has two years left to run on his current contract at Goodison Park.
A spokesman for his management company Proactive Sports Group said Rooney
will be in no rush to put pen-to-paper on a new deal. "We have received
a fax from Everton giving the outline of a proposed long-term deal for
Wayne Rooney," he said. "We will be giving this proper consideration
and will be in contact with Trevor Birch to make arrangements for a meeting
in the not-too-distant future."
Manchester Utd. and Real Madrid are thought to be monitoring the situation
very closely, but Chelsea's Jose Mourinho has cooled interest from that
quarter. Arsene Wenger has stated previously that Arsenal will not be involved
in what could be an outrageous bidding war.
Au revoir to the Bridge
Marcel Desailly, pictured after the F.A. Cup win in 2000, and Chelsea have
parted company by that good old standby 'mutual consent' Mourinho couldn't see him making the squad. The defender had been captain of France until announcing his international
retirement following the Euro 2004 loss to Greece in the quarter final.
Desailly joined the Stamford Bridge club in 1998 from AC Milan for £4.6m
having played for Nantes and Marseille. The 35-year-old told his personal
website he is not ready to retire: "I haven't arrived at the end yet."
He intends to return to the south of France to consider his future after
six years in London. "I just want to give myself time to think and
why not seize a new challenge?," he said . "I experienced fantastic
things with the 'Blues' but at 35 I feel the need and desire to try other
things, to get a fresh start. But at this moment in time I'm not announcing
my retirement."
Reiziger joins Boro
Dutch defender Michael Reiziger has joined Middlesbrough after Barcelona
declined to offer him a new deal when his contract expired at the end of
the past season. The 31 year old said he turned down Spanish side Valencia
to move to the Riverside.
"I'm feeling very happy," the Dutchman said after signing a two-year deal with the club, with an option of a third. "Valencia were banging on the door but I chose Boro because they gave me a big feeling and their ambition is to reach the highest level. What persuaded me was I always wanted to play in the Premier League. This year was my big chance. I will do everything I can to be a great help for the team and I think we have a good team and can do some positive things in Europe and the league. The challenge is to adapt very quickly in this league, which is very tough, but I I've shown it in Spain, which is also very tough, and now I want to show I'm capable of doing it in England. Middlesbrough have to show this season that we not only have the names but the quality to make it a good season."
Boro are expected to follow up the signing by landing Leeds' Mark Viduka. The Australia international, 28, has passed a medical at Boro and has already trained with McClaren's squad. He will complete the switch after finalising a few contractual problems with Leeds.
Meanwhile, the club are confident an administrative problem over changing
Gaizka Mendieta's year-long loan from Lazio into a permanent deal will
be ironed out soon. "We have an agreement with Lazio that his loan
will become a four-year permanent deal," said club spokesman Dave
Allan. "Gaizka has signed that contract and was back with us in training
yesterday."
Bits and Pieces
Glen Hoddle will be interviewed today as a replacement for Jacques Santini as France coach......Russia midfielder Alexei Smertin, 29, will be part of the Chelsea squad this season, after a year long loan at Portsmouth......Charlton defender Gary Rowett, 30, retires due to knee injuries......Patrick Kluivert's agent says Newcastle are interested. He was released by Barca and is certainly well rested after Euro 2004...... Crystal Palace have signed 28 year old Hungarian goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly on a free transfer from Hertha Berlin......Wolves hoping to announce three new faces in squad by the end of the week......Nick Barmby signs with League One new boys Hull......Rangers complete Nacho Novo deal......Deco moves to Barca for a reported £8m plus winger Ricardo Quaresma. .....Dick Advocaat quits as Holland coach......The Euro 2004 win moves Greece from 35th to 14th in world rankings. England climb from 13th to 8th. Scotland, however, drop from 55th to 59th as a result of their showing
in that competition......
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
July 6/04
The new European champions arrive home
Greece, the new footballing kings of Europe, arrived back in Athens yesterday.
The welcoming ceremony at the old Olympic Stadium was delayed by two hours
as the bus bringing the squad the 25 miles from the airport had to crawl
along the route lined by tens of thousands waving Greek flags. The team
paraded the trophy at a packed Panathenaic stadium, where the first modern
Olympics were held in 1896.
"We never thought we could make you so happy. Thank you," Greece captain Theodoros Zagorakis, named player of the tournament, told the crowd.
More than 100,000 people in and around the stadium sang the national anthem
and chanted "God is German" to honour coach Otto Rehhagel, who
has been offered Greek citizenship. Rehhagel told the crowds: "Greeks
can be proud of their team."
A small country of 11m people, many Greeks saw in their victory a symbolic
ascendancy for their country. "Greeks can enjoy the fact that they
can look other Europeans eye to eye, without an inferiority complex,"
said 44-year old Greek Costas Kokkaras. SporTime wrote "God please
give us more tears so we can keep crying from happiness."
However, it was a banner hanging from a suburban Athens street that most
defined the Greek mood. "If this is a dream, then I never want to
wake up," it said.
Only a work permit away
Serbian striker Mataja Kezman now only needs a work permit to complete
his move from PSV Eindhoven to Chelsea. This should be a formality given
Kezman's regular international appearances and is expected to be finalized
within a week.
Kezman will face tough competition for his place in coach Jose Mourinho's
starting line-up at Stamford Bridge, but he is not deterred by the challenge.
"I know what coach Mourinho wants. I have spoken with him a few times
and I know what my position at Chelsea will be," he said.."And
the situation at Chelsea is really fantastic."
The former FK Loznica, Sartid 1913 Smederevo and Partizan Belgrade forward
scored 105 goals in 122 games over four seasons at PSV. In the 2002-03
season, Kezman scored 35 goals in 33 games which was the highest total
in Holland since Marco van Basten's 37 for Ajax in 1987.
Pompey to meet with Basinas
Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric is flying to Greece to meet with Angelos
Basinas, midfielder with the victorious Greek national team, on Wednesday.
Mandaric and manager Harry Redknapp met on Monday to identify potential
transfer targets.
The 28-year-old Basinas, who has spent his entire career with Panathinaikos,
was an integral part of the Greece side who were shock winners over Portugal.
He won his 50th cap in Sunday's final and it was from his corner that Angelos
Charisteas scored the winning goal. Basinas started six of Greece's games
at the tournament and scored their second goal in the Group A win over
Portugal.
Novo headed to Ibrox
Rangers now look to be certain winners in the 'Nacho Novo stakes'. Dundee
have accepted a £450,000 bid for the Spaniard from the Glasgow club and
Novo, left in the picture, has now only to agree personal terms to complete
the move to Ibrox, expected today. The news brings to an end weeks of speculation
regarding Novo's future.
"Nacho has agreed to waive his portion of the fee taking us up to
the sum we were looking for," a Dundee spokesperson said. "We
have agreed a compensation package with Raith Rovers and I believe that
will go through today from the noises that Rangers are making."
Bits and Pieces
Middlesbrough press conference in an hour, to announce a signing. Probably
Mark Viduka or Michael Reiziger, maybe both......Turns out it's Reiziger......Bolton
sign Tunisian defender Radhi Jaidi to a two year deal......Paul Sturrock
confident that Antti Niemi will stay with Saints......Leicester are concerned
that Nikos Dabizas will want out after relegation......Brighton give veteran
defender Guy Butters a new one year deal......Manchester Utd. hoping to
sign 16 year old Italian midfielder Giuseppe Rossi from Parma......Marcel
Desailly out at Chelsea. Contract cancelled 'by mutual consent'......
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
July 5/04
And the new European champions are
The fairytale had a happy ending for Greece, who were rank outsiders just
three weeks ago. From the opening game of the tournament until yesterday,
these men, who are not household names outside of their own homes, showed
what can be accomplished with teamwork and total commitment. In an excellent
final, with both teams playing good football, Greece took advantage of
a defensive lapse by Portugal to grab the goal that proved the winner.
They then stifled any chance for the hosts with a great defensive display
that resulted in Portugal desperately hoofing the ball up the park looking
for a miracle in the last few minutes. Rarely was a red shirt left without
a white shirt in close proximity for the entire game and this intensified
in the closing stages, leaving the Portuguese totally frustrated.
In all it was a great tournament with its share of upsets and excitement.
Congratulations to Greece for an incredible performance throughout and
also to Portugal, not only for making it a memorable final, but for staging
such a great event.
Bits and Pieces
Otto Rehhagel rumoured for Germany coaching job......Giovanni Trapattoni
named coach of Benfica......It is now reported that Edgar Davids will sign
on with Chelsea......Michael Reiziger to have medical at Middlesbrough
today......No truth in James Beattie to Newcastle rumours, according to
his agent......Paul Gascoigne talking to Boston about coaching role for
next season......
Stories from BBC Sports site
Footiemad news item
July 4/04
Happy Independence Day to those of you south of the 49th
Euro 2004 gossip
Today's the big one in Portugal......Congratulations to both Portugal and
Greece for getting to the final. Let's hope it is a really good game......Despite
his lack of goals, Pauleta will start for the hosts according to coach
Luiz Felipe Scolari......Greek defender Michalis Kapsis hurt his knee in
training on Saturday and is a question mark......Referee Markus Merk insists
the officiating will be neutral, despite claims to the contrary in the
Portuguese press......Neither squad has expressed concern on that front......Marcel
Desailly has announced his retirement from international football......
Bruce destined for bigger things
Birmingham boss Steve Bruce, believed to be close to signing a new contract
at St. Andrews, will eventually move on to lead either Manchester Utd.
or England, according to owner David Sullivan.
Sullivan said: "I think that one day Steve Bruce will lead Manchester United or England - if he continues as he is performing now. I hope he wouldn't leave us for Newcastle but it wouldn't surprise me if he becomes the next England boss." He added: "He's proving with us that he gets the best out of players. So why not? If people get an opportunity like that, then we're all pals and adults and they go with our best wishes."
Since Bruce took them into the top flight Birmingham have finished 13th and 10th. It was reported last week that Bruce had signed a new deal with the Midlands club. However, it was later revealed that he was in talks with the club and that it was hoped that a deal would be finalised shortly.
Meanwhile, Birmingham midfielder Robbie Savage has made a rapid recovery
after a back operation and will be able to report back with the rest of
the squad for pre-season training on Thursday. "The surgeon who did
the operation said he couldn't believe how quickly I have healed and I've
got the go-ahead to report back with the rest of the lads." said the
Welshman.
Bits and Pieces
The F.A. will try to introduce a winter break for the 2005/06 season......Liverpool
midfielder Bruno Cheyrou, goes to Marseille on year long loan. The French
club then have an option to buy......Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry
admits he had expected Steve Gerrard to leave......David Gill says Manchester
Utd. can't afford Wayne Rooney......Rufus Brevett ready for Hammers' pre-season......Celtic
maintain interest in Nacho Novo......A move back to Spain getting closer
for Mikel Arteta......
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
July 3/04
Euro 2004 gossip
For tomorrow's finale Portugal defender Jorge Andrade has recovered from
an ankle injury and will be available. Portugal have no other injury worries......While
there are no health concerns with Greece, they will be forced to make one
change. Georgios Karagounis is suspended after receiving a second yellow
card, with Stelios Giannakopoulos likely to step in......Looking forward
to a great game......Portugal's Rui Costa will retire from international
football after the final tomorrow......Holland striker Ruud van Nistelrooy
was given a two match ban by UEFA for insulting behaviour towards Swedish
referee Anders Frisk following the loss to Portugal. Unless he appeals,
Van Nistelrooy will miss two World Cup qualifying games......Maniche, who
has had a great tournament, rules out a Premiership move at this time......
Beckham blamed by ex boss
England skipper David Beckham, who excused his lack of fitness in Portugal by blaming Real Madrid's training regimen, has been told by ex Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz that his inferior conditioning was his own fault.
"I am not surprised at Beckham's comments as he always had excuses, even at the last World Cup," said Queiroz. "In the last three weeks of the season Luis Figo was at every session, Beckham was not. Who's in the Euro 2004 final? You will have to look at those training sessions that David missed for one motive or another. Figo wasn't skiing while his team was still in the Champions League, and there's the difference."
Beckham claimed Real's lack of conditioning work meant he went into Euro 2004 far from at his peak fitness, but Figo hit back at the 29-year-old, claiming he felt the Spanish side had done all the work they could while playing three games every week.
Beckham came under fire for his below-par performances in Portugal, missing
two penalties as England crashed out in a shoot-out against the hosts.
Following a miserably sub-par tournament, the England captain should decide
if he wants to play football or just be a media-fueled has been.
Owen ready to commit
Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen is expected to sign a two year
contract extension within the next couple of days. Owen, who has one year
left on his current deal, had hinted that he would only stay if captain
Steven Gerrard also committed to the club.
Following Gerrard's pledge to stay, he is reportedly ready to sign a £4m contract worth £80,000 per week. That would make Owen, who has scored 118 goals in 216 league appearances, the best paid player at Liverpool. It would also be a coup for new Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, who made known his desire to secure the services of Anfield's most valuable assets.
Both players were unsettled during a disappointing 2003/4 season that saw Liverpool finish fourth in the Premiership and culminated in manager Gerard Houllier being sacked. Gerrard was at the centre of transfer attention by Chelsea during England's Euro 2004 campaign.
Owen, meanwhile, is expected to form a promising partnership up front with
new arrival Djibril Cisse, while Czech Republic striker Milan Baros will
also be in contention to start following an excellent Euro 2004, during
which he scored five goals.
Milner moves to Tyneside
Despite earlier statements by Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner that he was
untouchable, James Milner has been transferred to Newcastle in a five-year
deal worth up to £5m. The 18 year old, had inked a new five-year deal at
Elland Road only last year but agreed with a "heavy heart" to
be sold to help the cash-strapped club.
His agent Mick McGuire said: "He's glad that the money his move has generated will help Leeds in the longer term. There has never been a more committed player to Leeds and he will always be a huge fan of the club." The same sentiment was attributed to Alan Smith before he moved west.
McGuire, also the Professional Footballers' Association deputy chief executive, added: "He signed a five-year deal (with Leeds) last year, he bought a house in the area and his mum and dad have already renewed their season tickets for the coming season. (They can still go) However, it is common knowledge that, as part of Leeds' survival plans, they need to generate income from transfers. We appreciate their dilemma and understand their decision to let James go because the money this raises helps safeguard the future of the club. However, things have moved on since then and once Leeds agreed a fee with Newcastle and gave him permission to speak to Sir Bobby Robson, he felt that it was only fair and proper to talk to a club of that magnitude. James is excited about joining one of the premier clubs, who can offer him a major stage and European football."
PSV bank account swelling, but
Dutch side PSV Eindhoven is being decimated. They have agreed a rumoured £5m deal for star striker Mateja Kezman with, you've guessed it, Chelsea.
The Serbian international will travel to London next week to finalise personal
terms, undergo a medical and arrange a work permit. The 25 year old, who
has scored 105 goals in four seasons at PSV, had also been linked with
Charlton and Liverpool.
"We are delighted to have agreed terms for Mateja - he is one of the top strikers in Europe," chief executive Peter Kenyon told the club's website.
In the 2002-03 season, Kezman scored 35 goals in 33 games which was the highest total in Holland since Marco van Basten's 37 for Ajax in 1987.
The arrival of Kezman at Chelsea will heap pressure on strikers Hernan
Crespo and Adrian Mutu. There is speculation that Crespo may be loaned
out to Italian giants AC Milan, while Mutu is said to be excess to requirements
at the Bridge.
Arjen Robben will be with Chelski for the start of the new season, while Dennis Rommedahl has just completed a move to Charlton. Do PSV have a 'young talent mine' that noboby knows about.
Peter Reid must be feeling warm all over
Joe Dhinsa the businessman bidding to take over Coventry, wants Gerard
Houllier as the next manager, with Eric Black pencilled in as the Frenchman's
assistant. He is planning to complete his buy-out in time for the start
of the 2005-06 campaign..
Dhinsa said: "I've spoken to Gerard and I hope to be meeting him with
regard to the manager's job. Eric did a good job with little money last
season but if you want managers to succeed, they need resources. Gerard
is very positive about the football club and is the calibre of person I'd
like to see in charge."
It seems like only a couple of months ago that much travelled Peter Reid
was appointed boss of the the Midlands club and was going to take them
to great highs. Maybe that is because it happened on May 7. He must feel
that he should consider using another deodorant. If he can win the Championship
title, the Premiership and the Champions League in the next 12 months he
may be invited to stay on.
Bits and Pieces
Moyes denies that Wayne Rooney is too big for Everton......Spurs sign Brazilian
teenage defender Rodrigo Defendi from Cruzeiro for £600,000.......Barca
angry at Man. U. signing teenager Gerard Pique......Mark Viduka passes
medical, expected to sign with Middlesbrough by Monday......Joe Royle denies
exodus from Portman Road......Jody Morris signs with Millwall, rejoins
Dennis Wise and Ray Wilkins......Thomas Gravesen to meet with David Moyes
regarding his Everton future......Stephen McPhail has completed his move
from Leeds to Barnsley......Spurs have turned down bids for Helder Postiga......
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
July 2/04
Euro 2004 gossip
The final is set......Another good game yesterday and a storybook ending
for Greece......Three weeks ago, you could probably have named your own
price with a bookie for a Greece/Portugal final......Unfortunately Giorgos
Karagounis picked up a second yellow in the knock-out stage and will miss
the big one on Sunday......Being the likely golden boot winner does not
dull the disappointment for Milan Baros......
Charlton bag Rommedahl
Danish international winger Dennis Rommedahl has joined Charlton on a four
year deal for £2m from PSV Eindhoven. The Addicks' were keen to sign Rommedahl
to start a summer of strengthening after receiving £11m from Chelsea for
midfielder Scott Parker.
He said: "I want to try something new and they made a good impression on me. I like the way they play in England with the pace being much quicker. I think the possibilities for this year and the year after are good after finishing seventh last season so maybe we can get into the Uefa Cup."
Rommedahl, 25, made 161 appearances for PSV and scored 29 goals. He began
his career with Lyngby, before joining PSV in 1996, and has been a regular
in the first team since the 1997-98 season. He also has 45 caps for Denmark,
including four at Euro 2004, and a total of nine goals.
Nilsson becomes a Saint
Sweden captain Mikael Nilsson will be joining Southampton, it is just a
question of when. The midfielder has signed a pre-contract agreement to
move to St. Mary's on a free transfer when his contract with Halmstad runs
out in November. The south coast club have made a substantial offer to
persuade Halmstad to release Nilsson in time for the start of the new Premiership
season.
Nilsson, told Saints website: "I'm excited by the challenge and can't wait to join Southampton."
Southampton had been linked with Nilsson for some weeks prior to Euro 2004,
during which he played every minute of all Sweden's games as they reached
the quarter-finals.
Saints chairman Rupert Lowe said: "We're bringing him in as a right-sided
midfielder but he is a very versatile player. He did very well in Euro
2004 and is a quality player with a lot of experience. We're hoping he
will be here for the start of the season but that depends on negotiations.
We have made a substantial offer to buy out the remainder of his contract
but if we cannot reach agreement then he will come in December."
Back at the Valley
Midfielder Bryan Hughes has signed a three year deal at Charlton on a free
transfer after turning down an offer to re-sign with Birmingham. St. Andrews'
boss Steve Bruce expressed disappointment at Hughes refusal to accept the
Midlands club's three year renewal contract.
"We're very pleased to have acquired Bryan because he will add goals from midfield," said Addicks assistant boss Keith Peacock. "He can play in any position across the midfield and is a good all-rounder. I'm sure he'll prove to be a good signing for the next three seasons."
Hughes joined Birmingham from Wrexham in 1997 for £1m and made 291
appearances, scoring 42 goals.
Bits and Pieces
Ottmar Hitzfeld decides against Germany job......Luis Aragones replaces
Inaki Saez as Spain's head coach......Leeds are considering a bid for James
Milner......Edgar Davids hints that Tottenham may be his destination......Helder
Postiga, however, may want out if he doesn't get more playing time at the
Lane...... Youri Djorkaeff rejects Bolton offer, values himself more highly
than Sam Allardyce does......Welsh international Robert Page, given a free
transfer by Sheffield Utd., is close to move to Cardiff......Celtic defender
Johan Mjallby moving to newly promoted Levante in Spain......Liverpool's
Bruno Cheyrou talking with Marseille......Jesper Gronkjaer may nix Birmingham
deal with Chelsea. The Dane is looking at a move to Seville......Jason
Wilcox moves from Leeds to Leicester on a free......Preston accept Pompey
bid for Ricardo Fuller......Celtic deny making Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
an offer......David Thompson ready for Blackburn comeback attempt after
injury......Gillingham will stay in Kent, although in a different location......Bradford
looking to defer players wages in effort to stay afloat......
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
July 1/04
Happy Canada Day to those of you in the Great White North
Euro 2004 gossip
The second semi-final between the Czech Republic and Greece goes today......Hopefully
it will be as good a game as Portugal v Holland yesterday, which was a
cracker with both sides playing good football. The game of the tournament,
so far, as seen through these eyes......Ruud van Nistelrooy may face UEFA
action for confrontation with Swedish referee Anders Frisk......For the
Czechs, Rene Bolf is fit and will play. Martin Jiranek is still very doubtful......Greece
have no injury problems......They do, however, have internal unrest as
the players are reported to want their bonus tripled for reaching the semi-final
stage. The Greek F.A. is in talks with the players and hopes to reach a
compromise......Let's hope that it does not adversely affect the performance
of the Greeks, who have played out of their skins and are the surprise
of the tournament...... Swiss referee Urs Meier has apparently been put
under police protection and advised to go into hiding after receiving death
threats. This idiocy, even if only pranks, is beyond comprehension. Whether
we agree or not with his decision, to put a man under that kind of stress
is deplorable. He is a good referee and it is, when all is said and done,
only a game......
Viduka down by the Riverside
Leeds striker Mark Viduka is at Middlesbrough's Rockcliffe Park training
ground to undergo a medical. The 28-year-old Australia international is
expected to move in a £4m deal at the weekend.
Boro boss Steve McClaren told the club's official website: "I can confirm that Mark is at the club. He will be taking a medical and we will be looking to finalise details of a deal to make him a Middlesbrough player within the next day or two."
If Viduka does sign he will become the latest in a long list of big names
who have left Leeds over the past year. Alan Smith joined Manchester United
for £7m in May, while goalkeeper Paul Robinson moved to Tottenham for £1.5m.
Jimmy Floyd shown the door
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is now a free agent after an agreement was reached
between himself and Chelsea, who, it would seem, are now doing some pruning.
Hasselbaink's agent, Humphry Nijman, confirmed his client's status.
The 32-year-old has been linked to Celtic and Rangers and Nijman added:
"There are quite a few interested clubs. There is interest from Scotland
and Jimmy is very willing to listen to what is said. One club has already
tabled an offer, although I am not willing to say where they are based.
There is also a very lucrative proposal from Japan but Jimmy is not keen
on moving there. He has no preference as to which league he plays in. What
he wants is to join an ambitious club who are moving forward. He is still
very ambitious as a player and wants to go where he can win trophies."
Cisse hoping Owen will stay
Djibril Cisse, Liverpool's new striker, is hopeful that Michael Owen sign
a new deal with the club. The England striker has 12 months to run on his
current deal and has yet to decide on his long-term future.
"For me, it would be a pleasure to play alongside Michael Owen. I would love him to stay at Liverpool. With Owen, I feel we can do a good job. He is a great player and we are going to do good things," Cisse told the club's website.
The 22-year-old Frenchman is joining the Anfield side from Auxerre for a fee believed to be about £14m. Cisse, who scored 23 goals last season, was signed by ex-manager Gerard Houllier and now has to impress new coach Rafael Benitez.
"From my point of view it does not matter if Houllier is at the club,
absolutely not," said Cisse. "Gerard Houllier's position makes
no difference. I want to wear the shirt of this club. A few clubs have
been interested but I always wanted to play in England, particularly for
Liverpool because I first heard of their interest two years ago. They were
the only ones at the time. I gave my word to Liverpool and I am a man of
my word. I will do everything to help Liverpool. I will give the maximum
to take the club as high as possible. It won't just depend on me, but you
can be sure that for my part I will do my best. I will try to give them
back their trust, to succeed and achieve beautiful things."
Bits and Pieces
Bradford have been given a stay of execution. Talks with landlord ongoing......Jordi
Cruyff gets trial with Bolton......Luton midfielder Matthew Spring goes
to Leeds on a three year deal......George Ndah signs one year contract
extension with Wolves......Manchester Utd. have signed 17 year old defender
Gerard Pique from Barcelona......Clive Allen back as reserve team coach
at Spurs......Elton John will give a cocert at Watford next year to raise
money for the club to buy back freehold at Vicarage Road......A preference
for a move to Ibrox, as opposed to Parkhead, might cost Nacho Novo a chunk
of change......A move to Rhyl for Gazza isn't dead yet, but he'd want more
than £250 a week......
Stories from BBC Sports site.