Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung has been offered a two-year contract extension, boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.The South Korean’s current deal expires at the end of the 2011-2012 campaign, and there had been speculation that the 30-year-old could leave the club.
However, Park now looks set to commit his future to the Premier League champions, with Ferguson hailing the player’s professionalism and also signalling he is firmly part of his plans for this season.
Speaking to reporters on the club’s pre-season tour of the USA, the Scot said: “He’s been offered a new contract, yes. I’m sure he’ll sign it. His career at United has been nothing but excellent. He’s a tremendous professional.”
“I’m sure he’ll accept a new offer and tie himself to the club for the next two years.”
Meanwhile, Ferguson has moved to allay any fears over the departure of Portuguese winger Nani, whose position at the club has been drawn under scrutiny following the arrival of Ashley Young.
“Nani is a good player and his personality is improving. We will be challenging next season and will play a lot of games. He did really well last season, but Valencia came back and his form was so good it was difficult to leave him out,” he said.
“Nani was unfortunate not to be picked for the Champions League final, but he is still young and he is maturing all the time.”
The Scot also remains confident his compatriot Darren Fletcher will regain fitness in time for the new season. The 27-year-old has only played 106 minutes of first-team football since March 6, having contracted a virus in February.
“Darren’s recovering from this virus he’s had for quite a few months,” he said.
“Sometimes viruses do take time. He’s been into Carrington for the last few days and he’s doing a weight program at the moment. Hopefully by the time we get back he’ll be rejoining us.”
Wolves fans are a notoriously hard bunch to please and no one will know that better than Mick McCarthy. After being among the biggest summer spenders, the Molineux faithful were expecting to see their team improve from last year and perhaps even separate themselves from the strugglers. Instead, Wolves find themselves 19th, level on points with West Ham in 20th and above them only on goals scored.
Wolves’ bad form means that Mick McCarthy’s position is being questioned by fans and media alike with names like Ray Wilkins and Chris Hughton being mentioned as his potential replacement. But all is not lost for McCarthy, Wolves face Birmingham and West Brom in their next two games and nothing can lighten the mood around a struggling football team like a win over its nearest rivals. Should Wolves pick up at least five points from their next three games against Birmingham, West Brom and crucially Wigan then there could be some light at the end of the tunnel.
There is no question that these games are winnable for McCarthy’s men. Birmingham are hard to beat but are struggling for points, form goes out of the window when the Black Country comes around and Wigan at home is, to put it simply, a must win game. The prospect of coming through these matches winless is a thought Wolves fans dare not entertain and would surely signal the end of McCarthy’s reign.
Optimists would say that there is over half the season left to play and a good run of form, like Wolves found in March last season, would push them up the league. However last year the league was rather different and it was easier to pick three teams that were worse than Wolves, this year the league is tougher and the three promoted teams all seem to have taken quickly to their new division.
A derby win, as previously said, can lift the gloom from any club, but a defeat can be equally as devastating. Wolves have a terrible record in Midlands derbies recently and another loss in the next two weeks could prove to be too much. Wolves have recorded one win in their last nine games against the Baggies, one win in ten against Birmingham and the last time they toppled Villa was in 1980. History is not on Wolves’ side and McCarthy will be praying for some luck come Sunday.
The truth though is Wolves aren’t playing too badly. They had a host of chances at Ewood Park on Saturday and were dreadfully unlucky not to score. But from a different point of view Wolves proved what many already knew – they have the worst defence in the league. Conceding 30 goals in 16 games won’t keep you up and letting Blackburn score twice from set-pieces at the weekend if a sure fire way to self-destruct. It is true that Wolves have suffered a few injuries to their back four and the loss of Jody Craddock has hit them hard, but when a team’s defensive stability rest on the shoulders of a 35 year-old centre-half then things really are looking bad.
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Sunday’s Midlands derby and the following weeks Black Country derby may well prove to be the most entertaining and most important in years. But should evens transpire against Wolves over the next few weeks Mick McCarthy could be losing more than just league points.
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Manchester City are believed to preparing a massive bid to tempt Tottenham to sell star man Gareth Bale this summer, according to Mirror Football.
The Wales international winger has been recognised as one of the most devastating wingers in the European game, with stellar performances domestically and in the Champions League leading to the wideman receiving the PFA Player of the Year Award last term.
Barcelona have been credited with an interest in Bale, with the player’s future hanging in the balance as he waits to see where Tottenham finish in the Premier League standings this season.
The newspaper indicate that Roberto Mancini’s men will offer the White Hart Lane club £40 million plus players in exchange for the star’s services.
Emmanuel Adebayor would be one set to go to north London permanently, with Adam Johnson or Nigel De Jong other players that could be included.
City are also ready to triple Bale’s wages to well over £100,000-a-week.
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is adamant he wants to keep a hold of French midfielder Samir Nasri.The 24-year-old starred for Arsenal last season, netting 10 goals from 30 Premier League appearances, which saw him attract the interest of many clubs around the world, including English rivals Manchester United and Manchester City.
Recent reports suggest Nasri may have rejected a new deal with the Gunners, but Wenger was insistent that he wants the former Marseille midfielder to stay in North London.
“We will do everything to keep Nasri at the club,” Wenger said.
“My wish is that he stays here. If he looks back he can see that he’s come quite a long way with us, and I think there is still a bit to do. It’s the club that makes the player’s career.”
Wenger also spoke about his desire to keep Cesc Fabregas and Gael Clichy, who are attracting interest from Barcelona and Manchester City respectively.
“Obviously we want them to stay,” he said.
“They are part of Arsenal and big players for the club so we want them to stay, but we will see.”
Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has suggested he would be interested in bringing Roque Santa Cruz back to the club, should he be available for transfer from Manchester City in the New Year.
The Paraguay striker has failed to make a telling impact at Eastlands since moving to be reunited with former Rovers boss Mark Hughes in June 2009.
But Allardyce insists no move has yet been made for the 29-year-old.
"All I said was if Roque was available we would be interested," he said.
"There has been no progress on it. In the next seven to ten days I will speak to the chairman about the way we go forward in January."
Meanwhile, full-back Pascal Chimbonda has been told he can find a new club in January after Allardyce confirmed his contract, which expires in the summer, will not be renewed.
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"We are not going to renew his contract," he added.
"His determination is to find a new contract and we feel for both concerned it is better to let him see what he can get in January."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Arsenal have opened up a five-point gap over Tottenham and Newcastle in third with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Wolves on Wednesday night.
The Molineux side’s job has made more difficult by the fact that Sebastian Bassong was sent off for fouling Theo Walcott in the box within eight minutes, with Robin van Persie scoring the resulting penalty.
Walcott doubled the visitors’ advantage two minutes later, whilst Yossi Benayoun completed the scoring in the second half.
Arsene Wenger was in a positive mood after the game, and admitted that finishing in third was now a real possibility.
“I’m pleased we got the three points, a clean sheet and scored three goals,” Wenger told Sky Sports.
“We wanted to start strong and we had good pace; a good, remarkable start. That got us to two nil and put them in a weak position because they were down to 10 men.
“Third is looking good but in our job, when you have my experience, you’re always cautious.
“It’s not that easy because Wolves came deep at the start, they played higher. When they were down to 10 men they played deeper and defended very well.
“You have to give them big credit because they have shown a remarkable spirit and never gave up and did fight for the ball until the last minute of the game.
“If they can keep that spirit they still have a chance to stay in the league,” he concluded.
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Arsenal take on Wigan next Monday at the Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool winger Milan Jovanovic was quoted yesterday as saying he has been given permission by the Reds to speak to other clubs:
“I got the paper from Liverpool that I am free to search for a new club. Up to now, I still haven’t received an official offer from Olympiakos, but I am looking forward to hearing their plans.”
The Serbian’s stay at Anfield has been a very brief one indeed, and even though it has to be said that it was expected considering how he failed to establish himself in the team, there was a lot of optimism last summer over the player’s arrival.
The move for the Standard Liege forward was tied up before Rafa Benitez’s departure from the club, and this inevitably meant that the Serbian’s settling in period to English football was going to be even harder that he could have imagined.
A new country, a new league and a new manager were all obstacles to Jovanovic being a success on Merseyside and it proved an insurmountable task for the 30 year old. As if said, Jova’s arrival in the summer was met with a good deal optimism by Reds fans. Although not many had seen him play in Belgian football, his displays in the World Cup, especially against Germany, meant that there was some confidence that he had the attributes to succeed in the Premier League.
It became obvious very quickly though that Jovanovic was not going to fit in on Merseyside. Bought by Rafa Benitez, who would have been aware that his prime position was as a striker, and secondarily as a winger, new manager Roy Hodgson primarily saw him as a winger rather than as a striker.
As it inevitably turned out, Jovanovic would struggle to fit in to the 4-4-2 system adopted by Hodgson. He showed some of his quality in front of goal with a well taken goal which was overshadowed by the disastrous League Cup exit to Northampton, but that seemed to be it for the Serb. He was progressively sidelined by Hodgson as the months wore on.
Still there was hope when new manager Kenny Dalglish came in January, and the Serb was picked to start in King Kenny’s first league match against Blackpool, but he quickly fell out of favour again. Still being picked as a winger rather than a striker, Jovanovic tended to run into dead ends, despite having a good deal of pace and dribbling ability.
The fact he didn’t convince either Hodgson or Dalglish of his merits to the side means he has been denoted to be “dead-wood” by Reds fans and journalists. He must be wondering what might have been if Rafa Benitez had stayed but even then there was no guaranteed of success. He will go down as another one of those Bosman flops the Reds have been accustomed to in recent years.
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” Dimitar Berbatov, one look at City and he said…..” well, you know the rest. Manchester United’s number nine has enjoyed the sort of Old Trafford career you’d associate with Andy Cole- before the treble. Almost every United fan was pleased with his signing, especially after City tried to hijack the deal at the 11th hour, but some have since doubted the wisdom of it. The Bulgarian’s first season was a success- at least for the team- as United lifted an 18th League title and reached the final of the Champion’s League.
However even from early on in his United career, Berbatov had his detractors, his first season may have been successful in terms of what the team achieved but there were question marks raised as to whether he did enough personally. Part of the reason behind these doubts was his goalscoring record, Berbatov managed 14 goals in all competitions for United, which was seen a something of a disappointment especially as it was less than he’d managed the previous season with Spurs.
Another issue some United fans had with the new number 9 was his languid playing style, which in comparison to Wayne Rooney and a certain Argentinean gentleman, looked rather lazy.
These voices were in the minority though, as most United fans appreciated the different qualities Berbatov brought to the United side, his number of assists- nine in that first season- and the fact that the team achieved success which was the most important thing. There were also the flashes of brilliance the Bulgarian showed that only underlined what a special talent he was. A piece of skill against West Ham at Old Trafford was spoken about for months and I remember watching the game at Old Trafford against Hull, where Berbatov absolutely dominated the game, laying on chance after chance for his strike partners.
The real critics of Berbatov found their voices last season as with the departure of Carlos Tevez- go on then I’ll say his name, but only once- not to mention Cristiano Ronaldo, many hoped Berbatov would step it up a gear and form a successful partnership with Rooney. While Rooney went from strength to strength, Berbatov at times struggled, so much so that he was left out of the majority of big games as Sir Alex Ferguson preferred to use Rooney as a lone striker.
Part of the problem for Berbatov came from four main points:
1. A certain Argentinean couldn’t stop scoring at City and many saw the arrival of Berbatov as having led to his departure.
2. Rooney was a lot more energetic in every game, sometimes even running past Berbatov to chase balls the Bulgarian had lost.
3. Berbatov was seen by some as having not stepped up to the plate, to use an Americanism I promise never to use again, when Rooney was out injured at the end of the season.
4. United failed to win the League or emulate the previous two seasons successes in Europe.
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For each of these points though, there’s a case to be made in defence of Berbatov.
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1. Berbatov’s arrival had nothing to do with anyone leaving, if you don’t want to fight for your place then you shouldn’t be playing for United anyway. It was nonsense created to try and gain a modicum of sympathy from United fans, who were more than a tad disappointed someone would leave the club to got to ‘bitter’ rivals, for more money.
2. Wayne Rooney is a lot more energetic than almost any other striker on the planet and Berbatov has never been that sort of player anyway, you can’t expect a 28 year-old to suddenly change the entire way he plays football.
3. Berbatov did score twelve goals last season- a ratio of one in every two starts not a bad return and for some of them games Rooney was absent.
4. There were many reasons you could pin point on why United failed to win the League last season- seven defenders being out for Fulham away, poor decision by the linesman for the Chelsea home game, Burnley’s goalkeeper having the game of his life. To blame Berbatov would be shortsighted and unfair, it also doesn’t help a striker when he’s in and out of the side and expected to single-handedly win League titles at the end of the season.
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Continued on Page TWO
In the Summer it was widely expected that Berbatov would leave, but Fergie stuck with him and not only did he retire from International football to concentrate on his United career but he also looked good in pre-season, giving fans a bit of hope that he may finally have the sort if season no one can really criticise.
Following the 3-2 home win against Liverpool it seemed that Fergie’s faith had been more than well rewarded, in fact you’d be amazed that how many boys born the next few days in Manchester were called Dimitar. Berbtov’s hat-trick meant that he could join the likes of Diego Forlan of being guaranteed a place in the hearts of all of the Old Trafford faithful- no matter what he did from then on.
The problem is that since that game Berbatov hasn’t done much at all, in fact he’s put in, on one or two occasions, performances that have been almost shockingly bad. Again though, it must be noted that for every bad thing the Bulgarian does, there’s usually something good that follows it. Take the Spurs game for example, for me that was his worst performance in a United shirt arguably ever, yet only a few days later against City I thought he was excellent and didn’t get the credit he deserved.
People will always use Berbatov’s goalscoring record as proof of how he’s not been good enough at United, however he often brings more to the team than just scoring goals. His link up play with Nani this season has at times been mesmerising and he can keep hold of the ball and bring other players into the game as well as anyone at Old Trafford.
Although a striker’s job should always be primarily to score goals, the fact that no less than 17 United players have scored this season, should indicate just how much the goals are being spread around the team and Berbatov is part of the reason for this. One of the reason’s United failed to win the main honours last season was an over-reliance on Wayne Rooney and this seems to have more than been addressed.
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However despite the obvious positives Berbatov has of late, there are certain things which can not be ignored. No goals in ten games is not good enough despite the fact others are scoring. The main problem seems to be Berbatov’s attitude and demeanour, for the game against Rangers he at times looked frustrated and at other times almost disinterested.
One of my main criticisms of Berbatov since he arrived at Old Trafford is the way he can snap at some of the younger players. I remember him berating Kiko Macheda last season for an errant pass and feeling a bit disappointed. After all shouting at 19 year-old’s is hardly going to help them. Last night against Rangers Berbatov was at it again waving his arms about and shouting at others, when maybe he should have been looking a little closer to home at why he was getting no real joy.
I’m still a big fan of the Bulgarian and think United do need him if they are to achieve success, but he needs to regain his form sooner rather than later if he doesn’t want to be forced into a supporting role. With Rooney back from injury and Chicharito already proving he’s not going to take time to find his feet, Berbatov may struggle to find a regular place in the first team.
With Michael Carrick seemingly back in Fergie’s good graces, then it wouldn’t be too surprising if the United manager reverted back to the 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation he preferred for the big games last season, and that could leave Berbatov warming the bench.
If Berbatov really is to be considered a success at United, now’s the time for the number 9 to truly prove his worth.
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It’s now been 20 years since the Premier League system revolutionised English football, and it’s certainly been one hell of a ride. With the increased level of funding brought through the repackaging of the game, English football has left all in its wake, due to its fast paced, exciting style and ability to attract, and keep, some of the world’s top stars.
The 1990’s saw a real increase in global talent in the Premiership, with managers, such as Arsene Wenger, increasingly looking at the abilities of players from continental Europe and further afield. The successes of a choice few changed the way in which the sport was thought about in the country, propelling it from a fairly intrinsic spectacle to one where the skills and traditions of other societies and cultures were highly valued.
Although some will argue that the influx of footballers from the all corners of the planet has served to the detriment of the nation’s own team, there’s no denying that their unique abilities dragged football from the dark ages, converting to the spectacle that is now appreciated by all.
This list looks at 20 foreign players who have had a major impact on the English game, with their breath-taking skills and overall contribution to the evolution of the sport.
Click on Sami Hyypia below to unveil the list
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Any I missed? Let me know on Twitter at @Alex_Hams
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English Premier League chairman Sir David Richards does not believe allegations of corruption at FIFA have seriously damaged the English game.Richards was happy the claims were being properly probed, despite an independent investigation apparently clearing executive members of any wrongdoing.
He also reaffirmed the English FA’s desire to have the FIFA presidential election postponed, despite the stance coming under fire from several fronts – including Argentina Football Association president Julio Grondona.
FA chairman David Bernstein tried to have Wednesday’s vote delayed, with Sepp Blatter set to be elected unopposed for another four-year term.
Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed Bin Hammam had been due to contest the election, but withdrew from the race when he and CONCACAF president Jack Warner were alleged to have offered cash to Caribbean Football Union officials for their vote.
A delay will not happen, however, after the FIFA Congress voted heavily against a postponement on Wednesday.
When asked if he felt the controversy surrounding FIFA had damaged the reputation of English football, Richards replied: “No not at all. The English FA and English football is in a good state and I think we will be fine.”
But while Richards backed the FA’s stance, FIFA senior vice-president and AFA president Grondona accused those in the English game of ‘always complaining’.
Grondona said he voted for Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup because he thought ‘a vote for the US would be like a vote for England’ and claimed he would only have voted for the English bid if they handed the Falkland Islands back to Argentina.
FIFA has been repeatedly criticised by the English media, which accused the body of corruption before the 2018 and 2022 World Cup votes.
“To present such a project as David Bernstein presented is like shooting a penalty because it cannot be always from the same place that the insults and problems come from,” Grondona said.
“I see it at every congress. They have specific privileges with four countries having one vice-president. I don’t know what our president has said, but we have seen the World Cup go around the world, to South America and Africa and it looks like this country does not like it.”
“It looks like England is always complaining so please, I say, will you leave the FIFA family alone, and when you speak, speak with truth.”
“Yes, I voted for Qatar, because a vote for the US would be like a vote for England, and that is not possible.”
“But with the English bid I said: ‘Let us be brief. If you give back the Falkland Islands, which belong to us, you will get my vote’. They then became sad and left.”
As the controversy surrounding world football’s governing body continues, protestors gathered outside the conference to demonstrate against FIFA’s tax status in Switzerland.
They allege that FIFA avoided paying tax in the country by having non-governmental agency status.