Spurs to bid for £6m Zokora replacement: Would be a very good signing
May 6, 2008
Didier Zokora is not the greatest player in the world and in fact he can be on his day one of the most frustrating players on the planet. There is now speculation linking a player with similar attributes who would surely do a better job than the Ivorian!
Tottenham have joined the race for £6m rated Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng. Also chasing the 32 year old are Celtic and Sunderland.
Boateng was due to move to White Hart Lane in January but the deal fell through when Didier Zokora refused a move the other way. Boateng admitted last week he will be leaving Boro. (The People)
I am a big fan of George Boateng. He plays with a smile on his face always gives his all and knows exactly what his role is in the team. I have very rarely see him put a foot wrong and for all of these reasons he would be a marked improvement on Mr Zokora. Yes Boateng is no spring chicken but he isn’t showing any signs of slowing down right now so he is well worth signing. What do Tottenham fans think?
Aston Villa and West Ham battle it out for £5m Premier League star
May 6, 2008
Gareth Southgate appears to have a big of a problem in the summer, a host of players seem to have made it clear they are on the lookout for a Riverside exit, and this latest target has attracted many suitors.
Aston Villa and West Ham are showing interest in £5m-rated midfielder Gary O’Neil, who is set to quit Middlesbrough just 10 months after signing. (The Sun)
The 25 year old’s career has stuttered somewhat in recent years and his move to Boro hasn’t been a fantastic one. Clearly both Curbs and Martin O’Neill have much to offer the former England Under 21 man but which club would win the race?
Do you agree with PFA Team of the Season?
April 28, 2008
Especially the decision to not include a single Chelsea player in the line-up? After all, this is a team which could still quite feasibly win the Premier League title, while they are favourites to beat Liverpool and make it to the Champions League final.
Team: James (Portsmouth); Sagna (Arsenal), Ferdinand, Vidic (Man U), Clichy (Arsenal); Ronaldo (Man U), Gerrard (Liverpool), Fabregas (Arsenal), Young (Villa); Adebayor (Arsenal), Torres (Liverpool).
Are there any glaring omissions from the XI selected? Naturally, these things are always subjective, although it’s difficult to argue that any of the above haven’t stood out for their teams this season. Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and John Terry might have had more of a look-in if they hadn’t been injured for chunks of the season, while the likes of Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry and Glen Johnson have all performed extremely well for their respective clubs.
Who would feature in your team of the season?
One £10m star IN, One £5m star OUT a Tottenham deal that doesn’t make sense
April 20, 2008
If Tottenham have wads of cash to splash out on keepers then I really don’t see the sense in forking out a British record for this keeper!
Tottenham plan to bid a British record £10m for PSV Eindhoven’s Brazilian keeper Heurelho Gomes. (Sunday Mail)
Middlesbrough are keen to fork out £5m for Spurs goalie to replace Mark Schwarzer whose contract runs out in June. (News of the World)
The 27 year old PSV keeper is good but I don’t think he is that good. And there are many other keepers out there more worthy of splashing the cash on. Whilst it’s clear that Gomes has a great record it should be noted that this record is in the mostly sub-standard Eredivisie where incredible scoring records are equally hard to judge in terms of quality.
Of all the keepers linked with a move to White Hart Lane Carlo Cudicini and Robert Green, although playing for arch rivals, would be the wisest. In fact Scott Carson would be a third choice that would be well worth considering. Which keeper do Spurs fans want to replace the seemingly exit-bound Robbo?
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Mike Tyson offers support to Newcastle, Tottenham and England legend!
April 14, 2008
Can a leopard really change its spots? That appears to be the case with ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, who claims to have helped out Wayne Rooney a few years ago and would be happy to do the same with ‘troubled star’ Paul Gascoigne. The latter recently suffered a mental breakdown, culminating in a two-week session with psychiatrists, and the Brooklyn Brawler knows what its like to hit rock bottom himself after being convicted for rape and also jailed for driving under the influence of drugs. RTE reports that he’s coming to the United Kingdom and would be happy to speak with Gazza.
Tyson, 41, said: ‘I know all about Gazza and I feel I can help him.
‘A lot of top sportsmen have suffered in their private lives, including me, and that is why I want to help.
‘I still see him as a superstar and would like to meet him if he feels up for it.’
Tyson said: ‘Back in 2005, Wayne Rooney was on a downer and I met him and lifted his spirits. I am sure I can do the same for Paul Gascoigne.’
There’s apparently no truth in the rumour that Amy Winehouse has sought counselling from the former heavyweight champion of the world. However, this is clearly a man who has ‘been there and bought the t-shirt’ and it will be nice for Gascoigne to hear his words of encouragement and support after recently going off the rails.
Who is your PFA player and young player of the year?
April 14, 2008
It’s likely that Cristiano Ronaldo will win both awards this season, but who else do you think deserves recognition for their outstanding performances? Surely David James is currently playing the best football of his career at Fratton Park and is a central reason why they stand on the verge of winning the FA Cup and a top six finish in the Premier League?
What about Fernando Torres? He’s been pretty pretty good throughout his first season in English football, ever since he turned Tal Ben Haim for Liverpool’s opener against Chelsea in August. The Guardian reveal the nominees for both awards:
Gordon Taylor, the PFA chief executive, yesterday paid tribute to each nominee in his association’s two categories. Of Ronaldo he said: “The debate about whether he’s as good as George Best will go on and on but for him to have broken George’s goalscoring record from a wide position is phenomenal.”
Taylor also had unstinting praise for Torres: “There have been many great Liverpool No9s down the years and he has carried on the tradition this season, responding brilliantly to what was a massive challenge. All of which speaks volumes about his strength of character as well as his ability.”
On the subject of James, Taylor said: “It is a tribute to David that goalkeepers are rarely nominated but he fully deserves to join the elite list because he continues to be a top-class keeper - the most consistent in the Premier League this season - and an excellent role model.”
Player of the year
Cristiano Ronaldo Man Utd
Fernando Torres Liverpool
Steven Gerrard Liverpool
Emmanual Adebayor Arsenal
Cesc Fábregas Arsenal
David James Portsmouth
Young player
Ronaldo
Torres
Adebayor
Gabriel Agbonlahor Aston Villa
Ashley Young Aston Villa
Micah Richards Manchester City
Are there any glaring ommissions from the list? Micah Richards aside, there’s a distinct lack of defenders in the list. Richard Dunne has played out of his skin for Manchester City this season, while Nemanja Vidic has also been excellent for United. What do you think?
Liverpool to make £30m summer triple spend: 1 GOOD, 2 AVERAGE!
April 13, 2008
A day rarely goes by without a gaggle of players linked with a move to Anfield, and here are three more relating to players who are apparently at the forefront of Rafa’s summer transfer plans. So here is the latest on some older rumours and some slightly newer ones.
Liverpool are challenging West Ham for Lazio’s Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami (The Star)
Lee Cattermole of Middlesbrough is once again being linked with a move to Anfield in the summer. (Daily Mail)
Luka Modric looks more and more like becoming a realistic target for Rafa Benitez. After issuing a come and get me plea, the Croat is now at the front of Benitez’s transfer plans. (various)
Modric is clearly the diamond from this pack, a real star in the making. Although Cattermole is an impressive prospect he has only ever struck me as a solid player but by no means fantastic, however he has only just turned twenty so maybe I am being too harsh. Behrami is a player often linked with a move to the Premier League and this season he has come on leaps and bounds in Serie A, most notably of course for scoring the winner in the Rome derby last month, however he hasn’t exactly helped the overall cause at Lazio lie in mid-table and I really don’t see Valon as a significant signing for a club of Liverpool’s stature.
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Spurs to sell one star for £5m and bring one in for £8m, but does it make sense?
April 13, 2008
Younes Kaboul hasn’t exactly shone at White Hart Lane but I was surprised to hear the news today that Juande Ramos wants to sell a player who does have some potential. Good news for Spurs fans, though, is that JR has a replacement already lined up!
Tottenham are ready to sell French Under-21 skipper Younes Kaboul with Portsmouth interested in the 22-year-old who cost Spurs £7m. (Mail on Sunday)
Middlesbrough defender David Wheater has emerged as a potential target for Ramos as he seeks to solidify his leaky defence (various)
The Boro centre-back looks like a hot prospect and one that Liverpool are also actively chasing. I do think, though, that Kaboul should be kept as he has shown glimpses of quality in an otherwise problematic first season. There are certainly a number of players who should be ahead of him in the queue to be offloaded by Ramos.
Watch Middlesbrough live online
Liverpool to boost English contingent with £12m Middlesbrough pair
April 7, 2008
Rafa’s Liverpool side has a fair contingent of English blood, well fair in comparison with some other Premier League clubs. However apparently Benitez is looking to act ahead of possible legislation demanding a certain ratio of homegrown players in the playing staff and therefore Gareth Southgate should be getting a call sometime soon!
Liverpool are looking to make a £3 million offer for Middlesbrough’s England Under 21 midfielder Lee Cattermole. (The People) There is also continuing speculation surrounding a potential bid for Boro’s outstanding man mountain David Wheater who is on the verge of an England cap.
What could be good news for the Reds would of course spell trouble for the Riverside outfit. I guess it’s a compliment to the youth set-up at Boro when other sides sniff around their up and coming talents, but whilst the money they may well receive for these players may be useful I am sure Southgate will be doing all he can to stop his players from having their heads turned by the likes of Liverpool, but in the end would he stand in their way?
Watch Middlesbrough live online
Middlesbrough striker singing Beautiful South song after brace against Manchester United
April 7, 2008
Take it away Mr Afonso Alves…with apologies to the great band from the north.
I need a little time
To score for Boro
I need a little space
Just on the ball
I need a little time
To lose my marker
I need a little…Funny how quick the wrongs have been righted
Isn’t it, isn’t it
Nothing like a brace against Man United
Isn’t there, isn’t there
The booing and slating turns to dust
A substitute’s will just turn to rust
A better contract to discuss…
You see, the Brazilian just needed a little time to get going for Middlesbrough, as the Daily Mail reports. It was always a question of when rather than if for the former Heerenveen striker, who caused the United defence no end of problems on Sunday afternoon.
Afonso Alves said: “Of course it was a dream come true to score against Manchester United but don’t get me wrong, I want to do the same against other teams as well.
“I needed time and patience but I knew the goals would come. I was not worried when I missed the chances against Chelsea because I knew it was only a matter of time before I got goals.
“It is only natural that I am happy I scored but I would have had a lot more to smile about if we had won.”
Is he fast on the way to becoming a Middlesbrough singing legend?
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Title race is back on as Utd bugger up against Middlesbrough
April 7, 2008
Middlesbrough are a curious team, they have a tepid record against their mediocre midtable colleagues, but put them against a Big 4 side and they suddenly play their socks off. This weekend saw ‘Boro get a thoroughly deserved 2-2 draw against Manchester United at the Riverside and Sir Alex’s misery didn’t just end with the two dropped points, as Rio Ferdinand limped off sparking fears that United might have to make do without both Vidic and Rio - squeaky bum time indeed!
When S’Alex was asked about Rio’s replacement, Gerard Pique - he seemed more than happy with his contribution, which is just as well as he could be thrown in at the deep end against Roma on Wednesday.
Watch Manchester United live online
West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa battle it out for £6m Rangers ace
April 6, 2008
Kris Boyd is a goalscoring phenomenon, 72 starts and 66 goals, but perhaps more phenomenally he isn’t getting a regular first team place at table topping Rangers. And it appears it might be beginning to affect the former Killie hitman.
Boyd said “Look, the team has been winning so nobody can say the gaffer has got it wrong. I certainly am not saying that.
“But I don’t think he or anybody else at the club would be happy if I wasn’t frustrated. Of course I’m frustrated. I want to play.” (Daily Record)
There is a long queue of clubs interested in the 24 year old striker. With Birmingham, West Ham, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Everton all supposedly keeping tabs on the Scottish international.
Rafa’s Liverpool clear out: Aston Villa, West Ham and Middlesbrough want £5m man
April 2, 2008
Believe it or not Liverpool’s somewhat faltering wide man Jermaine Pennant has been around for almost a decade now. He arrived a fresh faced youth at Notts County and was snapped up by well known collector of young talent, Arsene Wenger.
However six years later he only had two Premier League starts to his name and he was offloaded to Birmingham where his career was reignited a move to Liverpool appeared to be the impetus for another re-birth but it hasn’t quite happened and now it appears that
Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant is a target for Premiership rivals.
Jermaine Pennant’s appears to be heading for the Anfield exit with Aston Villa, West Ham and Middlesbrough paying very close attention (Daily Mail)
Mr. Pennant has become something of a figure of fun after some well publicised incidents and he is in danger of never really living up to his potential. Maybe his next move will rejuvenate the 25 year old if not he could just become a nearly man of football. Is he by any chance the player to have played the most Under 21 England games to have never won a full international cap? That’s the question of the day, answers on a postcard or simply in the comment box will suffice.
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Spurs man in £2m move to Aston Villa or Middlesbrough, daylight robbery!
March 31, 2008
So Aston Villa decided that the valuation of Scott Carson was too steep, fair enough, although I disagree to some extent I could still see their point. However the amount they appear to be about to purchase England keeper Paul Robinson for is surely a joke?
Spurs will allow Paul Robinson leave White Hart Lane for £2m with Middlesbrough and Aston Villa believed to be interested in the England keeper. (The People)
Gareth Southgate’s Boro are also sniffing around the much maligned former Leeds man. Let’s get this straight, Robbo hasn’t been at his best in recent months, years, decades etc… however surely that valuation is way below what he is worth. Lets get this in perspective. Mido went for £6m! I know Ramos wants him out but surely they should try to get their money’s worth!
Middlesbrough manager: ‘I’m a weirdo and I think we’ll beat Chelsea’
March 29, 2008
Come now, Gareth, don’t be so hard on yourself. There’s nothing wrong with believing in your team’s abilities, even if some of the recent performances have been pretty pretty dire. Especially the 2-0 home defeat to Cardiff in the FA Cup - how do you explain that one away? The 1-0 home win over Derby was hardly the stuff of dreams either, especially when you’re dominated by the basement boys in the second half. However, stranger things have happened (not many admittedly) than Middlesbrough going to Stamford Bridge on Sunday and winning, with Sporting Life reporting Southgate believes this can happen.
“If you can put a man on the moon then you can beat Chelsea in a football match.
Southgate added: “It’s a very difficult task if you go there thinking about how many games they’ve gone without losing. But I’m one of those weirdos who believes we can win every game we go into.
“We played them at home two years ago and beat them after nobody gave us a prayer. I firmly believe that on our day we can beat any team in the league. Having that sort of belief is half the battle.”
The Boro boss can certainly take some confidence from the way his team performed at the Emirates recently, leading as they did until four minutes from the end when Kolo Toure equalised for Arsenal. They also ran Liverpool close in February, losing 3-2 at Anfield despite being down to ten men. They’ll be dancing in the streets of Manchester tomorrow (well the red half) if Middlesbrough can end this impressive unbeaten run of games at home that Chelsea have put together.
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