All posts by h79snht.top

Patrice Evra is eager to slot back into the France team with a clean slate following his return to the national fold.Evra was installed as captain of Les Bleus just prior to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but his reputation back home took a beating when the squad went on strike after Nicolas Anelka was evicted for insulting then coach Raymond Domenech.

As the captain, the Manchester United left-back shouldered much of the responsibility and accepted a five-match suspension.

The 29-year-old, who has now served the ban, insists he wants his reunion with the national team, now under 1998 World Cup winner Laurent Blanc’s tutelage, to be a seamless one.

“I want to turn the page. I want to be a solution and not a problem for this new generation,” Evra said.

“I worked like a madman in my club to maintain my level and to get the chance to be called up.”

“It’s with great pride that I find myself back in the French team, which I missed enormously. The people who know the real Patrice Evra knew I would never give up, that I would fight to come back.”

He admitted his standing among sceptics, such as French Sports Minister Chantal Jouanno, will remain tainted by his perceived role in the strikes in South Africa.

“When some people see Patrice Evra, they think of the World Cup. I am trying to turn the page, (but) I think I will live with this scar,” he said.

Evra, who is expected to take his place at left-back in Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Luxembourg after Eric Abidal underwent surgery to remove a liver tumour, insisted he was a competent leader in South Africa.

“Despite all that happened, I was proud to be captain. I put my heart into it. I was at peace with myself. I was the first player to say sorry after the match against South Africa, (and) to ask the players to give up their bonuses,” he said.

“When you are captain, you have a bit more responsibility. At the end of the World Cup, I said to all of (the players), ‘Go and take it easy on holiday because if someone has to have their head chopped off it will be me’.”

“Some people said I was a ringleader, which was totally false. It was as a captain and not as a ringleader, that I took this (punishment).’

France coach Blanc held clear-the-air talks with Evra, and said he will be keeping a close eye on the player’s behaviour.

The former Bordeaux boss said scoring an early goal against ‘defensive’ Luxembourg was imperative for the team.

“In the first leg, we didn’t manage to do that,” Blanc said. “We didn’t play really well, especially on the offensive side.”

Since January 5, Newcastle have not won a game at home. They have collected three points just once, away at Birmingham. I am sure many people think that Andy Carroll’s departure, and a lack of replacement, is the reason for this.

When Carroll left, the remaining players must have felt a bit deflated. After he was not replaced, there must have been a feeling of, ‘well we are going to stay up anyway’ and ‘now our top goal scorer has left, let’s wait for next season’. It must have been difficult to motivate the players. Admittedly, Carroll left on the last day of the window, but if Newcastle had plans of selling, they should have brought in a new player earlier in January. Also, Newcastle could have signed a player on loan. I was surprised they were not interested in John Carew, who although is getting old still can offer a lot. But maybe Mike Ashley has his sight’s set higher, only time will tell.

Contrary to this, I don’t think Carroll’s absence has been hugely detrimental to Newcastle. I think they have actually been very unlucky in the last two months. Had it not been for last minute equalisers by Gyan at Sunderland, and Lennon against Tottenham, Newcastle would have four more points and sit above Sunderland, Everton and Bolton in the table at 7th. You can hardly say their spirit has been crushed; just look at their comeback against Arsenal.

In Newcastle’s defence, it is very difficult to sign a player in January who makes an impact in the first season. Torres has shown just how difficult it is to move clubs, mid-season. It would have been even more difficult for Newcastle to find someone from abroad to come in, settle down and start scoring goals. A panic January buy could have resulted in wasting the Carroll money.

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But next season Newcastle could be an even better team. Their midfield in particular looks strong. Newcastle fans will be delighted with the contract extension by Tiote, who has been one of the finds of the season. If you add to that players like Barton, and now the loan of Stephen Ireland, in addition to the goals of Kevin Nolan, they look very strong in the middle. Furthermore, with the exciting Ben Arfa coming back to fitness, they could even have a strong finish to this season.

Newcastle are still in need of a striker, and will no doubt look to bring one in this summer. But that is the best time to look for one. Newcastle have £35m from Carroll, and Mike Ashley has reportedly said that all that money will go back into the club. I wonder how much faith Newcastle fans have in Ashley to keep to this?

But, should Newcastle look to spend their money this summer, where should they look to spend it? Their defence at home has become a worry; they have conceded 22 goals at St. James’ Park this season, that is the fourth most in the Premier League. But Steven Taylor has been out for most of the season. His return, along with Steve Harper, should restore their defensive stability.

With their squad looking relatively strong in all areas other than attack, it would make sense to invest as much money as possible in a striker; they need someone to lead the line. If Nolan is going to play just behind the striker, like he has done effectively this year, Newcastle need a Carroll like player up front who can hold the ball up, but also contribute with goals. This type of player does not come cheap. Newcastle are more likely to find one in the summer, than they would have been in January.

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As it stands, Newcastle have hardly missed Andy Carroll as of yet. Sorry Newcastle fans, but I think this was a good decision by Mike Ashley.

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Luigi Delneri is hoping not to make substantial changes to a winning team when Juventus host Genoa in Serie A on Sunday.Juve secured an impressive 2-0 win away to Roma last week and now tackle mid-table Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.

Veteran forward Alessandro Del Piero – who missed the Roma match – remains in doubt due to a thigh injury.

But on-loan midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who did not participate fully in training during the past week, is expected to retain his place.

“The line-up won’t be that different from last Sunday’s,” Juve coach Delneri said.

“Having seen Alessandro (Del Piero’s) condition today I don’t think he can start the match.”

“From a tactical point of view I think it will be important to have a player near (Alessandro) Matri to help him.”

“And (Milos) Krasic’s qualities were very important on Sunday, he created a lot of problems for the Roma defence.”

“(Marco) Motta is fine, as for Aquilani, it’s just a precaution. He’s tired but then he has played a lot recently for both Juventus and the national team, so we wanted to let him rest for a bit after the Roma game.”

Delneri was more than satisfied with his team’s performance during their victory over Roma and called on the players to control possession again when they take on Genoa.

“I have to say that apart from winning the match something else I’m pleased with was the quality in our attack, which not many people noticed,” he said.

“It’ simple, when we have more possession the others have less and I can breathe more, and it was something which clearly helped us.”

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has been boosted by the return of Maynor Figueroa ahead of Saturday’s game with Everton.Figueroa has missed the last two games with a suspension and Wigan conceded five goals in the defender’s absence.

And the manager believes the Honduran’s return has his squad fighting for places in the starting 11, a good sign as Wigan battle for their Premier League survival.

“You can see that competition and desire in the training ground,” Martinez said.

“Our biggest asset is the competition for places because we have a fully-fit squad and everyone is desperate to play a part.”

“That is where we need to carry on with the same focus and concentration and just making sure that we do everything we can in the next four games.”

Wigan have been near the foot of the table for most of the season but Martinez thinks that could turn out to be a positive thing.

As they have been struggling for so long, he thinks the players will not panic as the season draws to a close and that composure could be the thing that keeps them safe.

“I think it is nothing different for us because it is not like all of a sudden we have found ourselves in this situation,” Martinez said.

“We have been dealing with this situation for the last six months so from our point of view nothing changes.”

“I think we have found a very consistent level of performance in the last 10 games so in that respect that is all we need to do: carrying on with our level until the last game of the campaign.”

“Playing at home we really feel the support from the fans really helps us to perform to the best of our abilities.”

“We are really excited for Saturday knowing that Everton are a very experienced side, they are very competitive and unless we are at your best we will not be able to compete against them.”

Wigan have no reported injury news.

Rangers extended their advantage atop the Scottish Premier League to four points with a 4-0 win over Hearts on Saturday.Rivals Celtic will play Kilmarnock on Sunday and a win would close the gap back to one point with both sides on equal games.

Three first-half goals set Walter Smith’s side on their way before a comfortable second half at Ibrox.

It took 23 minutes for the hosts to break the deadlock as Croatian attacker Nikica Jelavic struck low through Hearts goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald.

In the space of five minutes just before half time, Rangers took the game away from their opponents.

Attacker Kyle Lafferty was played behind the defence after strong work from Steven Whittaker and he made no mistake with a neat finish.

Steven Davis made it three a minute before half time when he headed home a deflected cross from Greg Wylde.

Hearts were reduced to 10 men on 62 minutes when a poor challenge from Eggert Jonsson saw him shown a straight red card.

Midfielder Ryan Stevenson was unlucky to find his own net to wrap up the scoring seven minutes before the end.

Hearts are five points clear of fourth-placed Dundee United, who recorded a 4-0 win over Motherwell thanks to a hat-trick from striker Jon Daly.

After dominating the majority of the first half, United had to wait 36 minutes to find the opener through Daly.

But they only had to wait seven minutes for a second as Daly headed home to complete his brace before half time.

A fine volley saw him get his hat-trick early in the second half before Keith Watson made it 4-0 two minutes from the end.

Motherwell sit in sixth, three points adrift of Kilmarnock.

In the relegation play-off group, Hamilton Academical moved within three points of safety with a 1-0 win over 10-man Hibernian.

Dutchman Nigel Hasselbaink scored the only goal of the game seven minutes before half time to extend their unbeaten run to four games, while they benefitted from the dismissal of Hibs defender Francs Dickoh.

St Mirren are only three points clear of the Accies, but hold an eight-goal better goal difference after they lost 1-0 to Inverness.

Terry Butcher’s Inverness were reduced to 10 men in the 71st minute when Russell Duncan was sent off for retaliating to a challenge from Lee Mair, but that did not stop Adam Rooney coming off the bench to score the winner in the 85th minute.

Elsewhere, St Johnstone maintained the pressure on them with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen.

Tottenham missed the Champions League boat this season after a shocking run of form in the last third of the season has cost them dear. Harry Redknapp must be forever wondering what if, especially given the amount of points they have thrown away in particular at White Hart Lane.

At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Spurs blogs that includes supporters deserve better than watching 2nd string; where do Van der Vaart and Tottenham go from here, while Adebayor talks up move to White Hart Lane.

We also look at the best Spurs articles around the web this week.

*

First Gallas, now Adebayor?

Would Spurs fans really shed any tears over his exit?

‘Six of the Best’ Loan Deals Of The Premier League Season

Tottenham join Barca in the pursuit of Damiao

Tottenham fans surely deserve better than a 2nd string XI?

NEW Tottenham strips revealed…or more web imposters?

Is he really a transfer necessity for Tottenham Hotspur?

Could Tottenham and Arsenal benefit from a little faith?

Where do Rafa van der Vaart and Spurs go from here?

A transfer bargain that North London duo should attempt to sign up?

Distraction perhaps, but vital to Tottenham’s transfer appeal?

*Best of Web*

And the winner is – Spurs Musings From Jimmy G2

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Tottenham Hotspur That Was The Season That Was – The Players – Tottenham On My Mind

Gazza – Dear Mr Levy

Harry’s game – Martin Cloake Online

“It’s Magnificent To Be In Europe, If We’re Not In Europe…. We’re Nothing. We’re nothing – Harry Hotspur

There have been some stella performers this season in the Premier League and they rightfully get plenty of plaudits for their contributions. The likes of Carlos Tevez, Nemanja Vidic, Jack Wilshere and Gareth Bale have all had praise lavished upon them. However there have also been a fair amount of players who have performed exceptionally well that haven’t necessarily got the credit they deserve. Therefore I have compiled a list of ten players who I think have been stand out performers for their clubs this season. I considered the likes of David Silva, Seamus Coleman, Vincent Kompany and Ji-Sung Park for the list, but decided although these players haven’t got the same recognition as Vidic, Bale etc, they have been noticed sufficiently and don’t fall under the unsung category.

The players I have chosen have played a particularly important role for their team and while it may have gone largely unnoticed in comparison to some of the big names I think they have impacted upon the league considerably. Behold my ten unsung players……..

Feel free to add any glaring omissions in the comments below

Click on Pablo Zabaleta to unveil this season’s 10 unsung heroes

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Imogen Thomas Joins Paddy Power For a Champion Offer! They will refund losing Champions League Final bets if Man United lose the match Make your bets now!

FIFA whistleblower Chuck Blazer has been sacked from his position as CONCACAF general secretary, it was announced on Tuesday.Blazer, who is also a member of FIFA’s executive committee, stole headlines across the world on Thursday when he accused AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam and FIFA Vice President Jack Warner of corruption.

The allegations were particularly focused on bribery regarding the bidding and awarding of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, which were given to Russia and Qatar respectively.

As a consequence, FIFA suspended the pair from any football activity, but just five days after the allegations surfaced, Blazer was removed from his post with CONCACAF, possibly due to his claims of corruption against Caribbean football federations.

Blazer was ‘terminated as general secretary of CONCACAF with immediate effect’, it said in a letter addressed to him, written by Lisle Austin who has assumed temporary duty of the CONCACAF presidency, after Warner’s suspension.

In the letter it said that Austin thought Blazer had ‘grossly insulted and defamed’ associations of Carribean football by suggesting ‘that each member association was under investigation for bribery’.

Austin also claimed that Blazer had ‘improperly appointed five non-elected members of CONCACAF to congress’, while he also said that Blazer had no authority to hire a pair of Chicago based lawyers, who made the report which resulted in the suspension of Warner.

“The above conduct is inexcusable and a gross misconduct of duty and judgment. It is apparent that you are no longer fit to act as secretary general of CONCACAF and to represent its members,” the letter also said.

The firing of Blazer could also lead to the re-instatement of Bin Hammam and Warner by FIFA.

Colombia striker Radamel Falcao sounded a note of caution after his side’s 2-0 victory over Bolivia at the Copa America.The Porto striker scored both of Colombia’s goals in Sante Fe on Sunday, sending his side through to the quarter-finals in Argentina.

Colombia failed to concede a goal on the way to clinching top spot in Group A, with seven points from three matches.

After becoming the first team to reach the last eight – ahead of favourites Argentina and Brazil – Falcao understands that the fans may be excited about the team’s results so far.

But the 25-year-old has urged expectations to be kept under control.

“We are not the best nor the worst,” Falcao said.

“We are not in the final, we have just moved on to the second stage and we need to have our feet on the ground.”

The former River Plate man failed to score in the first two games, but made up for it with his first brace at international level against Bolivia.

After the match, Falcao said he was never worried about his individual return.

“Our priority is the group. It does not matter who scores. The important thing is for us to grow as a team,” Falcao said.

“Our goal is for Colombia to win. Personal goals will come as the team get stronger.”

Questioned about the team he would like to face in the last eight, Falcao said: “At this point, you can face any team. If we want to aspire to continuing (in the competition) we have to beat anyone.”

Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic believes the fight for the Serie A crown will be harder than ever next season.The midfielder admits thoughts have already turned to the likely Scudetto battles with champions AC Milan next term.

“We want to do well and we have to build for the future following last season,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“All the teams are strengthening their squads, not just us or the big teams, but everyone.”

“It will be a hard fight, and so we have to prepare well for next season.”

“We are working hard in training, and the will to do well is always there.”

On new coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s formula, Stankovic said: “Gasperini takes care of all the details, he explains things and talks about what he wants. We are getting to know each other.”

Inter are set to start their pre-season fixtures on July 24 when they will take on Turkish giants Galatasaray.