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Issue No. 86 Monthly August - December 2014

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LEE CLARK ON THE CHALLENGE AHEAD JOHN BARNES ON HAVING TO DEAL WITH RACISM INTERVIEW WITH EMILE HESKEY

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WELCOME Marco Rojo seals switch to Old Trafford

Rojo: I will help Reds fire again MARCO ROJO says he has joined Manchester United because he can help them back on the trophy trail, writes Roshane Thomas The defender (above) completed his £16million switch from Sporting Lisbon - with out-of-favour Nani going the other way on loan - and has signed a lengthy five-year deal. “It’s such an honour to say I now play for Manchester United,” said the Argentine. “I joined United to work hard with my team-mates to win trophies and I know the manager shares that ambition. Playing for such an experienced technical Louis van Gaal is a fantastic opportunity.” Rojo was part of the Argentina side which beat Van Gaal’s Holland in the semi-final in Brazil, but narrowly lost 1-0 to Germany in the final. “Marcos is a very gifted defender,” said Van Gaal. “He has played at the highest level and can play either as a central defender or left-back. “He has ability, physical strength and a willingness to learn, That means he has a very bright future. He had a very strong World Cup and has been playing in Europe for a couple of years. He is a very good addition.” Despite Rojo’s arrival at Old Trafford Van Gaal looks set to bolster his defence once more having been heavily linked with a switch for Ajax defender Daley Blind, who was apart of his World Cup squad for Holland. The 24-year-old can operate at left-back or in central midfield, where the Red Devils are in desperate need of reinforcements. United have also been in hot pursuit of Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal, but have more recently shelved their interest amid concerns over Vidal’s knee. However, Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta dismissed concerns, saying the player was back training and set to return. He said: “Vidal is fine. He resumed working and the knee is fully functional.” Morotta denied Vidal was for sale, even though it is understood the Italian champions are prepared to cash in on either him or France star Paul Pogba, who cost Juve nothing when he joined them when his contract ran out at Old Trafford. It is believed the Italian club want £34m for Vidal, which has put off United making a formal offer, but it is understood that he is keen on a switch to the Premier League giants. United talisman Robin van Persie will make his first appearance this season at Sunderland on Sunday. The Dutchman missed the start of the campaign because he was still building up his fitness following Brazil World Cup exploits with Holland. Van Gaal believes he is ready to play at the Stadium of Light, barring any setbacks in training.

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United boss reveals how he selects players LOUIS VAN GAAL has assured United fans he will not build the club around superstar signings. The Old Trafford faithful are desperate for Van Gaal to secure the signature of a worldclass star before the transfer window closes in 10 days. But they are likely to be disappointed because the United manager says he does not believe in focusing on just individuals. The Dutchman has placed his emphasis on strengthening the team by im-

proving every individual in it. “If you don’t know how to get the best out of each talent in your squad, you’re wasting your time,” he said. “If I want to create a winning team, I have to make sure each individual is trained in the perfect way. So, I spend more time on individual improvement. As the sum of all the individual improvements will define the success rate of the team. “This is why I am not a great believer in one world-class player in a team. I will never build a team around one-world class player. “That leads to disaster. What happens when that one player gets injured? It would mean the team will collapse, as they can’t do without him.” Van Gaal, 63,

reveals his managerial philosophy in his book My Vision. The book details why he has not rushed headlong into the transfer market since taking over last month and the remarkable colour-coded system he applies to every player he works with. The former Barcelona boss has previously pulled out of possible deals for Toni Kroos, Cesc Fabregas and Thomas Muller, despite months of groundwork by ex-United manager David Moyes. But the Dutchman gave the thumbs-up to rising England star Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera transfers - again, after Moyes had scouted the pair while Marcos Rojo’s arrival from Sporting Lisbon, for £16m, is the only signing which is purely

down to him. Van Gaal’s priority this summer has been to assess all his players before deciding how to re-shape United. He is most interested in their personality and divides his players into colour groups blue, green and red. “A blue player is intellectual and is always looking for structure and security in his job on the pitch, the Dutchman explains in My Vision. “A green player is very emotional, sensitive for different emotions or a different atmosphere in the squad. A red player is creative, full of power, will want to work and is always focusing on the future. As a manager, I can work towards each category of players.”

MULLER SNUBS UNITED

BY ROSHANE THOMAS

THOMAS MULLER has claimed he rejected an “astronomical offer” to join Manchester United earlier this summer. Muller was on the radar of ex-United boss David Moyes and prior to his sacking the Premier

League side had lined up a £25m bid for the Germany and Bayern Munich forward. Muller, 24, claims he did not want to leave the Bundesliga champions, even though United were willing to offer him more money. When asked

Thursday, August 21, 2014

MANCHESTER UNITED: VAN GAAL’S PHILOSOPHY

LVG: MY RED, GREEN AND BLUE PRINT BY ROSHANE THOMAS

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if the Red Devils had tried to sign him, he replied: “Of course. I was aware that I could earn more by making that transfer. The amount they were offering me was astronomical. Bayern are my club a change was not needed.”

SEALED Dzeko signed a new deal at the Etihad

City Edin for more trophies BY ROSHANE THOMAS EDIN DZEKO claims he can fulfil his dreams with the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City after penning a new four-year contract. The City striker has become the latest figure at the Etihad to commit his future to the club and says he has aspirations of adding to the four major trophies he has won with the Blues. Dzeko, ho had entered the final year of his old deal, said: “I’m really happy here. It’s a second home to me, so it was an easy decision to stay for the long term. “I’m settled perfectly to life here, I know my team-mates and the club very well and feel like I can improve even more. “I believe I am in the perfect place to achieve my dreams and objectives.”

FUTURE Petr Cech’s future at Chelsea is in doubt

Monaco eye ousted Cech

BY ROSHANE THOMAS MEGA-RICH Monaco have lined up a £10million bid to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech. The French side are prepared to give Cech a three-year deal to lure him away from Stamford Bridge. The 32-year-old has been left in the dark by Jose Mourinho, who appears to have made Thibaut Courtois his new No.1. Cech’s situation has also alerted Paris Saint-Germain with both clubs set to fight it out to secure his signature.

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FORMER ARSENAL GOALKEEPER

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TUESDAY AUGUST 26 2014

Sheffield United overcome West Ham on penalties

Southampton U21 secure first win of the season

BY ROSHANE THOMAS

sentially now living the dream. But when June approached Shea’s release imous enough to allow the young from the club eventually transpired goalkeeper to continue training at and despite being unperturbed the club, with his previous boss at about his departure it was the Harrow also good friends with the inability to get a club sooner which goalkeeping coach at the Gunners. Shea found difficult to deal with. “I still trained over at Arsenal Shea said: “I thought I might’ve and everything,” Shea said. “My had a chance of getting a contract. goalkeeping coach at Arsenal, Tony At the beginning of the season I Roberts, is very good friends with would’ve said no but as the seaDave Anderson - the manager at son wore on I got more and more Harrow, and Tony asked me if I involved in the first-team. wanted to go to Harrow in order to “I thought because I was on the get game time and I said: ‘Yes, that bench about seven times there would be great.’ would’ve been a chance to get an“So I played my games at Harrow other contract. But it didn’t happen and still trained at Arsenal. I didn’t and to be honest I wasn’t upset, I have a normal job, I just played for just thought it’s an opportunity now to find a club, get game time and play regularly. “But nothing came up to be honest and that was very hard to deal with.” MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - Dennis Bergkamp scoring at the But whilst at Arsenal North Bank, I can’t remember who it was against but, it was a Champions Shea, then 19, had a memLeague match because I remember we had to score in the second leg. orable moment when he trained with the England WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - Just Arsenal. senior team, managed then THE BEST OPPONENT I PLAYED AGAINST WAS - I played against Ravel by Fabio Capello. Morrison a few times at youth level and he was good. Paul Pogba as well was “That was a weird day pretty good. Jonjo Shelvey is another one, he always liked a battle when he because I was just walking was younger. out to training and I got told England needed a I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - It’s the greatest game and best job in the goalkeeper,” Shea added. world easily. “So I quickly ran back inHarrow, so instead of staying at home and doing nothing I went to go and train over at Arsenal.” During his last season at the Premier League side Shea made the bench for five of Arsenal’s Champions League games, due to the likes of Vito Mannone and childhood friend Wojciech Szczesny being plagued by injuries. With opportunities to be involved in the firstteam greater than he envisioned Shea was more optimistic of a contract extension come the end of the campaign. Having started the term as a fifthchoice goalkeeper to then boarding private plans to the likes of Montpellier and Schalke, Shea was es-

I Love Football - James Shea

side to say to the goalkeeping coach: ‘Look England need a goalkeeper.’ “And at the time I was the only young English goalkeeper at Arsenal. So Tony Roberts said to me: ‘I can go and train with them if I wanted to.’ By the time I had to go back outside and train with them the England players were already walking out to train; so I just carried on walking with them. “I ended up having a good session with them and I got to train with Joe Hart who was really nice and everything. I didn’t ask him for any advice or anything like, but it was just a case that he was a really nice man just to talk to and to have a chat with to be honest. It was another great experience for me.” Now one year after his release from Arsenal Shea has fulfilled his target of getting back into professional football with League Two side AFC Wimbledon, and the shot-stopper is aiming to repay the faith the club showed in signing him. Shea said: “Wimbledon took a chance on me and now I want to repay that.”

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the game In association with

LAST SEASON former Arsenal goalkeeper James Shea was spending his days training with Santi Cazorla and his nights playing for Isthmian League Premier Division side Harrow Barrow. For Shea it was a tale of two contrasting lifestyles. Having been released from his boyhood club in the summer of 2013, the 23-year-old later found himself Non-League bound - playing semi-professional football for his local side Harrow Barrow. Despite his departure from the Gunners, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was magnan-

Aguero starts season in style Late goal from Aguero seals victory for champions at Newcastle.

SUNDERLAND V MAN UTD, SUNDAY 4PM

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Capital One Cup

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U21 Premier League

Blades exact shoot-out revenge on West Ham after Winston Reid blunder

Rowe and Seager inspire young Saints to first win of the season

ROSHANE THOMAS

West Ham United Sakho 39

Sheffield United Reid, og, 57

1 1

Referee J Linington Attendance 28,930 Sheffield United beat West Ham United in a thrilling 5-4 penalty shoot-out to progress towards the third round of the Capital One Cup as they aim to rekindle last season’s promising showing in the competition. Summer signing Diafra Sakho broke the deadlock for the hosts when he scored a towering header past Mark Howard. But the home side failed to capitalise on their superiority they established with the goal which later saw Sheffield United pour forward in an attempt to draw level. It ended up being a calamitous error from Winston Reid, who netted an own goal, which brought the away side back into the game. But despite the match being evenly balanced neither teams were able to seal the win in normal time which resulted in an additional 30 minutes of extra-time. But with the game eventually being decided on penalty shoot-out it was Sheffield United who prevailed in the end and left Upton Park victorious and into the hat for the third round of the Capital One Cup. This second round League Cup tie had the abundance of vitriol, venom and downright loathing when the hosts welcomed Sheffield United to Upton Park for the first time since the 2006/07 season when both clubs were embroiled in a Premier League survival scrape. The visitors won on that occasion but it was West Ham who came out victorious come the end of the campaign as their great escape culminated in Sheffield United’s relegation back to the Championship. A certain Argentine,

Carlos Tevez, proved to be the decisive factor for the Hammers following their successful bid in avoiding relegation from the top-flight. And ever since there has been an incendiary issue between the two clubs with West Ham paying in the region of £20m in compensation to the League One outfit. It took 21 minutes for West Ham to register their first shot on goal with Valencia unleashing a tantalising strike from 25 yards which Howard failed to gather and Ricardo Vaz Te very nearly got on the end of the rebound only for Howard to recover in time - to deny the Hammers an early advantage. A sumptuous team move saw Valencia pass up a glorious chance to put the home side in front. Demel once more laid it off for the striker who squandered the wonderful opportunity to give his side the lead when his tame effort on goal was saved comfortably by Howard. With the away sides attack proving infrequent frustration grew as they started to give away possession needlessly. Chris Basham was adjudged to have brought down Ricardo Vaz Te 25 yards in the middle of the pitch. Morrison stepped up and his well executed freekick past the wall was parried away by the heavily tested Howard to force a corner-kick and the resultant set-piece nearly saw the home side get the breakthrough when Valencia’s flick-on saw Howard called upon once more to serve another opportunity for Sam Allardyce’s men to profit from another corner-kick. This time the home side opted to play a short corner with Demel passing to Morrison who surged his way past Bob Harris. The midfielder got into the visitors box and was subsequently fouled, perhaps maximising the contact, but his pleas for a penalty were ignored by the referee with the latter instead opting to brandish a yellow card to Morrison to leave the youngster bewilderingly frustrated. With half-time looming West Ham’s penetrative qualities reaped the rewards when the influential

West Ham U21

Southampton U21 Referee L Betts Attendance 230

Sakho scored a header to give the Hammers a deserved 1-0 lead on the 39th minute. Morrison threaded a pass towards the right flank for Reece Burke whose in-swinging cross was headed in by the summer signing which delighted the Upton Park faithful. As they aimed to emulate last season’s success in the FA Cup the away side signified a step in the right direction when they reduced the arrears on the 57th minute. Harris whipped in a cross down the left channel which was eventually flicked on by Marc McNulty only for Reid to make the calamitous error of netting an own goal having misread the flick on. Having scored at the weekend Stewart Downing was brought on for goalscorer Sakho and Allardyce’s substitution nearly paid dividends when Downing saw his dipping effort tipped over the bar by the impenetrable Howard. With neither teams able to get the goal needed to progress to the third round of the League Cup in the 90 minutes extra-time was required which perhaps favoured Sheffield United, with the nothing to lose factor, and also due to Nigel Clough’s side looking more impotent during the second-half. It was that stage of the match were fresh legs were required as the inevitable element of cramp would kick in. But in the end it was Sheffield United who left Upton Park the happier of the two sides, and gave their fans the bragging rights, when Michael Doyle’s decisive penalty saw them progress into the third round of the Capital One Cup.

Big Sam blunted by Blades

RATINGS

West Ham United (4-5-1): Jaaskelainen, Demel, Potts, Burke, Reid (c), Poyet, Morrison (sub: Noble, 96), Diame, Vaz Te (sub: Zarate, 79), Valencia, Sako (sub: Downing, 63) Substitutes not used: Spiegel, Page, Oxford, Lee Booked: Morrison

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Sheffield United (4-2-3-1): Howard, Alcock, Harris (sub: McEveley, 73), McGahey, Collins, Basham, Doyle (c), Flynn (sub: Campbell-Ryce, 84), Davies, Baxter (sub: Wallace, 99), McNulty Substitutes not used: Turner, Murphy, Higdon, Reed Booked: Basham

A frustrated Allardyce looks on as his West Ham side rue missed chances following their second round exit of the Capital One Cup to League One outfit Sheffield United

Sam Allardyce’s West Ham side went crashing out of the Capital One Cup at the first hurdle following their penalty shoot-out defeat against Sheffield United. Despite their shock cup exit the West Ham boss heaped praise on the impenetrable Mark Howard, who pulled off a string off fine saves to send the Blades into the hat for the third round draw. “He [Mark Howard] pulled off saves well beyond the league he is playing in,” said Allardyce. “He has had one of those inspired nights and, of course, if he plays like that all season he won’t be staying in League One. “We found a keeper in his top form and that has cost us in the end because he’s the one who saved the penalty as well. “It’s a disappointing night in the fact that we lost, but the football that we played and the people going out there and getting the game they needed under their belts gave an excellent account of themselves.” The ex-Newcastle manager also stressed how missing out on the chance of progressing in the competition would result in his fringe players finding it hard to secure a regular starting berth later criticising the U21 league as being uncompetitive. He added: “The Capital One Cup is the only competition some other players can show me they deserve a place in the team. “The rest of the time we can only train them because the U21 league is not competitive enough to strengthen their development.”

1 2

Ryan Seager and the outstanding Omar Rowe inspired Southampton to a comfortable 2-1 victory over West Ham U21 at Upton Park on Friday. Rowe opened his account for the new season with a brilliant finish past the despairing dive of Raphael Spiegel to give the young Saints an early advantage. As West Ham struggled to crave out opportunities the away side established a two-goal lead when Rowe turned provider swinging in a superb corner-kick where Ryan Seager had the presents of mind to elude his marker and smash it home from close range to earn a deserved win for Martin Hunter’s men - despite Adrian Wojcik Kosela’s late consolation goal for the hosts. Nick Haycock’s defence were proving fallible as the Saints continued to cause them problem. The away side drew first blood in similar fashion to their first attempt on goal. Josh Cullen was dispossessed by McQueen, who superbly laid it off for Rowe with the striker controlling with

ease to drill it past Spiegel into the bottom right-hand corner. The hosts began in search of drawing level to avoid a repeat of Monday’s 2-1 defeat. West Ham pressed higher up the field and it nearly paid a rich reward for the home side when Lee saw his strike from close range headed off the line by Niall Mason - to strengthen the visitors hopes of entering the break with the lead. Southampton outshone their opponents in superiority to establish a two-goal cushion. Earlier goalscorer Rowe swung in a delightful corner-kick and West Ham’s defence, not for the first time, faltered with Seager seizing on the opportunity to smash it home, much to the home supporters displeasure. Second-half substitute Wojcik Kosela had another glorious chance to halve the deficit when he side-footed his effort over the bar as West Ham were being left to rue missed chances. But Wojcik Kosela finally got his reward in the 90th minute when he cooly drilled it past Cody Cropper at the far-post to make it 2-1. His consolation goal proved to be the last meaningly effort in the game with Southampton’s dominate first-half performance proving decisive with Hunter’s men leaving Upton Park the happier of the two sides. Next for West Ham is a home fixture against Liverpool U21 were I doubt they will play as anaemically again.

RATINGS

West Ham U21: Spiegel, Westley, Page, Cullen, Onariase, Oxford, Turgott (sub: Sadlier, 37), Bywater, Lee, Lletget, Fanimo (sub: Wojcik-Kosela, 64) Substitutes not used: Brown, Knoyle, Nasha Southampton: Cropper, Mason, McCarthy (c), Wood, Debayo, Flannigan, Hesketh, Seager, Sims, Rowe (sub: Demkiv, 85), McQueen Substitutes not used: Johns, Clinton, Regis, Little

Reading (4-4-2): McCarthy, Gunter, Obita, Hector, Pearce, Guthrie (C), Akpan J Taylor (85), Drenthe (McCleary 74), Blackman (McAnuff 76), Robson-Kanu, Le Fondre. Substitutes not used: Kederici, Kelly, Gorkss, Tshibola.

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Bumper deal for Phil

BETTER TIMES ... Sinclair enjoyed a twoyear spell at Swansea.

MANCHESTER UNITED are set to offer Phil Jones a bumper new £19.5million contract. Defender Jones, 22, has two years left on his £50,000-a-week contract. But the club’s top brass are rumoured to want to up that to £75,000-a-week contract.

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

THINK ABOUT YOUR FUTURE Love of money is at the root of all evil for young players in England

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cott Sinclair’s stagnating career at Manchester City should serve a remainder to young players that when a big-money transfer presents itself, ask yourself ‘Will I play?’. Sinclair was on course to be one of the brightest young talent in English football, but his career has stalled since his £6.2m switch to the reigning Premier League champions in 2012. The 25-year-old has been a periphery figure at the Etihad since his arrival. The former Chelsea trainee made just three starts in his debut season under Roberto Mancini. In order to rebuild his once burgeoning reputation Sinclair was loaned out to a struggling West Brom side. But despite the Premier League side often sitting in a precarious Premier League position last term this still lead to Pepe Mel, who has since left his role as West Brom manager, opting against including the winger in his match day squad - as he only made 11 appearances for the club. It’s got to a stage where Sinclair is more known for his relationship with Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan than anything he has produced on a football pitch within the last two years. This is a huge contrast to 2012 when Sinclair had the world at his feet. Having played an integral role in Swansea City’s Champi-

BY ROSHANE THOMAS

into the first-team. Following fan favourite Micah Richards’ exit to Fiorentina, albeit on loan, this onship play-off final triumph over leaves City with only three English Reading, in May 2011 at Wembley, players in the senior team, in Joe the former England U21 international enjoyed a great first season in Hart, James Milner and Sinclair. This has been a problem for the top-flight with the Swans. many years now in the Premier His imperious form saw the wingLeague, with a vast number of er called up to the Team GB squad talented British youngsters playing for the 2012 Olympics, along with their trade at U21 level. Daniel Sturridge, although their Highly-rated Derby County careers have been indistinguishable midfielder Will Hughes is a prime since 2012. example of a young player who Similar to Sinclair, in the sumwould rather play week-in-weekmer of 2012 Joe Allen also earned a switch to a big club when Liverpool out as opposed to sitting on the secured his signature for a hefty fee bench or even worse playing for the U21 side at one of the big of £15m. teams, which has recently been a Likewise with Sturridge, Allen and Sinclair’s careers have diverted modern trend. Had Scott Sinclair decided to radically since they were teamthink in the same fashion perhaps mates. he could have been in the same Of course injuries have somewhat bracket as the likes of Raheem hampered his progression at ManSterling, Alex Oxlade-Chamberchester City, but Sinclair would have lain and even Andros Townsend. known prior to his arrival at City With the transfer window closed that due to the illustrious names at Sinclair has to endure another four the Premier League giants disposal months on the bench before a poit was always going to be difficult for the Englishman to compete with tential departure from the Ethiad some of the biggest players Europe- Stadium materialises. Sinclair’s story is a perfect an football has to offer. example to all prodigies that find Prior to the Sheikh Mansour era themselves in demand at a young City had improved incrementally at age ‘ A m I going to play?’ is the producing home grown talent, with fundamental question they should Shaun-Wright Phillips a noticeable ask themselves before any transfer. figure from that era, and - much to It suits the biggest clubs to send the fans displeasure - selling them a youngster on endless loan deals. on for huge fees. But one thing for sure is that there But due to their new found wealth will always be another player in it will almost be unheard of for a the same predicament as Sinclair. youth player to make the step up

I Love Football - Jay Emmanuel-Thomas MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL Playing at the local park with my friends and my dad, who then decided to take me to join a Sunday League side.

WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - I used to go and watch Arsenal when I was a young player for the Gunners.

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HOLLAND midfielder Jonathan De Guzman has joined Napoli from Spanish side Villarreal. The Dutchman spent the past two seasons at Swansea.

STEVE BRUCE is eyeing up a £2.5million swoop for Rotherham’s Ben Pringle as a replacement for crocked Hull winger Robert Snodgrass.

FEDERICO FERNANDEZ has completed a £7million move to Swansea penning a four-year contract. The defender is set to make his debut on Saturday.

CHEICK TIOTE is wanted by Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow but Newcastle will only sell for £14million-plus for the Ivory Coast midfielder.

BALOTELLI ON

LAST CHANCE BY ROSHANE THOMAS BRENDAN RODGERS has told Mario Balotelli he is on his “last chance” after joining Liverpool for £16m from AC Milan. The Italy international watched Liverpool’s 3-1 loss at former club Manchester City on Monday. Balotelli penned a three-year contract with the Reds and although manager Brendan Rodgers admits the signing is a “calculated risk” he remains positive that he can curb his “flaws”. “We can improve him as a player and help him mature,” said Rodgers. “He’s a bright boy. He was very clever. He understood where he’s at, at this stage of his career, and he knows himself that this is probably his last chance. “Time will tell. Of course it is a risk. I am not going to say it wasn’t but he knows he needs to fit into our culture.” During his time in England he helped City win their first Premier League title in 44 years having scored 30 goals in 88 games. Rodgers added: “As a coach I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Fonte needs Mor time

SOUTHAMPTON defender Jose Fonte has pleaded with Morgan Schneiderlin to stay at the club. The Frenchman (left) wants to reunite with old boss Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER ARSENAL TRAINEE

WHEN I WAS 18 I WAS CONSIDERED TO BE THE NEXT BIG THING Lee Canoville endured an indifferent four-year spell at the Gunners, which eventually led to his departure in 2001. When Canoville was a teenager he had footballing abilities beyond his tender years and was considered to be one the brightest young talents in English football at the time. However, now retired Canoville reflects on what might have been. BY ROSHANE THOMAS

EXCLUSIVE

e was one of the best young players in England. He signed for Arsenal at the tender age of 16 and was groomed for Premier League stardom. But now aged 33 Lee Canoville believes injuries ultimately culminated in him being unable to fulfil his once burgeoning potential, which set the tone for a career in the lower echelons of English football. The future of a highly-rated English youngster is always going to be precarious. Some become household names whilst others relinquish their love for the game having failed to live a career they would have desired. For Canoville, however, he was the modern day Reece Oxford back in the late 90’s. The former Arsenal defender left his home at the age of 14 to attend the FA National School at Lilleshall, which has since closed. Recognised as having exceptional talent beyond his tender years, the defender spent two years playing and training with some of the best young players in the country which included the likes of Michael Owen, Wes Brown, Scott Parker and Joe Cole. Courted by big clubs promising him a lucrative future Canoville’s talent prompted Arsenal to sign him as an apprentice in 1997 where he eventually penned professional terms three years later. “At the time I was a school boy for Millwall and because I was up at the National School we had a lot of scouts coming to watch us,” Canoville said. “So I had a lot of interest from Arsenal while I was there. When I ended up leaving the school to go into an academy it was Arsenal that I chose in the end. I got quite close with Liam Brady with the way he sold

the club to me and I was going to watch the games and all those things. “I went there as a YTS [Youth Training Scheme] so I could live at home, which was brilliant because I’d lived away for two years. My parents lived near the Arsenal training ground and that was perfect for me.” Canoville’s tangible dreams of becoming a professional footballer had come to fruition, but despite securing his dream switch to Arsenal making the step up into the firstteam proved to be his stumbling block. The elegant defender was excelling at youth and reserve level, however due to the plethora of defensive talents Arsene Wenger had at his disposal Canoville was unable to dislodge the likes of Tony Adams and Martin Keown. He said: “What I found was that it was quite tough to break into the first-team. The first year was brilliant because it was youth team and reserves and it was quite a quick progression. But then obviously to break into the next bit was challenging. At that time the players in

my position at Arsenal was Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Steve Bould and Matthew Upson was also coming through. So it was quite a difficult team to get in to.” Having been considered a major talent at such a young age Canoville was for the first time in his career experiencing his sheer of disappointment. So much could go wrong: failure to progress as a player, lack of game time and injury - however all the above summed up his spell at Arsenal which coincided in his inability to make the breakthrough. Despite having fond memories during his time at the Gunners it was nightmarish memories of a year long injury which Canoville looks back at with a sense of sadness. “I had a very bad knee injury which kept me out for a year which looking back now at 17 to 18 is quite critical and I was out for the whole season,” Canoville added. “So when I look back now that probably hampered my progression without even knowing it at the time. “Even though I was still highly regarded at the club other lads were then coming through and I was injured so I couldn’t really do much.” But upon his return from injury Canoville fulfilled a life long ambition when he made his first-team debut for Arsenal in the Capital One Cup. Wenger has been accustomed to blooding youngsters in this competition and Canoville was no different. This was the defender’s first real opportunity to showcase his ability under the watchful eye of Wenger. Despite not starting the match Canoville, aged 19 at the time, came off the bench for the last 20 minutes - a moment he considers to be one of the highlights of his career.” He said: “Just to be involved in it all was a great feeling. It’s known that

Lee Canoville talks about his love for the great game MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL IS: Joining my first young team when I was about seven and I used to play with my older brother in the garden. I remember playing and maybe everyone saw that I had this ability to take players on. So I remember having a lot of attention from parents and every kid wanted me to be on their team. So that was probably my earliest memory. Wenger puts out his younger players and players that haven’t really been playing in the cup, so it was the same back then. “It was brilliant just to be involved with the first-team and as much as we saw them everyday and things, I never knew how they prepared for a game, or how it all worked on game day. So it was a brilliant feeling. We

MY FOOTBALLING HERO WAS - Tony Adams. When I first signed for Arsenal I obviously must have mentioned that to Liam Brady and I ended up cleaning Adams’ boots and I absolutely loved it. I also had to clean Steve Bould’s boots. It was brilliant and I got closer to those two because I was obviously their boot boy.

met up early and then went to a hotel and had some lunch. Then we slept for a bit and got up for a pre-match meal. “Just to be apart of all that the preparation for a game not knowing I was going to be on the bench was great. “I still remember it today, I was warming up and I remember Pat Rice shouting: ‘Cannors you’re coming on,’ Canoville added. “So I sort of jogged

back all nervous thinking: ‘Wow, I’m actually coming on.’ “But it was a proud moment. I remember Wenger kept telling me who I needed to mark from set-pieces. I can still remember it even all those years ago and that was proud moment for me, but more so for my family seeing me come on.” With Canoville starting to show

I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - It’s given me enjoyment from a seven-year-old playing with my mates to then going on to become a professional footballer. I think football brings happiness, massive friendships with people you would probably never meet and just enjoyment again. Hopefully I can pass that knowledge onto other children.

glimpses of his talent the dreaded scenario of injury struck once more for the centre-half, further hampering any chances of him making it at Arsenal. Aged 20, and following an injury ravaged spell at the Gunners, Canoville eventually left the club in 2001 where the fairytale dream ended sooner than he would have

envisioned. Fast forward 13 years the defender is now using his experience to good effect, coaching the next crop of players making the breakthrough in English football within the Nottingham area. Despite not being able to endure a fulfilling career in the top-flight any aspirations once dashed through his sheer of bad luck has since been

revived through the achievements of Canoville Coaching - something which he is thoroughly proud of. Having started the business from scratch Canoville has indeed found a fulfilling enjoyment after football. Coaching young players who enter the game lovestruck, eager to impress, their boots full of dreams and adolescent self-belief has been Canoville’s forte. He knows full well of the enormous expectations a young player has to deal with as well as an inkling of how shattering it could be. He said: “I made my debut and then sort of the last couple of years it was very difficult due to my injury and I sort of knew by the time I was 20 that it didn’t look likely it was going to happen. I wasn’t going to be a regular, I wasn’t really in any of Wenger’s plans, so that’s when I had to look elsewhere. “I think that’s why I’m in the best

sort of place now to give that advice to kids really because at 18 I was considered to be the next big thing. “The one’s now that are 18 that think they’re the best thing ever; there’s a slim, slim chance they’ll become that. If they still want a career in the lower leagues or in the Championship - or anything like that, they’ve got to be able to open their eyes to it all. “We have some kids around the Nottingham area, who meant to be the next big thing,” Canoville added. “They’re all 12 and 13 and if they’re at Forest they’re meant to be unbelievable, whereas I know different I’m thinking: ‘You wouldn’t even get into my Arsenal team back then.’ “But here they think they’re the next Messi. I try to get them back on track because it’s a Championship club they’re at. They’ve got a long way to go if they think they’re going to be the next huge thing.”

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LIVERPOOL SUMMER SINGING AIMING TO MAKE HIS MARK AT ANFIELD FOLLOWING £20M SWITCH

BY ROSHANE THOMAS LIVERPOOL have signed Lazar Markovic for £20m but the highly-rated forward is not worried about living up to his hefty price tag. Having cost the Reds £1million for every one of his 20 years, Markovic accepts he must deliver because Liverpool paid so much to secure his signature from Benfica after just one season with the Portuguese giants. The Serbian says he has challenged himself every day since he started out with Partizan Belgrade in his homeland. “I’m not afraid of challenges,” he said. “It was the same when they took me on trial at Partizan, when the Benfica offer arrived and when Liverpool signalled they wanted me in their ranks. “I believe in myself and in the luck that’s following me. I believe in the people in charge of my career. That is why I go with my dreams. “I believe Liverpool fans expect a lot from me, and to be honest I expect a lot from myself. The same applies for the people, who worked hard to bring me here. “I don’t have any fear or stage fright whatsoever. To tell you the truth, I can’t wait to start playing for Liverpool.” The highly-rated Serbia winger has recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered on Liverpool’s US tour and is set to make his competitive debut on Monday at reigning champions Manchester City. He is determined to play his part in another Reds title challenge after being crowned champion in all his four

seasons as a professional - three with Partizan and one with Benfica. “The competition is fierce, but I didn’t come to Anfield to fight for sixth or seventh place,” he said. “Liverpool and our fans deserve the return of the most important trophy. I would love to be a part of the generation that brings this trophy back to Liverpool. “With the Premier League and the Champions League, we’ll be going for it on both fronts. There are a lot of reasons for optimism.” Markovic is seen as one of the Europe’s brightest young prospects and he feels he can blossom under Brendan Rodgers. He added: “The season spent in Benfica helped me mature, become more serious, physically stronger and improve my tactical knowledge. “I was still a little child when my parents explained to me smart people work on themselves and learn as long as they live. “I believe Mr Rodgers will help me to become even better, just like he did with other young players. “We’ll see where the coach will put me because I can play many positions and for every one of them there is great competition. I will give it my all.” Markovic already feels part of the squad and is impressed by skipper Steven Gerrard. “He’s a legend, an icon, the king of the club,” he said. “Yet still he is completely natural and normal. He welcomed me like a true captain, which really meant a lot to me.”

HOW LAZAR HAS SHINED.. MAR2 1994 - Born in Cacak, FR Yugoslavia MAY 2006 - Elder brother Filip was signed by Partizan Belgrade aged 14 MAY 29 2011 - Markovic makes his professional debut for Partizan aged 17. JULY 11 2011 - Signs first professional contract with Partizan on a five-year contract. FEB 28 2012 - Debut for Serbia against Armenia, three days before his 18th birthday. NOV 13 2012 - Scores his first international goal in a friendly against Chile. JUNE 10 2013 - Signed by Portuguese side Benfica. MAY 1 2014 - Sent off in Europa League semi-final against Juventus. JULY 15 2014 - Liverpool announce the signing of Markovic

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NATHANIEL KNIGHT-PERCIVAL

NATHANIEL KNIGHT-PERCIVAL entered new territory in the summer when he became a free agent. The defender enjoyed two years at Peterborough United before he was deemed surplus to requirements by Posh manager Darren Ferguson following his release in the summer. Eventually League Two side Shrewsbury Town came calling and secured his signature, tying the centre-half down on a two-year deal. But despite being a free agent for the first time in his career, Knight-Percival was happy he was able to find a new club

BY ROSHANE THOMAS

During his time at Peterborough United Knight-Percival regards winning the Johnstone Paint Trophy Final as his proudest moment whilst at the club. It was also an occasion where the 27-year-old fulfilled a life long ambition of playing at Wembley, which proved to be one of his most accomplished displays for the club. “Winning the Johnstone Paint Trophy was a great moment for the club,” Knight-Percival said. “Winning any competition is brilliant, so to play in the game at Wembley and to win is definitely one of the highlights of my career.” With stability a common issue for players in the lower leagues of

English football, the centre-half isn’t aiming to replicate his previous spell swiftly, he said: “It was a bit differat Histon, where he spent six-years, ent because I haven’t really been in as times have changed. that kind of position before. But me Instead Knight-Percival is aiming and my agent got stuff sorted pretty to use his time at Shrewsbury to quickly. So it wasn’t really like a good measure with promotion to long spell of not knowing what was League One firmly in his sights. going on. It can sometimes be a bit He added: “It’s hard to say really frustrating for other people, but it [whether he would like to be setwasn’t so bad for me. tled]. I’m throughly enjoying my “I had a few interest from a couple time at Shrewsbury and I’m looking of other clubs. But when I came to to the rest of the season. HopefulShrewsbury and I spoke to the gaffer ly we can win promotion and go he made it very clear to me that he from there, but you know it’s not wanted me here. And he seemed something you think about; you just very passionate about getting me. concentrate on doing the best job He’s been a great gaffer so far, and so you can.” far I’d say it’s been a good decision.” A return to League One at the first time of asking seems a realistic goal for Shrewsbury Town - with the club currently the early season pacesetters in League Two. MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - It would be playing with my mum, Shrewsbury remarkadad and two brothers. bly signed 20 players in the summer following an WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - I supported Liverunprecedented transfer pool but I didn’t really watch anyone. I’d probably watched maybe Cambridge window and the likes of United a couple of times. Ashley Vincent, James Collins and veteran midMY FOOTBALLING HERO WAS - John Barnes. fielder and former Oldham THE BEST OPPONENT I PLAYED AGAINST WAS - Didier Drogba. skipper James Wesolowski, who were also drafted in at I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - I love football because it is the greatest New Meadow - and have thing you could ever do for a living. hit the ground running as

I Love Football - KNP

their quest to end their year long absence from the third tier of English football continues to gather pace. Following the club’s upheaval in the summer Knight-Percival believes the dressing room atmosphere is the catalyst for their promising start to the season, despite the fact it’s a new look squad. “It’s a good atmosphere but there’s a great competitive edge to the team at the moment,” said the defender. “Everyone wants to be playing but that’s healthy really at the end of the day. It’s great for the players who are playing because you know you have to be consistent otherwise you will lose your place to one of the other players. “And due to this our performances have been pretty consistent, I’d say. We’ve had a good start to the season, obviously we have a completely new squad - which can sometimes be quite difficult for everyone to gel together but we’ve done that quite well. “Personally, I’ve been very happy with the way I’ve been playing so far, as well as the team.”

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FORMER BARCELONA STAR SET TO LIGHT UP THE PREMIER LEAGUE FUTURE STAR: Luke Shaw widely tipped to be the long term successor to England international Ashley Cole

ARSENAL pulled off a massive coup in the summer when they signed Chile international Alexis Sanchez on a long-term contract for a fee in the region of £35m, writes Roshane Thomas. With the penetrative qualities of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott at Arsene Wenger’s disposal the signing of Sanchez will strengthen their Premier League credentials. Sanchez joins Arsenal from Barcelona where he made a total of 141 appearances, scoring 47 goals during his three seasons at the Spanish giants. The 25-year-old also netted two goals in the World Cup in Brazil and when questioned about his switch to the Gunners, he said: “I’m so happy to be joining a club which has a great manager, a fantastic squad of players and huge support around the world. I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League and Champions League. I will give my best to Arsenal and want to make all the supporters happy.” Barcelona, meanwhile said: “We thank Alexis Sanchez for his professionalism and dedication and wish him all the best for the future.” Whilst at the Spanish giants Sanchez enjoyed a glittering spell where he won both La Liga (2012/13) and the Copa del Rey (2012), as well as the Spanish Super Cup on two occasions (2011, 2013) the UEFA Super Cup (2011) and the FIFA Club World Cup (2011). The former Udinese talisman is regarded as one the world’s finest talents and Arsenal saw off competition from Liverpool to land the Chilean’s signature. Last season’s Premier League runners-up were keen on signing Sanchez as a replacement for Luis Suarez, but following their futile attempts Wenger was delighted to land his marquee signing ahead of their top-flight rivals. “As many people have seen during the World Cup this summer, Alexis is a fantastic footballer and we are delighted that he is joining us,” Wenger said. “Alexis will add power, creativity and much quality to our squad. He has consistently produced top-quality performances at the highest level for a number of seasons now and we are all excited to see him integrate into the Arsenal squad. “I think at the end of the day every great player has a choice to make. He chose us and we’re very happy for that. I don’t know why he has chosen us over anyone else but we’re very happy that he has done that.” Wenger added: “I just tried, like every manager, to convince the player that you can help him to develop the quality of his game, that the way we play football would suit him and that’s why I think he has chosen us in the end. “As well, we have continuity. All the player wants to do is play in the Champions League – it is quite simple. We have quite a good continuity on that front.” It remains to seen whether Sanchez will be able to reprise the goalscoring prowess of former fan favourite Thierry Henry. But now that Arsenal have signed a proven goalscorer they will be expected to compete for major honours this season and build on from last season’s long awaited FA Cup triumph over Hull City. The Arsenal faithful instantly adhered to Sanchez when he showed glimpses of his quality at the Emirates Cup and the UEFA Champions League qualifier against Turkish side Besiktas. It is evident that the highly-rated forward will be the Gunners attacking fulcrum this term and with other plethora attacking talents at the Emirates this term Arsenal could be a force to be reckoned with this campaign.

VIEWS ON ALEXIS ARSENE WENGER: As many people have seen during the World Cup this summer, Alexis is a fantastic footballer and we are delighted that he has joined us at Arsenal. Alexis will add power, creativity and much quality to our squad. He has consistently produced top-quality performances at the highest level.

ON FORM: Sanchez looks set to have a brilliant season.

ARSENAL’S NEW SUMMER SIGNING ALEXIS SANCHEZ FACT FILE Age: 25 Former clubs: Cobreloa, Udinese, Colo-Colo (loan), River Plate (loan), Barcelona Position: Striker National team: Chile

ALEXIS SANCHEZ’S HONOURS Barcelona: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa De Espana, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup Arsenal: FA Community Shield

TREVOR SINCLAIR: Alexis Sanchez has gone in there. He looks sharp but he needs to be fit especially with the pace of the Premier League but he can fit into that team. He reminds me of Ian Wright. He’s 5ft 7in and has got a bit about him. He won’t give defenders any peace. RAY PARLOUR: He’s tough, he’s mobile, he can score goals and he’s got pace. I can see him fitting in on that lefthand side of the striker or you can put him up front. I’m sure Arsenal fans are delighted. He’s going to be a top player, he’s a good value and he’s a good age. I’m sure he’ll bring a good goal-scoring rate too.

Leeds sack Hockaday BY ROSHANE THOMAS LEEDS UNITED have axed Dave Hockaday and have accepted their experiment with a rookie manager has failed. Elland Road supremo Massimo Cellino believes his club needs an experienced British coach who can fit together their new-look squad. Having missed out on the Crystal Palace job five days ago Steve Clarke is the bookies favourite to land the job. Cellino sacked Hockaday, 56, last night after just six games and 70 days in charge. The last straw for Cellino was Leeds’ defeat to Bradford on Wednesday in the Capital One Cup. Former Leeds player and academy chief Paul Hart is also in contention for the job.

JAMIE CARRAGHER: I think it’s a great signing for Arsenal. He’s something that they need as well. I’m not sure where he’s going to play because I don’t think he’s an out-and-out centre forward. His predominant position for Barcelona was in the wide areas. But his signing will no doubt boost Arsenal.

MATA OF TIME: Jones is sure Mata will have huge impact

Walcott: Alexis Sanchez partnership will strike fear

Mesut Ozil and now it’s Alexis THEO WALCOTT believes that he BY ROSHANE THOMAS SOUTHAMPTON midfielder “I know Gareth did play left-back Sanchez. and summer signing Alexis Sanchez BY ROSHANE THOMAS Adam Lallana has hailed Luke as well, from so there are similarities With me and him on the flanks, a lot “It is great to learn these can form a formidable partnership that Shaw, 18, as the best teenager there, but I wouldn’t his debut for Southampton of teams won’t be looking forward to players, and I cannot wait to play want to put too will striker fear into opposition defenche has played alongside. on Luke. last season at the tender age him.pressure playing Arsenal this year.” alongside I am really looking es this season. Lallana has seen the likes “He’s done unbelievably for us this of 17, is widely expected to The signing of Sanchez represents forward to it. Sanchez joined the Gunners for of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxseason. When earn his first senior call up something of a coup for the Gunners, Having sustained a seriousGareth knee was playing £35m from Barcelona, where he scored lade-Chamberlain and, most with us we were into Roy Hodgson’s Enghaving splashed out £42.4m on talisinjury, which ruled him out ofin thethe Champion47 goals in 141 appearances. impressively, Gareth Bale ship. land squad ahead of their man Mesut Ozil last summer. World Cup, Walcott is edging closer “Sanchez is a world-class player,” fromWalcott Southampton’s upcoming friendly against is adamant both transfers said Walcott. “I enjoyed watchinggraduate him to full fitness. “For Luke, 18, to be playing so flourishing academy. consistently well for us against some Denmark next month. signifies the ambition of the club. play for Barcelona and Chile at this He added: “The knee is going However, the Saints captain of the best wingers Lallana said: “It’s hard to He said: “There’s a great buzz around summer’s World Cup. really well, I am doing some goodin the world, considers Shaw’s progress the credit him and his attitude compare him with the others: the club at the moment. He is a mar“He’s still very young as well and he stuff with the that’s physios andto fitness most remarkable. The highand how he keeps his feet on the Gareth’s gone on and never quee signing and something that the is going to show so much pace and coaches. The most important thing ly-rated youngster, who made ground. ” looked back. club has pushed on to - first you had power, which we lacked a bit last year. is to get the strength back.”

The Foxes seal Esteban BY ROSHANE THOMAS LEICESTER CITY have clinched the signing of Esteban Cambiasso. The capture of the ex-Real Madrid player is considered to be a massive coup for the Premier League newcomers. Cambiasso, 34, has penned a oneyear deal with the club. The veteran midfielder, who was a key player in the Inter Milan team that won the Champions League with Jose Mourinho in 2010, will offer the guile and drive that could keep Leicester City in the top-flight.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE THE DRAW FOR THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP D GROUP A Arsenal Atletico Madrid Juventus Borussia Dortmund Galatasaray Olympiacos Anderlecht Malmo GROUP E GROUP B Bayern Munich Real Madrid Basel Man City CSKA Moscow Liverpool Roma Ludogorets GROUP C Benfica Zenit St. Petersburg Bayern Leverkusen Monaco

GROUP F Barcelona PSG Ajax Apoel Nicosia GROUP G Chelsea Schalke 04 Sporting Maribor GROUP H FC Porto Shakhtar Donetsk Athletic Bilbao Bate Borisov

ROSHANE THOMAS’ GROUP GUIDE AND PREDICTIONS GROUP A It seems like this group will be a two-horse race between Atletico Madrid and Juventus, although Olympiakos will hope to cause an upset - while Malmo’s return to Europe’s elite will be a short lived. PREDICTION: 1 Atletico Madrid 2 Juventus GROUP B Liverpool’s return to the big stage sees them drawn against defending champions Real Madrid. Anfield will be absolutely rocking when Ronaldo, Bale and co arrive. PREDICTION: 1 Real Madrid 2 Liverpool GROUP C Benfica have suffered successive Europa League Final defeats but will be confident of staying out of the competition this time round. PREDICTION: 1 Bayer Leverkusen 2 Benfica GROUP D Despite regularly finishing second in the group stage this looks like Arsenal’s best chance to win the group. Dortmund are on the decline, Anderlecht won’t be

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Tuesday, September 09, 2014

much of threat and Galatasaray are average. PREDICTION: 1 Arsenal 2 Borussia Dortmund GROUP E City will be stronger this term and should mount a serious challenge for the trophy. Bayern Munich will also be strong, while Roma have the quality to cause an upset. PREDICTION: 1 Bayern Munich 2 Manchester City GROUP F Perhaps the toughest pot but Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) will be aiming to make a point against his former side. PREDICTION: 1 Barcelona 2 Paris St-Germain GROUP G Chelsea shouldn’t endure any difficulties with this group. Sporting may be a challenge. PREDICITION: 1Chelsea 2 Schalke GROUP H Tough one to call but Athletic Bilbao should win the group, with Porto coming second. PREDICTION: 1Athletic Bilbao 2 Porto

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INCREDI-BALE

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THE DRAW SEASON 2014/15

Rodgers: We’re so excited to be back in this competition.We’ve won it five times and now we’re facing Real Madrid who have 10.

BY ROSHANE THOMAS BRENDAN RODGERS cannot wait to host reigning champions Real Madrid at Anfield as they return to the Champions League with a bang. The Liverpool boss claims it will be a proud moment to hear the Champions League anthem at Anfield for the first time in five years and insists the Reds can make it past the group stage. The Merseysiders were handed a favourable draw and, as well as the Spanish giants with the likes of Gareth Bale, the Reds were also paired with Swiss champions Basel, who knocked them out of the competition in 2002, and Bulgaria’s Ludogorets Razgrad. Rodgers watched the draw in his office at Melwood, and said: ”To be back in it again, no matter who we were going to play, was always going to be exciting. “But to have Real Madrid in your group, the champions last season, is going to be special. “I’m already thinking of Anfield on that night. I’ll be very proud, but more for the players and the supporters, for what they have put into us arriving there. “They will be critical and they are going to be key for us throughout the league campaign and the Champions League campaign. The nights at Anfield are really special. “To see that flag back out in the middle of the pitch and for the supporters to get behind their team, like they do, is going to be an amazing experience. There are two other good teams in it along with us. “It’s a tough group, but we’ll really look forward to the challenge of getting out of the group. “The notion for us was to get out of the group stage - we can look no further than that.” Liverpool boast a better head-to-head record against Real Madrid having won all three games against Real, including the 1981 European Cup Final, and CEO Ian Ayre claims

their meetings will be one of the highlights of this season’s competition. “I’m pleased with this group,” he said. “It’s particularly special to have Real Madrid in the group. “We respect everyone, but we have great memories of games against Real Madrid and I think it makes for a great competition for us. “It’s fantastic. If you look at Liverpool as a football club, this is our competition - five times winners playing against somebody who has just won it for a tenth time. “That just makes for a very special part of the competition. It makes it a very special group.” While Kopites know all about Real, few will have heard of debutants Ludogorets, who have won the Bulgarian league three years running - and Rodgers claims he will not underestimate them. “Preparation will start straight away,” said the Irishman. “Some of the teams we’re well aware of. “We watch the likes of Real Madrid nearly every week and we know their players. But as soon as the draw is finalised, the work and the focus will be on that. “We have our analysis team behind the scenes, who will do all the preparation work

we need for our opponents so that we’ll be in a position to get the result we need.” Ludogorest qualified for the group stage of the Champions League in dramatic fashion when they knocked out Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest - a club with plenty of European pedigree. In the dying stages of extra-time Ludogorest keeper Vladislav Stoyanov was sent for a second yellow card, leaving Romanian centre-half Cosmin Moti to deputise for Stoyanov. But Mot, who has previously played for Steaua’s rivals Dinamo, played a starring role in the penalty shoot-out, making two saves to push Ludogorest into the group stage. Last season’s Barclays Premier League runners-up will end a five-year spell away from European football’s most prestigious competition when they host Ludogorest this month, at Anfield. And aware of the threat the Bulgarian side could pose, Rodgers added: “We’ll respect them as if we were playing Real Madrid. “They play an open, attacking style and they’ll come here with confidence. They’ve worked hard to get here and we know they’ll be excited about coming to Anfield, one of the most iconic stadiums in the world.”

IT’S THREE AND EASY

LIVERPOOL have a perfect record against Real Madrid, having won all three of their meetings and scoring six goals without reply. 1981 European Cup Final Liverpool 1 Real Madrid 0 Alan Kennedy scored nine minutes from time to settle this tense clash and secure Liverpool and Bob Paisley’s third European Cup.

2009 Champions League quarter-final first leg: Real Madrid 0 Liverpool 1 Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool subdued Real in the Bernabeu to secure a historic win. 2009 Champions League quarter-final second leg: Liverpool ripped Real apart in what was the last great European night at Anfield with Steven Gerrard leading the way scoring twice.

SNODGRASS: Boo-boys

Martin angry with boo-boys

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER ARSENAL FULL-BACK

I REALLY WANTED TO FINISH MY PLAYING CAREER AT ARSENAL

Nigel Winterburn reflects on his 13-year spell at Arsenal, where he endured many accolades under the likes of George Graham and Arsene Wenger. The left-back also details what it was like playing under his former managers, how he felt the day he left his beloved club and whether he has any regrets over a lack of caps for England. BY ROSHANE THOMAS

EXCLUSIVE

igel Winterburn walked through the stately main entrance at Highbury, did his pre-match routine of nodding at the doorman and then made his way towards the dressing room. However, a once-familiar matchday ritual soon became apparent to Winterburn that he was heading towards the away quarters. This is when Winterburn knew he had become a West Ham United player. Returning to the club where he enjoyed plenty of accolades, during his 13 year spell, was always going to be an emotional occasion for the left-back. Having played an integral role during Arsenal’s success a rising talent in Ashley Cole and firstchoice full-back Silvinho eventually saw Winterburn deprived of firstteam opportunities - something which he found difficult adjusting to. “It was always going to be an emotional occasional [playing against Arsenal] but I’m happy I got a good reception from the fans,” Winterburn said. “Looking back now it was very frustrating [not playing often at Arsenal] because sometimes you accept it but then you also fight it by what the manager tells you; that you’re not going to be firstchoice. “So in the end it was pretty frustrating and very hard to accept bearing in mind I had played so many games and still felt competitive.” An ageing Winterburn, 37 at the time, was sold to West Ham for £250,000 and played for the Hammers between 2000-2003. Despite his talents starting to wane Winterburn was still nonetheless an expe-

Success: Nigel Winterburn discusses life at Arsenal during the glory days.

rienced and well respected defender within the ranks at West Ham. It’s testament to Winterburn’s endeavours that, at the age of 37 where many would retire, he still felt he was still at the required level to play in the Premier League as his enthusiasm for the game never wavered. But moving across to the East side of London, a new territory, was always going to be a daunting experience for the left-back having been accustomed to life in North London for 13 years. He added: “I knew I had that experience but it was quite nerve racking [moving to West Ham] because when you get to my age people think you’re going for a last pay day, but that wasn’t what I wanted to do. I wanted to be competitive and I wanted to play. “My main aim was to show my teammates that this guy hasn’t just come to see out his career, he’s come to show that he’s got a cutting edge and a desire to be successful and help West Ham win football matches. Hopefully in my time there that’s what I achieved not only with the players that I played with, but also with the supporters as well.” The clean sweep of domestic honours Winterburn won whilst at Arsenal has become something of a rarity now at the Gunners. Winning one trophy in 10 years would have been unheard of during the former England international’s spell at the Gunners. Winterburn describes his time at Arsenal as being a “magical period” in the clubs history. In a back four which was marshalled by Tony Adams and featured the likes of Lee Dixon, Steve Bould as well as Winterburn himself the latter eulogised former manager George Graham for their repeated success and also for building an indomitable defence. “Winning the title twice in three seasons was pretty special. In 93 winning the two cups and in 94 winning the European Cup Winners Cup was just a magical period for the club,” Winterburn

LATER: Frank Lampard glides past Nigel Winterburn

ALL SMILES: Nigel Winterburn in a happy mood having played for Arsenal during the clubs golden era

Nigel Winterburn talks about his ex-Arsenal pals BEST TRAINER: A lot of the foreign guys were pretty good. But everybody was pretty much training very hard. I think all the players trained on another level when Arsene Wenger came and I think that’s what made the squad so competitive and we were all pretty good at that time. said. “Then we did the double in 98. I think that just kept the belief and trophies coming through to the club. So it was a fabulous time to be apart of Arsenal football club. “What I also respect greatly was the organisation of George Graham. I gained that knowledge about how to be organised and defend well whilst playing under him. So I admire him a lot for that. He was

BEST MATE: Steve Bould and we still speak quite regularly now. He used to be my room-mate and still is a good mate of mine, only when he picks up his phone though! MOST SKILFUL: Dennis Bergkamp and Kanu.

a fantastic manager for everyone at the club.” An uppermost memory stored in Winterburn’s mind is the remarkable 1989 championship victory at Anfield. Arsenal arrived on Merseyside needing to clinch a 2-0 win on the last day of the season to pip Liverpool to the title and Winterburn details what it was like to win his first title for the Gunners and how that unforgettable match

JOKER: Ian Wright and Ray Parlour were the main jokers. They were always laughing and giggling and doing childish things. So those two by far.

QUICKEST: If I had to pick someone it would probably be Nicolas Anelka.

proved to be one of his proudest moments in an Arsenal shirt, he added: “We were on an amazing run leading up to the title in 89 at Anfield. “If I had to pick a proud moment during my time there it would be 89 because that was my first title, which was very special. We should’ve won the league probably three games before that but we drew a couple of

games at home and we lost. Then obviously having to go Anfield to win 2-0, I think people thought it was not possible. “But we just had the belief that we could do something and it just fell into perfection about how the game went. Missy Thomas’ goal in the last minute looks very dramatic but that’s because it didn’t give Liverpool anytime to respond.” With

MOST RELIABLE: I’d say Lee Dixon was a reliable person for the team. HARDMAN: In our side I’d go for Patrick Vieira.

life at Arsenal going better than he perhaps would have envisioned, it comes as no surprise that Winterburn thought the club he loved would also be the place where he ended his playing career. But proved to no avail when the left-back left the Gunners in 2000 - with his hopes dashed, Winterburn reflects back on that difficult moment in his career with a sense

of sadness, Winterburn said: “When I look back I really wanted to finish my career at Arsenal, but at the time in the last six months I played about once every five weeks. “It felt like no matter how well I’d performed Silvinho would always be the first choice left-back and I would be almost filling in for him. “I thought if I had the chance to go head-to-head I’d probably stayed in the team and signed another contract because I was offered a deal. But I didn’t feel that was going to happen and once you’re used to playing every single week it’s very hard to then sit and watch from the bench. “I would’ve liked to have finished at Arsenal and I didn’t feel as if my career was over, but looking back I think it would have been if I just stayed there for another year and not played often.” It seems a travesty that despite numerous success at club level Winterburn’s talents only merited two England caps, both of which were substitute appearances. A sense of what might have been must have lingered on Winterburn’s mind since his retirement in 2003, with it also potentially being the only disappointment in his career. “I haven’t really got any regrets but if I had to pick something then it would be that I didn’t get to start a game for England,” the full-back

added. “It doesn’t really bother me that I only have two England caps, what I wanted to do was to start a game to show whether I was good or not to play for England. If I was to have a regret then that would be it but it’s a very, very small regret.” When Winterburn’s career was drawing to a close the death of his dad proved to be one of the main reasons behind his retirement. In a career which spanned for more than 20 years something Winterburn loved “didn’t seem to matter anymore” and having played at the highest level until he was nearly 40 Winterburn looks back on his career with great pride. “I went out to meet friends and that’s when I just decided that that was it,” Winterburn said. “I had enough and my dad had just died as well. It’s really weird because something that I loved for 22 years at that time didn’t seem to matter anymore. “So it was an easy decision for me and I don’t have any regrets because I played until I was nearly 40 and you can’t have any regrets when you’ve won trophies and pushed yourself to your absolute limit. “Although I was upset about the death of my dad, I retired happy. Whenever I look back and talk about my career it’s like well I did absolutely everything I could have done and that makes me feel very proud.”

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Champs face striker crisis

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

Manchester United ROBIN’S STAR STRUCK RVP reckons the big new names at Old Trafford will revive the team’s fortune

BLIND £20M

ROJO £16M

SHAW £27M

FALCAO £12M Loan Fee

HERRERA £28.8M

DI MARIA £59.7M

Van Persie insists Red’s exciting shakeup will help restore the glory days.

month, while the Argentine ace Lamela , who endured an injury-ravaged season last term, will be hoping to impress this weekend as he comes up against a Reds defence that looks fallible at best.

BY ROSHANE THOMAS

YAYA WARNS WELBECK YAYA SANOGO has thrown down the gauntlet to Danny Welbeck. Sanogo, 21, has warned Arsenal’s deadline day signing, Welbeck, that he faces a battle up front for the Gunners as they scrap it out to replace crock Olivier Giroud. Sanogo said: “He’s going to have to battle. Last season, I didn’t doubt myself. I was more afraid of getting injured. “If the coach brought me in, it’s because he has faith in me.” Sanogo (left) believes boss Arsene Wenger still backs him despite Welbeck’s arrival and the fact he

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MANCHESTER CITY are facing a striker crisis just days after letting Alvaro Negredo join Valencia on loan, writes Roshane Thomas Stevan Jovetic, 24, sustained a hamstring injury whilst training with Montenegro and the striker flew back to England yesterday for treatment. The extent of the damage is not clear but it is unlikely the striker will feature for City against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday. This leaves manager Manuel Pellegrini with just two recognised strikers in Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero. Alarm bells were ringing when Pellegrini allowed Alvaro Negredo to rejoin Valencia on loan despite not drafting in a replacement for the Spaniard before the deadline. Negredo, who scored 23 goals for the champions last season, struggled to rekindle his promising start to life at City due to niggling injuries. But his exit has seen Jovetic secure a regular starting berth this campaign. The highly-rated striker has started City’s three league matches, forming a partnership with Dzeko up front. He hit two in City’s 3-1 win over Liverpool last month but the injury is another setback for the ex-Fiorentina star after an injury-ravaged first season in English football. Injuries limited the Montenegro international to just 18 appearances and six goals following his £22m switch from Italy last summer. Despite the attacking wealth at his disposal Pellegrini now has the dilemma of whether to change formation or start Aguero alongside Dzeko for the first time this term. Aguero, 26, missed much of City’s title run-in due to calf and hamstring strains. He was given an extended summer break after helping Argentina reach the World Cup Final. He appeared as a sub as City opened their title defence with back-to-back victories over Newcastle and Liverpool also scoring against the latter. The former Atletico Madrid forward started City’s last Premier League outing on August 30 alongside Jovetic. But Pellegrini has the option of playing Dzeko as a lone striker. In other news, Diego Costa returned to Chelsea yesterday for further assessment of his hamstring injury. Costa was ruled out of Spain’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Macedonia last night after damaging his hamstring against France. The Blues will run their own tests before deciding if the in-form striker will be able to feature against Swansea on Saturday. Second season syndrome has seen the likes of Stevan Jovetic and Erik Lamela catch the eye in this new campaign. Manchester City striker Jovetic ran riot against Liverpool last

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BY ROSHANE THOMAS

is yet to break his competitive duck despite playing 17 times since joining last summer. But the France U21 international insists that once he starts scoring he won’t stop, and took a swipe at fans who have written him off because of his lack of goals.

Pressure

Sanogo told L’Equipe: “It’s a big club. The fans know that I’ve scored a lot of goals at youth level, they’re putting me under a bit of pressure. “Once I’ve scored my first goal, everything will be fine. It’s their problem if they criticise me. I’ll still be here. I’m going to play, improve and score goals. “Sooner or later, it’s going to go

RIVAL: Welbeck is after

Sanogo’s starting spot in. At 21, it’s not easy to play as a striker. You have to fight everyday. “But Wenger just pushes me to continue and my work will eventually pay off. “It’s been difficult to adapt to the league. When you come out of Ligue 2 and you end up in a duel with [Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany], it is not an easy task. “When you train with great players every day, you progress. When you play big teams, it helps gain experiteam did Yaya Sanogo ence.” 1 What score four goals against at the Next for Arsenal is a home fixture Emirates Cup? against the reigning champions Manteam did Yaya Sanogo chester City - where Sanogo will be 2 What make his competitive debut for Arsenal against? aiming to silent his critics.

2 FOR FUN

ROBIN VAN PERSIE says Manchester United will be back to their best following the biggest overhaul in their history. United spent £151.3million this summer on six new arrivals, as well as jettisoning 12 players, in a major shake-up under the revolutionary Louis van Gaal era. Despite a poor start to the new campaign, which has seen United take two points from three games, as well as suffering a shock exit to League One outfit MK Dons, Van Persie is adamant they will rekindle their form. And the United striker said he is relishing linking up with the likes of Argentina defender Mar-

cos Rojo and Angel Di Maria, as well as deadline-day loan signing Radamel Falcao. He said: “I can’t wait to go and and train and play with the worldclass players we have signed, wow! “That feeling that we are going to perform well has only got stronger. I find it very exciting, the arrival of all those new players. “For me it’s brilliant to go and play with some of the best players in the world. It’s great I can go and train and play with them every day.” Although Van Persie played with Di Maria in United’s dismal 0-0 draw at Burnley, before the international break, he is yet to play with Falcao and other summer signings Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera. He has, however, played

with another United summer arrival compatriot Daley Blind, who set up his opener in Holland’s emphatic 5-1 win over holders Spain at the World Cup in Brazil. And Van Persie, 31, added there can be no more excuses for United now with the illustrious attacking wealth at their disposal. Much has been made of United’s difficulty in adapting to the new 3-4-1-2 formation under Van Gaal, but he said it is up to the players to adapt to their new manager’s methods and approach. “It’s plain and simple,” said Van Persie. “We, the players, have nothing else to do than to execute what the manager has in his mind. “As captain of Holland I may have the right to get involved in tactical discussions, but even there I choose

RUUD KEEPING RVP SHARP BY ROSHANE THOMAS

FORMER Manchester United marksman Ruud van Nistelrooy is helping Robin van Persie remain lethal in front of goal. Van Persie, 31, has been working closely with Van Nistelrooy (right), who has taken on a role under Holland boss Guus Hiddink as a coach to the strikers. Van Nistelrooy

plundered 150 goals in 219 games for United over five years, and RVP said: “If there is anyone in this footballing world who can still teach me stuff, then it is strikers of the calibre of Ruud or Patrick Kluivert. “Ruud points out vital details in the art of finishing. It’s only going to make me a better player.”

not to. Whether it’s 4-3-3, 3-5-2, nothing can be an excuse for another defeat. “We have to adapt to every manager. There’s not one way or method in football. I do get on very well with Van Gaal. But I also get on really well with Guus Hiddink, who has now come in as the new manager of Holland. “In the past I got on great with Marco van Basten. “I just get on with my job as a professional footballer and try to fulfil the expectations of my manager.” Van Persie won his first Premier League title last year in his debut season at United. But he added: “That’s not enough. I want to go to the World Cup when I am 35 and hopefully play until I am 40.”

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE Chelsea Swansea Aston Villa Man City Liverpool Tottenham Arsenal Southamp Hull Stoke West Ham QPR Sunderland Man Utd Leicester Newcastle Everton West Brom Crystal Pal Burnley

P 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

W 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1

L 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2

Pts 9 9 7 6 6 6 5 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1

STILL COMMITTED TO YOUTH

RYAN GIGGS insists Manchester United’s commitment to youth development remains strong, writes Roshane Thomas. The heavy spending of the summer transfer window have suggested priorities could be changing at Old Trafford. But Giggs denies this is the case:, he said: “The club will never change. We will keep giving young players a chance.”

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FORUMULA ONE: MONZA MYSTERY

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Tuesday, September 09, 2014

CHELSEA.. AND ARSENAL

ALWAYS

Fabio ready to fight for his future BY ROSHANE THOMAS

ALL SMILES: Hamilton closes the gap on Rosberg

BY ROSHANE THOMAS

WE DID NOT TELL ANY PORKIES

CESC FABREGAS last night claimed he is fully committed to Chelsea - even though he will always have Arsenal in his heart. Fabregas, 27, even admitted that he could never have envisioned playing for Chelsea and Jose Mourinho but said “life changes” and he has moved on. The Blues midfielder admits he did think about facing Arsenal before he decided to move Stamford Bridge and is now guaranteed a hot reception when he returns to the Emirates. He said: “Don’t think I didn’t think about, playing for Arsenal’s rivals when I decided to join Chelsea. “I will keep the ‘Gunner feeling’ forever and I know that I will return to the club and it will be a special moment, but I am a committed guy. “I remind you that I played the Champions League final against Barcelona with Arsenal, and I

LEWIS HAMILTON’S Mercedes team ridiculed suggestions of a fix in the Italian Grand Prix, writes Roshane Thomas. The Championship leaders posted a picture of three pigs flying on their official Twitter feed and a message poking fun at those, including Sir Jackie Stewart, who believed Nico Rosberg obeyed team orders to hand Hamilton victory. Rosberg’s two dubious mistakes at the rettifilo chicane gifted Hamilton an easy victory after the German had been disciplined by the team for colliding with Hamilton in the Spa Grand Prix. The tweet said: “BREAKING NEWS: Dramatic scenes in the skies over Brackley as #NR6 hands #ItalianGP victory to WDC rival #LH44...” Mercedes will not face an official investigation because no rules have been broken. Former F1 racer Derek Warwick, driver steward in Italy, said: “It was so clear what happened that we didn’t need to look into it deeper. “It was not even on our radar. Do we have a boiling conspiracy here? Absolutely not. “That idea didn’t even occur to me until someone mentioned something at the airport last night. “Gut feeling tells you a lot and my gut says it was straightforward. Lewis decided to put the pressure on, did two or three fast laps and got within seven-tenths. It’s a conspiracy theory that’s easy to but into, I grant you, but it’s just not true.”

swear I would have done anything to win that game. I have been a Barcelona fan since I was a kid. “So I know that when I play against Arsenal I will know who is my current team, who are my colleagues and who I defend. “And I know that the Arsenal fans will understand me, I have no doubt.” The Gunners had the option to buy back Fabregas when Barcelona put him up for sale this summer. But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger opted against resigning the former fan favourite and has claimed that he believed Fabregas had his mind set on Chelsea. But the Spaniard claims that Mourinho made

him feel “valued” and that he wanted to move back to London. He added: “If you told me five years ago that I would play for Chelsea and Mourinho, I would not have believed you, but life changes. “I started to think about leaving Barcelona after the Copa del Rey final (where Barca lost to Real Madrid and Fabregas was subbed after an hour). “It was when I started to think that it had finished, that there was a change, or that I didn’t want to continue. “I spoke with my agent and asked him to find me a new team, and an offer from Chelsea arrived. “For me, it was coming back to London, where i grew up. There was no better way

HOW LAZAR HAS SHINED..

out. I spoke with Jose Mourinho and he told me the things I needed to hear. I felt valued. I felt I was going to be important in an important project.” Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge Fabregas has made a bright start under Mourinho. His eye-catching performances has seen the Spain international among the Premier League nominees for August’s Player of the month, along with fellow summer singing and compatriot Diego Costa. Fabregas played a starring role in Chelsea’s first game of the season against Burnley, where he provided two assists. as the Blues defeated Premier League newcomers Burnley at Turf Moor. Next for Chelsea is a home fixture against in-form side Swansea on Saturday.

I Love Football - Jon Parkin MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - It would probably have to be playing on the park with my pals really. WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - I used to go and watch Barnsley. THE BEST OPPONENT I PLAYED AGAINST WAS - I played against Fabio Cannavaro in the pre-season after he won the World Player of the Year, so it would have to be him. MY FOOTBALLING HERO WAS - Ashley Ward was a player I looked up to most during his days at Barnsley. IF I DIDN’T HAVE FOOTBALL GROWING UP I WOULD - It probably would have to be a golfer, but I don’t think I would’ve been good enough. I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - I love it because it’s definitely the greatest sport ever.

HAMMING IT UP: Yesterday’s tweet from Mercedes

FABIO BORINI insists he is ready to fight for his future at Liverpool. The out-of-favour Liverpool striker has vowed to rise above criticism from Sunderland, QPR and Reds fans - for what they claimed were cynical wage demands which scuppered a transfer switch. The Italy international (above) knows he now faces a battle to even win a place on the bench at Anfield. But Borini, 23, said: “It is a real challenge to find a space in the Liverpool side, as the competition is so great. “For me, that should be a motivation, not a problem. I have committed to the club. “I said when I was on loan at Sunderland last year that I wanted to score goals to prove I could return to Anfield and score goals.”

I’M A TRUE BLUE NOW Fabregas is totally committed to Chelsea now.. but admits he has a strong bond with Arsenal

BANKING ON BALE TO DELIVER CHRIS COLEMAN hopes Gareth Bale will deliver a firstclass performance for Wales tonight. The Real Madrid talisman aims to kick-start the Dragons’ bid for Euro 2016 qualification in Andorra. Wales will play on a artificial 3G surface - only approved by FIFA after a second pitch inspection six days ago. Despite concerns over the pitch, Bale is expected to spearhead Wales’ attack, with

BY ROSHANE THOMAS Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey pulling the strings in midfield. Coleman reckons Bale can provide the firepower, with Craig Bellamy now retired and with both Sam Vokes and Hal Robson-Kanu out injured. Coleman said: “I’ve seen him play everywhere - wing back, left wing, midfield, attack. “I was in Madrid to watch him a few weeks back and he started on the right, then went to the left and middle. We thought about playing

Gareth down the middle, and he will figure in more than one position in this campaign.” Wales have real hopes of reaching their first major tournament in 58 years and Coleman believes the success Bale has had at club football will rub off on their fellow Dragons. He added: “It’s good for other lads because it makes the transition to international football easier.”

New belief in Villa

BY ROSHANE THOMAS KIERAN RICHARDSON claims Aston Villa can continue their superb start at Liverpool on Saturday. Villa were tipped for the drop by many pundits when owner Randy Lerner put the club up for sale and cut back further on spending. But Richardson slammed ideas of a relegation battle, and said: “We are full of confidence and playing really well. Hopefully we can stay in the top half of the table.”

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t was the summer of 1997, August to be precise, Will Smith - Men in Black overtook Puff Diddy ft Faith Evans - I’ll Be Missing You to the number one spot in the UK - and for John Barnes both songs summed up his situation that summer. Every step John Barnes took, every move he made was no longer reminiscent of the Barnes of old. Then here came the team in black Newcastle United, almost the Premier League champions, managing to lure the winger to St James’ Park on a free transfer. For Barnes it marked the end of a glittering 10 year spell at Liverpool where he amassed more than 400 appearances as well as winning four major honours. But despite his level of success with the Reds Barnes became disheartened about his lack of first-team opportunities towards the latter stages of his time at Anfield. All good things must come to an end and that proved to be the case for the Jamaica-born when his enthusiasm for the game wasn’t merited with a selection in the team which culminated in his departure in 1997. “When you look at players now as your career comes to an end you just have to accept it,” said Barnes. “I had to accept my time at Liverpool was over. I wanted to play football and it became clear that I wasn’t going to be regularly. “I’m a footballer first and a Liverpool player second because a lot of people feel like they would rather stay at a club and be on the bench, but as much as I love Liverpool I love myself more and I love my football more. So therefore if I wanted to play regularly I had to leave Liverpool.” A reunion with Kenny Dalglish at Newcastle United followed but an ageing Barnes was unable to revive his eye-catching form which eventually resulted the winger enduring an indifferent spell at the Magpies. But an in-form Barnes was often the topic of discussion as an array of stand out moments proves he will always be earmarked as being one of the greatest players of his generation. His amazing strike against Brazil in their iconic venue, the pivotal roles he played in Liverpool’s quest to cup finals and not least that memorable brace he scored against Queens Park Rangers will always be uppermost in the many magical moments stored in the Liverpool faithful’s minds. However, despite his stand out achievements Barnes takes greater pride in his ability to perform well consistently and also eulogised about

the lessons he learnt regarding longevity whilst at Anfield. He added: “I could talk about the game against QPR where I scored all those goals, but that’s not important because we’ve had many only players who’ve had one stand out moment and then have gone onto do nothing else. “That’s not what makes you a good player, so individual stand out moments mean nothing. That in itself taken in isolation means absolutely nothing. “The lessons I’ve at Liverpool in the 10-year period was to consistently try to do well and learning those lessons that it’s about longevity and not about individual moments. It’s about how well you’ve done over a long period of time and everything that’s made you the player you are. That’s the main lesson I learnt at Liverpool, which is the most important thing.” For those of us, including myself, who were unable to witness Barnes’ attacking prowess during the 80’s and 90’s have now been able to witness the growing talent that is Raheem Sterling, who has been heralded as the next big thing. Sterling’s alarming rise to prominence has somewhat been reminiscent of Barnes early achievements whilst on the books at Watford. Sterling’s burgeoning reputation has excelled over the last few seasons as his brilliant form has authenticated his status as being one of the brightest young talents in the world. But despite the youngsters upward trajectory Barnes believes the comparisons between the two, both of whom were born in Jamaica, are wide of the mark and as well as considering it to be fanciful for young players in particular - in this modern era, to stay at a club for a long period of time; he also believes talented youngsters, in the case of Sterling, should be highly regarded once they establish a sense of consistency. “He’s five foot seven, right-footed and doesn’t play anything like me. So I suppose that because we were both born in Jamaica and that we’re both black people would say that we’re similar,” said Barnes. “That’s been a problem over the years. No one would say Jordan Henderson is very similar to Steven Gerrard, so the thing is that we’re both born in Jamaica and we both drew up in England and that’s it. “So unfortunately this is what we have

Football Sport There’s too much pressure on Raheem Sterling, says Barnes

John Barnes: I had to accept that my time at Liverpool was over John Barnes played for Liverpool during the golden era in the clubs history and the winger details what it was like to play for the Reds and why he believes the Raheem Sterling comparison is purely down to stereotypes writes, Roshane Thomas

Monday, September 22, 2014

Roshane Thomas

England U21 strengthened their aspiration to qualify for next summers Euro 2015 Under-21 Championship finals when they narrowly beat Croatia 2-1 at the Molineux Stadium on Friday. A late penalty from in-form striker Saido Berahino subjected the visitors to a defeat putting Gareth Southgate’s men in a fairly comfortable position to qualify when they take on Croatia once more on Tuesday for their decisive second leg in Vinkovci. This week a lot has made about whether the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calum Chambers and Raheem Sterling should be playing U21 football having all made the set up into the senior team. But although their inclusion would be an added bonus for manager Southgate, the Young Lions showed they have enough talent and resistance to cope without the penetrative qualities of the Barkley’s and Sterling’s of this world. An unnecessary story earlier in the week has been that Shaw - still only 19, by the way - feeling the need to refute ideas that he had been “demoted” to play for the under-21s having been a regular in the England squad earlier this year.

JOHN BARNES believes there is too much expectancy placed on the young shoulders of Raheem Sterling. Following Luis Suarez’s summer switch to Barcelona Liverpool are now in search of a new fulcrum. But despite having exceptional talent beyond his years Barnes believes Sterling isn’t the player to fill the void left by Suarez’s departure and expects Daniel Sturridge to replace the penetrative qualities of Suarez. Barnes said: “There’s too much pressure being placed on Sterling’s shoulders and he’s not going to step up to re-

Big Sam blunted by Blades

RATINGS

John Barnes Fact File Previous clubs Watford (1981-1987) Made his professional debut at 17 for Watford in 1981. Barnes played a pivotal role in Watford’s rise from the old Fourth Division to the First Division. Also played a starring role in Watford’s FA Cup journey to the final in 1984. Liverpool (1987-1997) This is the club where Barnes became a household name. He received numerous accolades whilst at Anfield and remains apart of the last squad to have won the old First Division, now known as the Premier League. Good Friends: john Barnes gives ex-Liverpool team-mate Peter Beardsley’s a high five when we talk about stereotypes. But what I do know is he’s got fantastic potential and he’s a great talent. Sterling may leave Liverpool next year, who knows what’s going to happen. But are players going to stay at a club for 10 or 15 years anymore? “Once again what we have to stop doing is when people do well for a short period of time stop talking about them looking towards the next 15 years time and this and that. You can’t do that you have to say: ‘He’s a fantastic player now and hopefully he can have another good season then after six or seven years we can start talking

about him in legendary status and breaking records.’ Having also played under the boisterous support from the Liverpool fans at Anfield Barnes the loyalty from the supports is the catalyst behind “Liverpool being a special club” Barnes added: “The relationship between the fans and the players is what makes Liverpool so special. Liverpool fans are fantastic, they’re passionate and they’re loyal. The passion from the fans is what Bill Shankly spoke about with it being a Liverpool family. That’s what makes Liverpool a very special club.”

Newcastle United (1997-1999) Barnes joined the club on a free transfer but he failed revive his previous imperious form. Charlton Athletic (1999) After 20 years as a professional football Barnes announced his retirement following a poor season at Charlton. Words by Roshane Thomas

Barring Darren Lewis there aren’t many black journalists Roshane Thomas THE lack of black managers is a concern within football but John Barnes believes the lack of black journalists in mainstream journalism is also a greater concern. Barring Darren Lewis [of the Daily Mirror] there isn’t another recognised black journalist in mainstream journalism and Barnes labours the point that just because journalism isn’t screaming racism doesn’t meant that it doesn’t exist. He said: “Let’s look at what’s going on in life, how many black journalists are there? “I’m not talking about working for the The Voice, I’m talking about working for The Sun the Daily Mirror you Darren Lewis (pictured left) is the only black journalist in mainstream journalism.

know the mainstream. I’m in a press conference with 100 journalists and there’s one black journalist and that’s Darren Lewis. “So, where’s the other black journalists? And don’t tell me that they don’t want to be journalists because I can speak to people at the Voice and all these black publications and there’s hundreds of black journalists, or why aren’t they working in the mainstream?” Barnes, 51, believes racism is also a problem in other industries besides football - it just happens to be that it’s more obvious in football, he added: “It’s not just a problem in football because football is high profile and it’s obvious in the abuse that black players or black fans may get. “But just in the very fact that life isn’t shouting racial abuse in journalism or in any other industries doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist.”

place Suarez because he’s not the goalscorer; the goalscorer is Daniel Sturridge and Sturridge is capable of doing that.” Brendan Rodgers bolstered his attacking options with the signing of enigmatic striker Mario Balotelli and following Sturridge’s latest injury setback Balotelli will be expected to lead the line for Liverpool. “Of course Daniel Sturridge hasn’t been fit and that’s really worked against Liverpool,” added Barnes. “Although they brought in Balotelli and you’ll have to give him time. “But I wouldn’t expect Sterling to rescue Liverpool. because Suarez is gone. Sturridge will be the one to score the goals.” goal.

Barnes: I still want to return to management Roshane Thomas HAVING managed the likes of Celtic, Tranmere Rovers and Jamaica Barnes still harbours ambition of returning to management. The last club which Barnes managed was League Two outfit Tranmere Rovers, where he lasted just 11 matches following a string of poor results. But for Barnes the burning question is whether he will be given the opportunity once more. Due to there being a lack of black managers in the Football League Barnes believes white managers are likely to stay in the job as opposed to black managers whilst under pressure. He said: “I would love to [return to management] but then am I going to be given the opportunity? “It’s not just about being given the job, it’s about being given the time, people believ-

ing in you and people listening to what you have to say. “There have been many other black managers that have been given the job, but how sooner have the black managers been sacked than the white managers? “We’re not saying that if you lose matches you can stay in the job but if you look at the amount of black managers that have been sacked; they’ve been sacked much quicker than there white counterparts would have been under the same circumstances.” Barnes also believes the perception of black people beyond football needs to change if any improvements are to be made in the future. He added: “It’s a very difficult time and until we change that perception generally in life not just football nothing will change. We had four [black managers] once upon a time now we’ve only got one.”

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER LIVERPOOL STRIKER

SOL CAMPBELL WAS NOWHERE TO BE SEEN ONCE I SCORED

Neil Mellor instantly became a fan favourite at Anfield when his superb strike against Arsenal propelled him to stardom. However, due to being blighted by injuries the striker was never really able to showcase his talent on a regular basis. But despite injuries cutting short his career Mellor reflects on an unforgettable 2004/05 season. BY ROSHANE THOMAS

EXCLUSIVE

eil Mellor will forever be associated with the momentous events at Anfield in 2004. From his dramatic winner against Arsenal to playing a pivotal role against Olympiakos, which propelled his career in more ways than he could have imagined. These are ties that bond him to the club for life. Mellor was Liverpool’s man of the moment. On the young striker’s mind was how he could expand his unforgettable moment into something enduring. Having progressed through the famed Melwood Academy his goalscoring prowess at youth and reverse team level culminated in him being rewarded a three-year contract extension in 2003, which was also the same season he fulfilled his childhood dream of making his Premier League debut for the Reds. Remnants of youthful determination enabled Mellor to get to the heart of things at Anfield something he looks back at with great fondness, he said: “I started at 16 at Liverpool and I had seven great years there. I learnt the Liverpool way through Steve Heighway at the academy, which was fantastic because I got to experience many great days at Anfield and going to many cup finals at Cardiff. “Breaking through into the first-team was fantastic. Some of the memories like first goal, Sheffield United away, League Cup semi-finals and then beating Manchester United in the final in 2003.” But Mellor’s endeavours reached

Big Moment: Mellor reflects on magic moment at Anfield.

new heights when he produced an unforgettable moment against Arsenal, something which would have been a privilege to bear witness to. At the time Mellor was ostensibly Liverpool’s fourth-choice striker having found first team opportunities hard to come by due to the likes of Djibril Cisse, Emile Heskey and Michael Owen blocking his path. But Mellor’s opportunity to start against the Gunners arose due to injuries to key players and the striker vindicated his manager’s decision to start him when he scored a sensational strike with aplomb against Arsenal to send the Kop end into raptures. Mellor’s countenance eluded sheer exuberance, with it also being his first Premier League goal, when he realised what he had achieved. Having written his name into Anfield folklore forever Mellor recalls asking Arsenal defender Sol Campbell for his shirt prior to his goal, but once he produced his magicial moment the defender was ‘nowhere to be seen.’ “I kept my shirt after the game,” Mellor said. “It was funny because just before I scored the goal we had a free-kick which Steven Gerrard took and I said to Sol Campbell: ‘Can I have your shirt after the game?’ “I don’t know why I said that because I’ve never said it before and I don’t usually say it. “But I turned round and said it and he said: ‘Yes, no problem,’ Mellor added. “So I was buzzing but he was nowhere he be seen once I scored the

HUGS: Neil Mellor and Steven Gerrard

TEAM SPIRIT: The Liverpool players run to congratulate Neil Mellor on scoring his stunning goal against Arsenal

Neil Mellor talks about his former Liverpool mates BEST TRAINER: The best trainer at Liverpool was by far Steven Gerrard, there’s no doubt about that. He was a perfectionist so whilst we know how great of a player he is he would always thrive to improve himself and be the best that he could every single day on the training ground. goal. So I just started celebrating with the fans and the rest of the squad.” It has been 10 years now since Mellor scored that remarkable strike and barring Gerrard there is yet to be another Liverpool player able to reprise the striker’s stunning effort in front of the Kop. Having come through the youth ranks Mellor is also grateful he was able to achieve

MOST INTELLIGENT: I suppose you would have to give credit to a lot of the foreign boys for learning the language. To be able to speak so many different languages is very tough because there were some players that came over and couldn’t be bothered to learn the language.

his lifelong ambition, he said: “I suppose you could put it down to a Rory of the Rovers moment. For any young player it’s difficult to break into the first-team, so to experience that was unbelievable and then to get a personal achievement like that was great. Players play 300 games in their careers or what have you and some of them can’t really pinpoint a specific moment in a game they

FUTURE MANAGER: I’d have probably said Jamie Carragher because he has that passion but he’s obviously in media now. I think passion is a big thing in the game personally. If you have that passion then you can really succeed. If Jamie went into management he’d do well.

can remember. But for me to have that moment is great because even 10 years on fans still come up to me and tell me where they were; whether it was at Anfield or at a pub. I’m made up to hear some of the stories the fans say.” Another proud moment for Mellor was a famous evening at Anfield, which led to even greater European glory for the Reds. It was Decem-

ber 2004, and a few weeks after his strike against the Gunners. Liverpool were faced with the daunting prospect of win-or-bust against Olympiakos. But Mellor’s heroics showed no sign of abating when he scored the second of Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the Greek giants as well as assisting Steven Gerrard, which enabled the Reds to progress through the group stages and propel

QUICKEST: Michael Owen without a doubt. 10 yards and bang he was gone!

MOST SKILFUL: I’d probably say someone like Jari Litmanen. He was a joy to watch and train with. their Champions League journey to Istanbul. “Obviously scoring the goal against Arsenal was a great moment for me, but the Champions League goal was probably the most memorable part of my time at Liverpool,” Mellor added. “I actually think the Olympiakos one eclipsed it because of what we went onto achieve you know with

the importance of that goal. Firstly it was great to score against Arsenal, it was a great goal and everything like that, but the Olympiakos one was much more important. So now that I look back I think that was a better contribution than the Arsenal one.” But Mellor’s promising season took a turn for the worse when he sustained a knee injury in March 2005 and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the campaign - denying the striker the chance of experiencing European glory in Istanbul. It would have been the fairytale ending for a striker who lived his dream. He should have two medals in his trophy cabinet but the current tally stands at one, which someone was magnanimous enough to donate him, and one that disappeared into the night in Istanbul seemingly never to appear again. But despite enduring disappointment towards the latter stages of his time at Liverpool, Mellor is honoured he was able to play a key role whilst at the club and his sense of indebtedness towards his boyhood club is palpable. He said: “Although I was injured when we eventually won the trophy it was just unbelievable. To be in and around that dressing room throughout the campaign at Melwood thinking everyone’s writing

us off against Bayern Leverkusen and we beat them, Juventus, Chelsea and there was a real buzz about the place. It was a special moment in that time of my career and one that I will never forget. “That Champions League music is so iconic and when you think about the Champions League and how big it’s become you know you’re in the elite competition and that’s certainly where we wanted to be. You have to earn the right to be there and we certainly did that because it is the elite competition everyone wants to be apart of. When you hear that music you know you’re with the big boys so you have to perform and if you perform well then you’ll also do well,” Mellor added. “I think in life it would be silly to look back and have regrets and think what might have been sort of thing because you can’t change it once it’s happened. I’d loved to have played more games, I’d loved to not have the injuries but I did and you can’t change these things. I look back and I’m grateful that I got to experience special moments in a Liverpool shirt. “You think about Liverpool as a worldwide football club and the amount of fans that the club have. I was fortunate enough to have played a number of games. I had a few special moments so I’m just grateful I got to experience that.”

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FORMER ARSENAL DEFENDER

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THE NEWGEN PAPER Done and Vincenti extend goalscoring tally

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MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29 2014

More doom and gloom for managerless Orient

BY ROSHANE THOMAS

time at the club, but the urge to play at a higher level proved too difficult to resist in the end. The 24-year-old said: “It was a hard decision [leaving Dagenham and Redbridge] because it’s very close to my house. I played nearly every game for them last season and I enjoyed it, but I had the chance to move up a league and that opportunity came with Gillingham. “I wanted to test myself at a higher level. League Two is a good level, I’m not saying it’s bad - but I want to try and play as high as possible.” With long-term contracts something of a rarity in the lower tier of English football Hoyte penned a five-month contract at Gillingham knowing he has to hit the ground

running in order to merit a contract extension - but despite the rightback later signed for League Two back getting sent off in his debutoutfit Dagenham and Redbridge Hoyte is also aiming to use his and enjoyed a two-year spell at the short-term deal as a catalyst to work East-London side. even harder at the Gills. Having amassed 68 league ap“It’s been good so far,” said Hoyte. pearances for the Daggers Hoyte “But unfortunately in my first game was considered an experienced I got sent off. But I’ve played most of figure, but eager to test his abilithe games so I’m quite happy with ties at a higher level the Trinidad how I’ve been doing so far. and Tobago international opted “It’s my chance to show everybody against renewing his contract which that I can play at this level. Short culminated in Hoyte securing a term deal means that it has less time short-term switch to Gillingham in for me to prove myself, so I have to the summer. hit the ground running in order to Despite his departure from earn another contract. In a way it’s Dagenham and Redbridge Hoyte pushing me as well.” Besides spells still has fond memories during his at the Daggers whilst at Arsenal Hoyte was farmed out on loan to the likes of Watford, Brighton, Lincoln City and AFC Wimbledon - in order to gain firstMY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - When I was growing up, going to team experience. watch my brother play football. I used to go and watch him play every Saturday. Having struggled to replicate the impact his WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - I used to go and brother, Justin Hoyte, watch Arsenal and sit in the North Bank. made at Emirates Stadium the 24-year-old nonetheMY FOOTBALLING HERO WAS - William Gallas as he’s great defender and less fulfilled a life long amI used to watch him all the time. bition when he made his THE BEST OPPONENT I PLAYED AGAINST WAS - Robinho. Premier League debut for his boyhood club against I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - I love going out there every Saturday and Manchester City. winning. Prior to making his

I Love Football - Gavin Hoyte

Premier League debut Hoyte made cameo appearances in the League Cup but it was the game against City that will always live long in the memory for the defender. He added: “Making my Premiership debut against Manchester is my best memory during my time at Arsenal. “I was 18 at the time and all the players around me helped me out a lot. I remember Gael Clichy coming up to me and talking to me just basically telling me how his debut was. That helped me out a lot. “Funny enough we didn’t know the team. I was in the squad and when they named the team I realised I was starting.” With the possibility of earning another contract at Gillingham firmly within his sights Hoyte knows a string of fine performance can only strengthen his aspirations of staying at the League One side. “I’ve got a contract until the end of January,” said Hoyte “So I’ve got to play as many games as I can, keep playing well, help the club up the table and then try and earn another contract really.”

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THE dreaded prospect of getting released is one which many youngsters at Europe’s elite clubs fear. For some it can put them in good stead to crave out opportunities elsewhere but for others it can often lead to football oblivion - despite having once been highly-regarded. At Arsenal, however, many former players have been able to have successful careers away from the Emirates, albeit in the lower echelons of English football. Gavin Hoyte is no different. Following his release from the Gunners in 2012 the right-

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League One

Monday, September 29, 2014

League One

Five goal thriller at Brisbane Road adds more woes to managerless Orient

What we learnt this week ROSHANE THOMAS

ROSHANE THOMAS

Leyton Orient McAnuff 13, Vincelot 41

Rochdale Done 4, 65, Vincenti 48

2 3

Referee D Sheldrake Attendance 4,405 Rochdale beat Leyton Orient in a pulsating five goal thriller at Brisbane Road to secure three points and extend their promising form in League One. The visitors started the brighter of the two sides when man of the match Matthew Done continued his impressive goalscoring tally so far this campaign when he fired his strike past Gary Wood’s reach. The early impetus from Dale set the tone throughout the match when Jobi McAnuff reduced the arrears following his superb strike into the top right-hand corner. It was goals galore here at Brisbane Road and Romain Vincelot powered Orient into the lead on the eve of halftime heading past the heavily tested Conrad Logan. After the restart the exhilarating first-half showed no sign of abating when goals from Vincenti and Done subjected Orient to a 3-2 defeat and to compound matters for the managerless side they are yet to win at home so far this campaign. Leyton Orient’s promising form from last season has been non-existent this term. The O’s are currently placed 17th in the league drawing five of their previous seven outings. It has been a tumultuous couple of weeks for Orient which culminated in Russell Slade handing in his resignation on Wednesday after four years as manager. The former Yeovil and Brighton manager - now Cardiff bound - took charge of his last game for the O’s in their midweek defeat

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Kevin Nugent looks on as his Orient side struggle to cope with in-form Rochdale’s potent attack.

against Sheffield United, which proved to be far from the happy ending he would have envisaged. Prior to the match they played Gabrielle - Rise Again, perhaps a suitable song choice following Slade’s untimely departure. But that is what will be expected of Orient this campaign, despite their indifferent start to the season, rise again and exceed expectations once more. Kevin Nugent, who was assistant manager to Slade, was in charge of Orient’s encounter against Rochdale. The League One newcomers have started the season brightly with influential players Matt Done and Ian Henderson both in sparkling form. Having only lost one match so far in September, which came against Sheffield United, the visitors drew first blood at Brisbane Road when in the opening four minutes Done drifted in from the right flank and unleashed a tantalising strike - from 20 yards - past the despairing dive of Woods to extend his goalscoring tally to seven goals in all competitions. Rochdale’s early impetus proved decisive as they threatened to engulf the home side further. Vincenti played a defence splitting pass to in-form striker

Unbelieveable, Jeff Well done, Michael Olivier, for booking Nacer Chadli for his lurid celebration at the Emirates on Saturday. Who knew that cupping the ear was an offence.

Fair point, Neil

Big Sam blunted by Blades

Only in the Premier League, part 209372: “In the the Premier League, every point is precious,” Neil Warnock said. As opposed to in other countries, where they do not play for points, of course.

RATINGS

Leyton Orient (4-4-2): Woods, Omozusi, Vincelot, Cuthbert (c), Baudry, Cox, James (sub: Pritchard, 25), McAnuff (sub: Mooney, 70), Lowry, Dagnall, Henderson (sub: Batt, 65) Substitutes not used: Clarke, Bartley, Grainger, Simpson Booked: Omozusi Rochdale (4-5-1): Logan, Bennett, Eastham, O’Connell, Tanser, Hery, Allen (sub: Lancashire, 32) Dawson, Vincenti, Done (sub: Bunney, 84), Henderson (c) Substitutes not used: Diba, Andrew, Rose, Cannon, Kennedy Booked: Easham, Dawson, Tanser

Ian Henderson who was through on goal but lacked composure when it mattered most as his effort on goal narrowly went wide. For Keith Mill’s men September’s remarkable form, which has seen the Dale seal 12 points from a possible 15, is a huge contrast to August where the away side were only able to secure one victory - with loses coming against Peterborough, Chesterfield and Bradford. But now Rochdale’s resolute defence have only conceded three goals in September as they aim to extend their promising form. For Orient, however, it’s been a lack of fire power that has hampered their progress so far this term. It has been evident that they are missing the penetrative qualities of Kevin Lisbie, who is a long term absentee having undergone surgery on his shoulder. But summer signing Jobi McAnuff showed he is more than capable of filling that void and in the 13th minute the former Reading skipper was rewarded for his endeavours when he drilled a stunning strike into the top right-hand corner to deservedly bring Orient level.

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Ginger who? His goal breathed confidence into the hosts and shortly after the midfielder went on a jinxing run and appeared to be fouled by Stephen Dawson in the penalty area but McAnuff ’s pleas for a penalty were waved away by the referee. To compound matters for Kevin Nugent’s men the hosts suffered a hammer blow on the eve of the half hour mark when Lloyd James was structured off having gone in for a 50/50 challenge and came off worse. The turning point in the match came in the 31st minute when Darius Henderson was clean on goal and looked set to bring Orient in the lead, but Henderson’s powerful presence proved a mismatch for Eastham when the defender fouled the striker, which culminated in the defender receiving his marching orders, and leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot. Chris Dagnall stepped up to take the penalty but the striker failed to convert and Darius Henderson passed up a golden chance to put the home side in front when he also failed to steer it home from the rebound.This exhilarating first-half was shaping up to be a error-strewn, unpredictable and chance-laden match. Orient won a free-kick from six yards as

Logan slipped and saved a back pass but Dagnall once more failed to profit from Rochdale’s misfortune. Despite their slow start to the match - and with half-time looming - Orient signified a step in the right direction when unlikely source Romain Vincelot evaded his marker to neatly control it before nodding over Logan into the net - much to the delight of the Brisbane Road faithful. Prior to arriving in East London Rochdale were yet to win an encounter against Orient which dates back to the 2009/2010 season. The malevolent presence of Vincenti proved to be a huge factor in the visitors turning it again. Immediately after the interval the pendulum of momentum swung back in the away sides favour when Jack O’Connell executed a powerful strike from distance which the heavily tested Woods failed to deal with - which resulted in Vincenti gleefully prodding it home from close range. The impetus and intensity from both teams in the firsthalf showed no sign of ebbing. Man of the moment Done continued his imperious form when superb interplay between the latter and former Orient skipper Dawson eventually saw Done fire his strike beyond the reach of Woods, which was a privilege to bear witness to, to put Rochdale in the lead once more in this five goal thriller. Bereft of fresh ideas on the pitch Kevin Nugent aimed for

a tactical rejig and brought off earlier goalscorer Jobi McAnuff and replaced him with David Mooney in an attempt to reduce the arrears. His substitution nearly paid a rich reward when Mooney’s 25-yarder went wide of Logan’s post. At this point the visitors were plain sailing and looked set to encompass their run of wins and cap off a fine month, with albeit one loss. However, Orient almost drew level when Shane Lowry’s towering header was cleared off the line by Henderson to preserve Rochdale’s lead. Done once more exerted his class down the left flank when he skipped past Scott Cuthbert but his pass aimed towards Henderson, who was ghosting in the back-post proved to no avail - in the end that proved to be Done’s last meaningful contribution as he received a rapturous ovation when he was brought off for Joseph Bunney. The visitors withstood the late barrage from Orient and secured the all important three points to beat the O’s for the first time since the 2009/10 season, sending the travelling Dale supporters into raptures. Next for Keith Hill’s men is a home fixture against League One strugglers Barnsley - where they will be aiming to show once more that they are more than capable of adjusting to life in League One. For Orient, however, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to replicate last season’s sparking form. And it doesn’t come easy for the O’s as their next game is against Swindon.

Arsenal v Galatasary Wednesday 7.30pm

Burnley manager Sean Dyche came to the Premier League hailed as the Ginger Mourinho. Well following the Clarets poor start to the season, now’s the time to prove it. Yes, injury problems hasn’t helped and Burnley’s budget is lower than everyone else’s. But Mourinho wouldn’t find this situation too hot to handle.

Poor man’s Fellaini? For a long time it seemed like Mile Jedinak looked like a poor man’s Fellaini. Now I’m starting to think the midfielder is better than the Belgian.

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Championship

Blades exact shoot-out revenge on West Ham after Winston Reid blunder ROSHANE THOMAS

Leyton Orient McAnuff 13, Vincelot 41

Rochdale Done 4, 65, Vincenti 48

Referee D Sheldrake Attendance 4,405

2 3

Rochdale beat Leyton Orient in a pulsating five goal thriller at Brisbane Road to secure three points and extend their promising form in League One. The visitors started the brighter of the two sides when man of the match Matthew Done continued his impressive goalscoring tally so far this campaign when he fired his strike past Gary Wood’s reach. The early impetus from Dale set the tone throughout the match when Jobi McAnuff reduced the arrears following his superb strike into the top righthand corner. It was goals galore here at Brisbane Road and Romain Vincelot powered Orient into the lead on the eve of half-time heading past the heavily tested Conrad Logan. After the restart the exhilarating first-half showed no sign of ebbing when goals from Vincenti and Done subjected Orient to a 3-2 defeat and to compound matters for the managerless side they are yet to win at home so far this campaign. Leyton Orient’s promising form from last season has been non-existent this term. The O’s are currently placed 17th in the league drawing five of their

RATINGS

Russell Slade watches on as Jones earns a point ROSHANE THOMAS

Brighton & Hove Albion Bruno 19

Cardiff City Jones 21

1 1

Referee N Swarbrick Attendance 23,712 It has been eight long years since Cardiff City last beat Brighton in a league match. Of course you could argue the Bluebirds have been the more successful side in recent years - with promotion to the top-flight last campaign a noticeable achievement. But if the Bluebirds have any aspirations to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking stability and consistency is paramount. Their indifferent start to the campaign has hardly helped their quest to be competing with table-toppers Norwich City. And with Russell Slade’s

arrival at the Welsh club growing increasingly likely it remains to be seen whether he can make the step up from League One to the Championship. Nonetheless, the revival under Scott Young and Danny Gabbidon continues but Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at the Amex highlights improvements still need to be made as it was a match they were outshone in superiority by the Seagulls, who perhaps would have secured three points if their profligacy in front of goal didn’t prove costly. But on the plus side for Brighton they are now unbeaten in their last five home games in all competitions, winning two. Their only defeat at home came against Sheffield Wednesday in August. With the hosts winning the last encounter between the two sides in 2013 it came as no surprise they were aiming to encompass their run once more with the likes of Craig Mackail-Smith and Joao Teixeira having noticeable efforts at goal during the early stages of the match. The breakthrough for the home side nearly fell in the eighth minute when brilliant intricate passing between Teixeira and Mackail-Smith saw the latter square it to fan favourite Kazenga LuaLua who controlled neatly before firing it over the bar. Despite the intricacies of their play Brighton could not force an opening. Another sumptuous team move eventually saw Bruno drill in a searching ball to LuaLua who fired it first time at David Marshall albeit the keeper saving comfortably. With the Amex faithful beseeching the Seagulls to crave out more opportunities that eventually came to fruition when Bruno broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. The right-back got the better of Fabio down the right flank and timed his run to perfection when Lewis Dunk floated in a superb cross where Bruno side-footed it over Marshall with ease to put the hosts in front. But Sami Hyypia would have been bewilderingly frustrated when almost immediately after netting the opener his team showed naivety when Cardiff City responded in the best way possible through a delightful cross from Fabio which presented Jones with the perfect opportunity to nod it past Stockdale to bring

the visitors level. As the entertaining first half drew to a close Joe Bennet had the last meaningful effort at goal but the left-back struck it wide inches of Marshall’s right post. After the interval the hosts flicked at the accelerator and Bennett was at the heart of things once more, almost bringing the Seagulls in front. An in swinging cross from Teixeira down the right channel saw Marshall called upon again and the keeper did well to deny Bennett’s towering header. Hapless defending from Lewis Dunk saw the centre-half fail to deal with an uncontested header which saw Anthony Pilkington pounce on his defensive error but the former Norwich player failed to profit from Brighton’s misfortune when he unconvincingly shot straight at Stockdale. If Marshall’s performance was anything to go by Premier League clubs will soon be on red alert because the impenetrable keeper pulled off another spectacular save this time denying Gardner’s tantalising effort from 25 yards. With the full time whistle looming Brighton’s pleas for a penalty were ignored by the ref leaving LuaLua incandescent who got booked for a dive to make matters worse. Sami Hyypia’s men play Watford next.

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RATINGS Brighton (4-3-3): Stockdale, Bruno, Greer (c), Dunk, Bennett, Gardner, Forster-Caskey, Holla, LuaLua, Mackail-Smith (sub: O’Grady, 57), Teixeira (sub: McCourt, 80) Substitutes not used: Ankergen, Hughes, Colunga, Crofts, Ince Booked: Greer Cardiff City (4-5-1): Marshall (c), Fabio, Morrison, Manga, Brayford, Whittingham, Gunnarsson, Adeyemi (sub: Noone, 53), Pilkington, Daehli (sub: R.Morrison, 64), Jones (sub: Macheda, 82) Substitutes not used: Moore, James, Ralls, Maynard Booked: Daehli, Whittingham, Noone

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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER BLACKPOOL LEGEND

THAT WAS THE BEST FEELING EVER FOR ME IN FOOTBALL

Despite playing for Blackpool during their golden area former Seasiders legend Brett Ormerod is concerned with the way the club is heading following their recent decline. The 38-year-old played some of his best football whilst at the Championship side, but with the club struggling to find form and stability a major concern Ormerod fears for the future of the club. BY ROSHANE THOMAS

EXCLUSIVE

t was the club which put the veteran striker on the map, the club where he was adored by the fans, not least the club where he had two contrasting spells; for Ormerod it’s a club he considers home. Having started his career as a trainee at Blackburn Rovers, where he was in and amongst the caliber of players like Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton, the then 19-year-old left Ewood Park due to being a periphery figure and in search firstteam opportunities elsewhere. Next for Ormerod was a two-year spell at Accrington Stanley where his imperious form saw the striker amass 32 goals in 54 league appearances. Making a name for himself at Non-League level Blackpool eventually came calling and for Ormerod it was love at first sight. With his aspirations of a return to professional football revived he instantly become a fan favourite at Bloomfield Road as well as a pivotal figure for Blackpool. But during the 19992000 season the striker was blighted by injuries and things went from bad to worse when Ormerod was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a broken leg, having broke his tibia and fibula, and his absence was evident with the Seasiders missing the penetrative qualities of their main striker - which culminated in their relegation to the old Third Division. But once he returned back to the starting XI so did his goalscoring prowess and a blistering season for the Seasiders eventually saw them triumph in the play-off final against Leyton Orient in 2001 as they sealed promotion back to the Second Division at the first time of asking. “I think every player or manager, whatever time in their career, will have one club that has been special for them where things go particularly well - Blackpool was definitely mine, said Ormerod.” “I had two spells there from

Happier Times: Brett Ormerod reflects on his spell at Blackpool.

1997-2001 I spent four years there and got promotion with Blackpool where Steve McMahon was manager. I had a great time and when I came back in 2009 I always said if I could have half a good a time and success I did last time I’ll be a happy man. I think when I went back we more than doubled that. “So as a club I think Blackpool will definitely be a place where I had my best memories.” During his second spell at the club the Tangerines exceeded expectations to pull off the unthinkable. It was a time when the club were on the up but despite that the chance of sealing promotion to the top-flight seemed fanciful to say the least. But with ex-Blackpool boss Ian Holloway the catalyst and mastermind behind their endeavours promotion to the Premier League eventually materialised, something Ormerod could have never envisioned - particular with considerations to his first spell at Bloomfield Road. With his career also approaching the latter stages Ormerod’s sense of indebtedness towards Holloway is palpable. “I don’t think anyone should’ve seen something like that happening, especially players and supporters,” he added. “I know football has fairy tales and things like that but it was about 1999 when I broke my leg and we ended up getting relegated into Division Two. I was out for nearly a whole year due to my leg and then we got promoted the following year and sort of consolidated ourselves in Division One for a few years. But if you told me we would’ve ever got in the Premiership I would’ve definitely said: ‘No chance - you’ve got to be in dreamland.’ “Working with Ian [Holloway] was unbelievable. He came into Blackpool when I was 33, I left Preston and got back to Blackpool in January 2009. He helped us stay in the Championship and then my contract was up but he played a massive role in me staying. “At 33 I pretty much thought I’d seen and done it all and he was just something else. He helped me back in the Premiership and then I had

CONCENTRATION: Brett Ormerod looking focused.

BATTLE AT THE BRIDGE: Brett Ormerod tackling former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.

Brett Ormerod talks about his former Blackpool mates BEST TRAINER: In my second spell there the best trainer was Stephen Crainey. The lad trained as if it was an actual match. Whenever you trained against him you were always in for a difficult time. QUICKEST: I’d say myself! one of the best seasons of my career again in the Championship, the year we went up. So it was a fantastic time to be at the club especially in around a manager like that. Ian was always positive and his enthusiasm robbed off on everyone.” Having endured two contrasting spells at Blackpool it comes as no surprise that Ormerod has fond

MOST INTELLIGENT: To be fair I think Taylor-Fletcher’s quite intelligent. FUTURE MANAGER: I don’t know really because there’s a few players that I’ve played with that I thought wouldn’t become managers.

memories during his time at the Tangerines. From sealing promotion to the Premier League to then breaking a record which seems improbable of being broken, it’s easy to see why the veteran striker is considered a legend at Bloomfield Road. Ormerod said: “Probably the promotion into the Premiership would be my highlight, because I managed

JOKER: We had a quite few. Ian Evatt liked to play a few jokes. That squad had a really good team sprit. It was a big part of our success at Blackpool. BEST MATE: Keith Southern and Gary Taylor-Fletcher.

to score the winner at Wembley. The feeling when that final whistle went is something I don’t think I’ll ever feel again in football. Like I said before if you had said we would be in the Premiership and to play in and score in all four divisions - especially to be the first player to do it is a massive thing for me. It’s an unexpected reward really for the hard work that we all put in at Blackpool;

and it’s something that I’m really proud off.” But having been apart of the golden era at Blackpool the striker is also concerned with the way the club is heading following their recent decline. A lack of money invested in the team, stability non-existent and a sack culture which has damaged any sense of decorum, has seen the Seasiders currently embroiled in a relegation

BEST TASTE IN MUSIC: I used to think it was me because I’m into the Killers and stuff like that. But I think Taylor-Flecther was quite good because he was in control of the Ipod . scrape. Ormerod considers the Championship to be one of the toughest leagues to win promotion as well as being even more difficult to stay in once you are involved in a relegation dog fight. Earlier in the season Jose Riga’s falling out with Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston was well-documented which exacerbated their problems and led to his sacking, but with the club currently

moored to the base of the second tier of English football and their downhill trajectory showing no sign of ebbing, Ormerod believes their current situation is concerning. He added: “To be honest there was a lot of things going on like the manager coming in and falling out with the chairman. They only had a certain amount of players and it is concerning. “The fans now are really concerned and the current situation is hard to tell at the moment. They’re bottom of the league and they have a good momentum to climb, but it’s not impossible.” Following Riga’s acrimonious departure Oyston appointed Lee Clark as manager on a one-year rolling contract, with the latter now facing the arduous task of keeping Blackpool in the Championship. But Ormerod hopes any aspirations of Championship survival once dashed has now been revived through the appointment of the Clark, with the striker also hoping the fans will be supportive of their new manager. “They’ve just appointed Lee Clark and hopefully the chairman and the fans get behind him so he can turn things around,” said Ormerod. “But it’s going to be difficult because the Championship is a very tough league. I think it’s the hardest league to win promotion but when you’re down there it’s a tough, tough league to stay in as well. I played against him once or twice down the years

when he was at Fulham and stuff, but I don’t really know him personally. He did a great job at Huddersfield and he obviously just left Birmingham, which is another club under difficult circumstances. “Hopefully the fans the chairman back him and get behind him. I’m sure he’ll be looking at one or two players to bring in but you know I really hope he manages to turn it around.” Now aged 38, Ormerod is preparing for life after football. It’s a credit to the ex-Blackpool man that his love for the game is still strong as ever - where most would have retired and gone onto pastures new. With management an area which doesn’t interest the ex-Southampton striker. The possibility of playing until he is 40 is still an option, but despite that Ormerod is undecided about the next big step in his career. He added: “To be honest, I’m still not really sure what I want to do. I’ve just gone 38 and I remember I was at Preston when I had my 30th birthday and thinking: ‘Right I really need to start seriously thinking about what I’m going to do when I retire.’ “Eight years later I’m still unsure. Football is something that I’ve just always done and that’s just what seems natural. “I’m nowhere near as quick as I used to be and things like that, but I’m still enjoying it and I’m still doing a half decent job. So while I can that’s the only thing I’m focused on.”

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LVG STICKS BY SKIPPER AFTER RED-CARD MAYHEM

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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

DOWN AND OUT Ramsey’s crocked

Injuries Turk their toll on Ramsey & Co BY ROSHANE THOMAS

BY ROSHANE THOMAS LOUIS VAN GAAL has no regrets about making Wayne Rooney captain despite his moment of madness on Saturday. Rooney was given his marching orders in the 59th minute of a narrow 2-1 win over West Ham for a reckless kick at Stewart Downing. Van Gaal has forgiven Rooney for what he believes was an attempt at a professional foul that went wrong. And he still believes Rooney is the right man to lead the club into a new era. “He is, for me, an example for the squad,” said Van Gaal. “I saw that in the USA and when he came back he kept that example and that’s why I made him captain. “He is also a great player and, as you know, when you are my captain, you have more privileges and you have to play always, more or less. “I have to be sure of that, so that is also an argument. And I saw in advance that he would play a lot of times.” But does Van Gaal fear that red mist that has fallen in Rooney’s career before might come again? He said: “No, no, no because he came at once to me and said it

was not his meaning to do it like that. I said to him, ‘You could have done that more friendly’. I can say it to you because I’ve already said it to him. Otherwise I would not say it. “For me he doesn’t have to change. He just needed to do it in a more friendly manner. He said that to me afterwards. “That was more unfriendly and that was maybe his biggest error because I think he did it at the right time.” By ‘more friendly’, the United boss means a little clip on Downing’s heels as the Hammers midfielder broke away rather than the wild swing that saw Rooney sent off. The problem for the Red Devils is that their talisman Rooney will be missing from their next three league games - Everton at home, a trip to West Brom away and then the big visit of Chelsea at the end of the month. LVG added: “It is a big miss, especially as I now think he is playing at a good standard in his new role. And he likes to play there. “When he gets three matches it means also that my captain is away. He is a very important person in my vision - not for nothing is he captain of this team.” When asked if he apologised to his team-mates after the game, Rooney said: “Yeah, of course I did. “I am just grateful that the lads were able to hold on. It’s always tough against 11 men when you are a man down,

especially when they are throwing a lot of balls into the box as they were doing, so I am grateful that we held out.” Rooney is also thankful that there is an international break in the middle of his ban so he can get some football in. The former Everton striker added: “It helps that the England games are coming up but the training here is really good. “It is tough and it is getting my fitness up so I just have to make sure I train well and be ready for when I come back.”

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ROO’S SORRY OVER RED CARD WAYNE ROONEY has apologised to his team-mates for the red card that will see him miss the whole of October for Manchester United. Rooney was shown a straight red card for a wild kick at Stewart Down-

BY ROSHANE THOMAS ing in United’s 2-1 win over West Ham at Old Trafford. He said: “I’m really gutted that I’m going to be missing the next three games. I tried to break up the play, but just misjudged it. “It’s hard to take but it was probably the right decision.” The violent

conduct dismissal means Rooney will now miss games against Everton, West Brom and early season pacesetters Chelsea. But the United and England captain insisted the red mist had not returned and claimed it was simply a mistimed challenge. “It was a dangerous situation in

that they were trying to break on us and I’ve misjudged it, simple as that, but I have no complaints,” he said. “I knew at the time that I misjudged it. It’s a red card and I don’t think it will benefit anyone to appeal. Just happy the lads were able to hold on.”

I NEVER DREAMT I’D PLAY AGAINST FRANK LAMPARD COLE IN BLUES BROTHERS REUNION BY ROSHANE THOMAS ASHLEY COLE never expected to face his old Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard in the Champions League, certainly not with Lampard wearing a Manchester City shirt. After eight glory-filled seasons together, the two former Stamford Bridge stalwarts - who both left the Blues this summer - face off tonight when Cole’s Roma visit loan star Lampard’s Manchester City. But Cole, 33, is not surprised at how well the veteran midfielder has done at the Etihad, with four goals in three matches including the leveller against Chelsea nine days ago. And as much as he is hoping to derail City’s Champions League bid, Cole admitted he was looking forward to crossing swords with his old England team-mates in Group E. He said: “It would be nice to see people like Joe Hart and Lamps.

it. I had eight great years there and I still speak to the staff and the players. 7.45pm, ITV “I’m enjoying my football now and, hopefully, I can emulate what I never expected to play against I achieved at Chelsea.” him. If I play and if Lamps is Cole generally dislikes talking selected, it will be nice because he to the press but it seems like life in is a good friend of mine. Italy has calmed him down. “I’m not surprised by how well When Roma boss Rudi Garcia he’s done either. Everyone knows gave a two-minute answer in Italwhat Frank brings, experience and ian about all the pressure being on goals. City, Cole grinned: “I agree with “He got one against Chelsea. He everything he said.” probably didn’t like that but he’s Roma beat CSKA Moscow 5-1 paid to do a job.” in their previous outing and if Cole, meanwhile, has no ill-feel- they win tonight, City will be six ing towards Chelsea boss Jose points off the pace. Mourinho for letting him go. Cole said: “Victory would put The former England internaus top of the group and make it tional is almost ever-present for hard for them to catch up. There Roma after an ill-fated last season is a lot more pressure on them.” at the Bridge, where he hardly got LIKELY LINE-UP - CITY: Hart, a game under the Special One. Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Cole added: “First of all I didn’t Kolarov, Navas, Toure, Fernandthink Chelsea were wrong. A deinho, Silva, Aguero, Dzeko cision was made and I’m fine with

Man City v Roma

NO NEED FOR ME TO BE RESTED JOE HART could not have made it any clearer that he does not think he needed a rest. The

BY ROSHANE THOMAS England No 1 was given the last two matches off. Hart said: “I want to play

every game. That is my nature, my professionalism. It is hard for to me to see any positives.” outof this

ARSENE WENGER is facing a major Champions League crisis. Aaron Ramsey is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after pulling a hamstring in the north London derby, while Mikel Arteta’s calf injury is also likely to keep the Spaniard out until after the international break. Jack Wilshere is also a doubt for Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Turkish giants Galatasaray on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Wenger (below) is already short in defence with Mathieu Debuchy sidelined for three months after ankle surgery. The Gunners boss said the muscle problems sustained by Ramsey and Arteta on Saturday had left him baffled. He said: “There’s no logic as it is two players who were not involved in the week - not Arteta, not Ramsey - and they had quite a light week for them. We have to analyse what happened there. I don’t understand.” Wenger also admitted he would consider using Calum Chambers in midfield against Galatasaray - if he did not need him so badly in defence. Chambers, who can operate at right-back, centre-half or in midfield, is also another worry as he is only one more booking away from suspension. The Arsenal managed added: “He’s been excellent in every position. And from the first to the last minute he has an unbelievable engine. “He gets forward and puts crosses in as well. It’s remarkable what he’s doing at the age of 19. I would consider playing Calum in midfield, but I only have four defenders at the moment. “It was a very harsh yellow card against Tottenham and the one before at Villa was very harsh as well. It’s a shame you can’t appeal globally for the cards you get. “I thought he played well against Tottenham but the fact that he is really committed may lead him to commit spectacular fouls sometimes.”

BENTEKE BACK WITH A GOAL CHRISTIAN BENTEKE came back with a bang to score a goal on his Aston Villa return, writes Roshane Thomas. The Belgian converted a first-half penalty against Bolton U21 to end his six months of injury hell. “Christian played about an hour and we’re delighted with how he came through,” said Villa boss Paul Lambert.

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Friday, October 03, 2014

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Friday, October 03, 2014

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER ENGLAND STRIKER

THEY HAVEN’T WON UEFA CUPS BUT YET THEY WANT TO JUDGE Emile Heskey’s England career has often been frowned upon and with a paltry return of seven goals in 62 appearances his limitations have repeatedly been highlighted. But unpreturbed by those criticising his accolades at international level the 36-year-old reflects on the highlights of his England career as well as a memorable night in Germany. BY ROSHANE THOMAS

EXCLUSIVE

nce blessed with blistering pace, the ability to terrorise defenders, brute strength and goalscoring prowess many would think this sort of description bore the hallmarks of a great striker, but in fact it does and his name is Emile Heskey. When the exciting, fearless young striker first burst onto the scenes a baby-faced Heskey had the physic of a nightclub bouncer and the ability to leave fans and journalists exhilarated by his presence on a football pitch, with it being clearly evident that he had an abundance of talent. Fast-forward to the year of 2014 the former Leicester City trainee is no longer highly regarded and for that matter isn’t even considered to be a good striker, much less a great one, which has led to the ex-Liverpool striker often being a target for internet trolls, longer than he would care to remember. There’s a video of Heskey on YouTube which is titled ‘Emile Heskey | The best player ever?’ which has amassed more than 580,000 views with the top comment reading ‘Heskey shoots and it’s in............... the crowd’. The lacerating attack the 36-year-old has had to endure has been bordered on ridicule, and even vitriol on other occasions. With his England career often being laboured upon, Heskey would argue, yes, in hindsight he could have done better whilst representing his country, with his last memorable memory in an England shirt, by the Three Lions faithful, being that he scored in England’s 5-1 rout over Germany, but yet that still wasn’t enough of a privilege for the fans to bear witness to, with the song “5-1 - even Heskey scored” often chorused by the England supporters whenever they

Three Lions On His Shirt: Heskey reflects on what it was like to play for his country.

mark that unforgettable night in Munich. Dubbed the non-scoring striker with seven goals in 11 years as England’s centre forward, incorporating two World Cups, two European Championships and 62 caps - besides his goalscoring record for the national side, you could see why Heskey considers his career to be “understated” with the 36-yearold often among the scapegoats for any bad performances, which has made him feel incandescent bearing in mind the success he achieved at club level, mainly with Liverpool. He said: “Generally people trying to take the mickey and even down to people I’ve actually played with have never reached the heights that I’ve ever reached. It is what it is, at the end of the day it’s an easy target sometimes. But then when people sit down and think about it and compare there’s no comparison. “A lot of these people that say things haven’t got their name up in the highest regard in the Premier League, they haven’t scored 100 goals in the Premier League, they haven’t won UEFA Cups, they haven’t won four League Cups, they haven’t won FA Cups, they haven’t won Super Cups, they haven’t gone to two World Cups and two European Championships - but yet they can judge everyone else. A lot of these people really need to think about their own situations. “If there was a word to describe my career I’d say understated,” Heskey added. “I achieved a lot and there’s a lot of people out there that get praised for stuff that shouldn’t be praised for. And never really done anything with it.” When the striker

COMPOSED: Emile Heskey socres England’s fifth goal to cap off a memorable night in Germany.

THREE LIONS: The England team that started the 5-1 demolition over Germany in 2001.

Emile Heskey talks about his ex-England team-mates BEST TRAINER: Probably Joe Cole when he first came through. FUTURE MANAGER: I thought Jamie Carragher would, I think Rio [Ferdinand] could and probably someone like Lamps.

struggled to replicate his club form for the national team towards the latter stages of his England career he was no longer regarded as being a clinical finisher but more or less known for being able to win flickons and patronisingly the work he done off the ball, which represented a bewildering metamorphosis from the teenager, 17 at the time, which first shot to prominence. But the

MOST INTELLIGENT: Everyone would say David James would like to throw all the big words and try to baffle you, but I am not necessarily sure he knew what he was talking about. But I’ll say it was him. QUICKEST: Theo Walcott

former Birmingham City player revived his magical touch in front of goal and blistering pace when the Heskey of old scored in England’s famous win against Germany with the striker capping off a scintillating performance with the fifth goal, in what the 36-year-old considers to be the highlight of his England career. Heskey said: “Due to the magnitude and the importance of the game, I

JOKER: Jamie Carragher was quite funny. BEST TASTE IN MUSIC: I’d probably say myself for that BEST MATE: Rio Ferdinand one. MOST SKILFUL: Joe Cole. He had a lot of WORST TRAINER: Everytricks. one trained really hard, so there wasn’t one. WORST TASTE IN MUSIC: No one

would definitely say it was my best performance in an England shirt. I think not just my goal but the game itself stands out for everyone. We actually lost our last game at the Old Wembley against Germany. That was just before we actually went on the road playing at different stadiums every international break. So to lose your last game at the Old Wembley, which was historically a

brilliant place, and then to lose it to Germany with Dietmar Hamann scoring as well was disappointing. And then obviously we had a chance to put that right and we did so.” Despite playing at international level with England for 11 years and playing in prestigious tournaments Heskey bemoans missed opportunities with England due to the side regularly falling short of

expectations at major tournaments. But nonetheless, the former Aston Villa man is immensely proud of the fact he was able to represent his country at World Cups and European Championships; something the striker once deemed improbable. “To be fair when you’re younger your mindset is always to try and reach new heights,” Heskey added. “You never envisioned it you actual-

ly say ing to yourself: ‘Yeah, I’m going to do that, I’m going to do this’. I said to myself: ‘I’d love to win the World Cup’ didn’t win it, didn’t go any further than the quarters, which would be my only disappointment. “But playing at World Cups and scoring at a World Cup as well was a great feeling. Top, top players get to play club football at the highest but sometimes don’t get to play at World Cups and I was lucky enough to play for two. Apart from that game [against Germany] they were probably my high points.” Despite scoring goals for his country something of a rarity for the striker, Heskey still had an influence at international level having played under England’s last four full-time managers - prior to current boss Roy Hodgson. At his best the 36-year-old was virtually unplayable, his performance in Munich highlights that, but it was his inability to do it on a regular basis which widely led to criticism. Shy in front of goal, his England career frowned upon, and his trademark smile non-existent; the great pride Heskey once had playing for his country had become a joyless experience. With his talents starting to wane Heskey announced his retirement from international football in 2010, shortly after England’s dismal World Cup in South Africa. In hindsight perhaps it was the right time for the striker to call it a day as he was 32 at the time an an array of talent was starting to

emerge in English football. On reflection Heskey considers Sven Goran Eriksson to be the best England he played under. He said: “I quite liked Sven. He was quiet but whenever you went into a game you knew what your job was and you knew what he wanted of you. That is very important in football. “Half the time when players go onto a football pitch they don’t know what their job is. And then when you actually ask them: ‘What is your job today?’ they couldn’t tell you. So it’s about knowing what you have to do on the pitch at all times. “And he’s one of those that went through that. A lot of people might say he’s negative but at least we didn’t lose many games under him.” Despite all the highs and lows Heskey experienced throughout his England career these are moments the 36-year-old will savour for the rest of his life. The 36-year-old considers it to be an “absolute honour” representing his country having rose though the youth level into the senior team and looks back on his England career with great fondness. “It’s was an unbelievable experience,” Heskey added. “It’s an absolute honour playing for your country and anyone who has that opportunity should take it up. “I was lucky enough to play from the U16’s right up to the full national team, so it was a great honour for me to put on that shirt with great pride.”

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NIGHTMARE IN JAPAN Medical team rush to get Bianchi out of the wreckage after horror crash

SAFETY: Bianchi collision raises safety concerns

JULES BIANCHI IN HORROR CRASH The Japanese Grand Prix was over, but the questions had only just begun, writes Roshane Thomas. Highly-rated driver Jules Bianchi is fighting for his life in a Japanese hospital. It is too early to speculate if the career of F1’s rising star, the golden boy of Maranello’s racing academy, is over. Latest reports said he was breathing without a ventilator. This is a minor blessing on a cursed day, the like of which fans hoped they would never see again. After 20 years, the longest period in it’s history, F1 was back on the brink - facing basic questions about it’s safety regulations. Despite dramatic advances since Ayrton Senna’s tragic death in 1994, it appears basic mistakes are still being made. Some say it is the accident that never should have happened in the race that never should have started. Bianchi, 25, has serve brain injuries after spearing under a mini-crane rescue vehicle recovering another crashed car. Retired racer turned commentator Martin Bundle voice was audibly pained as he spoke of his owner brush with fate nearly 20 years ago. It was six months after Senna’s fatal smash and the sport was still in shock. Remarkably he, too, almost hit a crane. “My concern is those cranes on track,” he said. “I nearly lost my life against one of them, I just missed it and hit a marshal. I closed my eyes and I thought that was the end. “The tractors are just too high and you are sitting down low. I’ve been saying this for a long time. You are going into the barrier if you go of there. There’s no way of recovering, you are going too fast. “I spun off under yellows, there was so much spray I couldn’t even see my own steering wheel let alone the yellow flags that day. If one car goes off there’s so much greater chance of another going off in the same place. Maybe procedures have to be looked at, perhaps, no diggers or vehicles on the track in extreme conditions like that.” Everyone at TheNewGenPaper wishes Jules Bianchi a speedy recovery.

HAMILTON BEATS JAPAN JINX LEWIS HAMILTON broke his Suzuka jinx to take a 10-point lead in the title race with his first win in Japan. It was his third consecutive victory and his eighth of what is turning into the best season of his career. Hamilton said: “It was reminiscent of my win in the terrible conditions at Silverstone in 2008.” Jenson Button had to settle for fifth, however Hamilton’s victory was spoiled by Jules Bianchi’s smash.

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RAHEEM STERLING IS GOING NOWHERE

Brown in the frame at Bolton BY ROSHANE THOMAS PHIL BROWN is on Bolton’s shortlist to replace Dougie Freedman as manager of the Championship outfit. The Southend boss is highly regarded by Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside having worked alongside Sam Allardyce at the Lancashire club. Brown (above) was at Bolton for six years as a player and Gartside still likes him and he has done a good job at League Two side Southend. Bolton are in desperate trouble and Freedman was sacked due to a string of poor results, with the club stuck in the relegation zone. Gartside wants an experienced manager to ease their problems. Former Wanderers striker Mixu Paatelainen, now the Finland boss, is also in the running for the Bolton post.

Rodgers: Sterling will sign a new deal...he could not be at a better club for his career BRENDAN RODGERS is “absolutely adamant” that Raheem Sterling will remain at Anfield. The Liverpool boss has scythed though speculation surrounding the future of his rising young Kop star by insisting he will sign a new deal in the coming weeks. Sterling (right) is currently immersed in contract negotiations and has been linked with a switch to both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. However, Rodgers has refuted any talk of the 19-year-old even thinking of leaving the club. When quizzed whether he got the impression Sterling wanted to stay, Rodgers replied: “Yes. Absolutely adamant. I don’t think there is anything other than that. “His agent is a good agent and he understands this is the perfect place for Raheem.” The Liverpool manager

also stressed that despite mounting speculation and the number of clubs being linked with bids, the feeling among the Anfield hierarchy is relaxed and confident, with a deal certain to be agreed eventually. He said: “It’s not a big issue for us. Ian Ayre has spoken to his representatives and he is quite relaxed. “The club is dealing with the agent so everything is calm. “The boy is remarkably happy here and there is no secondary thoughts about anything other than continuing to play for Liverpool. “Also, to continue with his development because he still has a lot of growth

- and for that the best place for him to be is here. “His representatives respect that and the club respects that. So that will get sorted out in time.” Liverpool have already given Sterling one wage rise, taking his salary to around £50,000 a week. And they are prepared to double that, with a contract heavily incentivised to match the £150,000 that Daniel Sturridge now earns. Sturridge signed on Friday to commit his next five years to Liverpool, and the Reds expect his partner to follow suit, securing England’s brightest young talent at the club until almost 2020. Rodgers will continue to try to protect Sterling, to

HOW LAZAR HAS SHINED..

LIVERPOOL STAR’S FUTURE

JAPANESE GRAND PRIX

BY ROSHANE THOMAS

Monday, October 06, 2014

ensure he won’t suffer from burn-out. He added: “It’s tough for Raheem. As a coach and a manager I was accused of leaving him out against Aston Villa. “I’ve been trying to protect the kid not just from performances but headlines. People try to write him off because he’s tired. “But he put in an incredible shift against West Brom. He had moments, of course, where he gave the ball away but he persevered and kept going. “He’s going to have good games and he is going to have games where he is not going to set the world alight. “One thing about Raheem is that he will always give 100 per cent and does his best for the team.”

I Love Football - Jason Brown MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - I would say Italia 1990. Toto Schillaci was the best striker at the tournament, young Roberto Baggio and Paul Gascoigne crying. For me it was probably the best World Cup ever. WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - Millwall because I used to live around the corner - so it used to be my loyal team. MY FOOTBALLING HERO WAS - John Barnes. THE GREATEST GAME I’VE EVER WATCHED - That would have to be when Arsenal beat Man United when Marc Overmars went through and scored to make it 1-0. It was at Old Trafford - Peter Schmeichel went up for a corner and tried to run back but he done his hamstring. I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - I’m good at it and it’s a sport of many languages and cultures.

YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU ROY HODGSON believes England’s Young Gun have to think of their country first, not themselves. Hodgson is thrilled that the likes of Danny Welbeck and Calum Chambers are now getting regular game time following their summer moves to Arsenal. But Chambers would have returned to Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Under-21 Championship play-off with Croatia had Everton’s John

BY ROSHANE THOMAS

Stones not pulled out of the senior team last night having sustained an ankle injury during Everton’s encounter against Manchester United at the weekend. Chambers and Luke Shaw were both told by Hodgson they would have been in the senior side were it not for the importance of this week’s games, while in-form West Brom striker Sadio Berahino has to wait at least one more month for his first full squad selection. Hodgson said: “It is not even

a question for debate that if players from 16 onwards playing for England can get experience at tournaments and winning them it will serve them in good stead. “What could be debated is that players who have gone from the junior teams to making their debut as a part of the senior team is whether it is then good for their development to go back.”

Totti at rage at Juve ref BY ROSHANE THOMAS FRANCESCO TOTTI was furious after Roma lost 3-2 at Juventus last night and questioned the integrity of the Serie A champions’ victory. The clash between the leaders and second-placed Roma was marred by questionable officiating, with Juve awarded two very soft penalties - both converted by Carlos Tevez. Totti said: “I don’t know if we were beaten by referees, but we certainly were not beaten by Juventus.”

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ony Cascarino has been through the highs and lows following a glittering career, but in 1996 the striker received devastating news which stunned his mother and due to the severity of the situation very nearly wiped his international record with the Republic of Ireland. Everything Cascarino knew had been a lie. The former Chelsea striker who was known as ‘Tony Goal’ made the admission in his autobiography, Full Time: The Secret Life of Tony Cascarino. The 52-year-old appeared to have been an innocent part in a tangled series of events. But following the revelation that his mother had been adopted by her Irish father, Michael O’Malley, this prompted Cascarino to question his eligibility to play for the Republic. In 1996, when FIFA’s new laws required players to be citizens of the country they represented, doubts started to surface on Cascarino’s mind as the striker, who had 66 caps by then, needed an Irish passport, with the ex-Gillingham striker later stating in his autography that he felt like a “fraud” and a “fake Irishman” at the time. 15 years on Cascarino has no regrets over what was written in his autography with his claims causing national newspaper headlines at the time. “I’m totally comfortable that I did say that because what I was trying to express was that I played 66 times for Ireland and obviously I was playing under a British passport,” Cascarino said. “We were told by one of the Irish officials that we had to give every information in order to make sure that we could play for Ireland. In that period when I went to St Catherine’s House in London - and obviously got my mum’s birth certificate, I found out that my mum didn’t know she was adopted which was a huge blow because now it meant she was adopted and her parents weren’t her biological parents. “So it was all about the feeling of what it was like knowing after 66 appearances for Ireland that actually my mum’s ancestry isn’t what we thought it was. I felt like a fraud, I felt like an intruder into what had happened. I had to tell the people of the Federation that my mum isn’t born to who she thinks she was born to. Also, it was a massive shock for my mum.” With his future international career uncertain, Cascarino was palpably relived when he was informed that under adoption laws in Ireland he still qualified to play for Ireland. The Irish football authorities also reiterated

that adoption granted Cascarino’s mother citizenship rendering him eligible under international rules. For Cascarino, however, it was two contrasting emotions because on one hand he was happy that his international achievements was not in vein - but the sheer shock of his mum being adopted took sometime getting used. However, despite the shocking news Cascarino and his mother showed their mettle when they refused to the let the revelation rip apart their family. Cascarino added: “She was upset but her words were: ‘My dad’s still my dad even though biologically he’s not.’ “She was raised by her parents from day dot and because biologically they weren’t it still didn’t change anything for her and nor did it for me. “They were my grandparents and it stayed that way. But we were pleased to know that under adoption laws I still qualified to play for Ireland.” Barring his Irish passport saga Cascarino fulfilled a promising international career with the Republic Ireland. The striker played in one European Championship (1988) and two World Cups (1990, 1994). Representing your country is the pinnacle of any footballers career and Cascarino was able to achieve his tangible dream as well earn international accolade. Having scored 18 times for his country Cascarino briefly became the record caps holder for Ireland, which has since been surpassed by Robbie Keane. Funny enough Cascarino’s former team-mate at Chelsea, Dennis Wise, once told him: ‘One England cap is worth 50 Ireland caps.’ Although that sense of humour was typical of Wise Cascarino eventually had the last laugh when he scored against England, which he considers to be the highlight of his career. “I played at the 88 Euro’s and had two World Cups and I had an amazing experience with an incredible group of player,” Cascarino added. “But the highlight of my career and probably my proudest moment in a Republic of Ireland shirt was scoring against England. “That was a really proud moment because Graham Taylor had bought me at Aston Villa and then left Villa to take the England job. When we played against England he was the manager that day and I remember

Football Sport Players are having to make hard decisions, says Cascarino

Tony Cascarino: I felt like a fraud, a fake and an intruder for Ireland Tony Cascarino details what it was like playing for the Republic of Ireland whilst receiving horrifying news about a loved one and how a memorable night against England proved to be one of the highlights of his career, writes Roshane Thomas

Thursday, October 09, 2014

Roshane Thomas

FORMER Millwall striker Tony Cascarino believes the next crop of young players, who have duo nationalities, are finding it difficult to pledge their allegiances. Players such as Aston Villa prodigy Jack Grealish (below) has found himself involved in a tug-of-war between England and the Republic of Ireland. The 19-year-old has already represented Republic of Ireland at U21 level and it seemed likely that he would commit himself to the

Big Sam blunted by Blades

RATINGS

senior team. But Grealish is yet to make up

Tony Cascarino Fact File Previous clubs Gillingham (1981-1987) Scored 78 goals in 219 appearances for the Gills. Millwall (1987-1990) Played for the team he supported as a boy having grown up in the area. Aston Villa (1990-1991) Became the club’s record signing at £1.1m in early 1990. Celtic (1991-1992) Had an unsuccessful spell in Scotland with Celtic, which only lasted one season. Enjoy The Ride: Tony Cascarino celebrating his goal against England with his team-mate in 1992. as I was about to go on the pitch he put his finger up to me and said: ‘Don’t you dare go and score.’ “England were winning 1-0 and of course, I went on and scored.” Following the Republic of Ireland’s 1-1 draw against England during the 1992 Euro qualifiers at Lansdowne Road, now known as the Aviva, it took more than 20 years for England to seek revenge. Due to the rivalry between the two countries the international players for the Republic of Ireland had to endure stick from their English team-mates at their clubs respectively. Cascarino was no different but the

striker takes great pride in Ireland’s head-to-head record against England, he said: “A lot of us Irish players would go back to our clubs in England and we would rub shoulders with the England players but they’d say things like: ‘Oh typical, you were never good enough to play for England.’ “But after we won we never got beat by England for another 20 years. A lot of people don’t realise that we didn’t get beat by England for so long. England knew that we were a really tough team to play against and they found it very difficult to beat us.”

Chelsea (1992-1994) One of his highlights whilst at Chelsea was appearing in the 1994 FA Cup final. Marseille (1994-1997) Became a household name in France where his career kicked on. Nancy (1997-2000) Was known by the nickname “Tony Goal” and also enjoyed a great spell at the club. Words by Roshane Thomas

International football is much harder due to duo nationality Roshane Thomas THE Republic of Ireland have fallen short of expectations having failed to qualify for a major tournament since 2002. Despite being led by the peerless Robbie Keane in attack Ireland have struggled to reprise their glowing success at international level in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Tony Cascarino puts it down to their being less duo nationalities in the side as well as other countries embracing it more. “At one time we had a good number of players we could choose from, but now the strength and depth of the squad is not so strong,” Cascarino said. “We’ve just hadn’t had quite as many picks Cascarino credits Ireland’s success to former manager Jack Charlton

as years gone by. Now you’ll find that many nations even big nations in world football; the England’s, the Italy’s and France are all using it. And that is making it harder for Ireland to get players.” When the 52-year-old played for Ireland the likes of John Aldridge, Ray Houghton and Andy Townsend - all of whom were born in England and Scotland respectively, played pivotal roles in Ireland’s success in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups and Cascarino believes Ireland reaped the rewards thanks to the clever thinking of ex-Ireland manager Jack Charlton. He said: “We had a very strong team with Irish-born players and other players who could qualify through their parents. “Jack Charlton and Ireland were the pioneers of rusingthe duo nationality. We were able to entice players to come and play for us, which was great.”

his mind with the English FA also keen on the talented midfielder. “It’s a very difficult decision that these young players have to make,” Cascarino said. “Now players are having to make decisions about who they want to choose such as the lad at Aston Villa [Jack Grealish]. “But you’ve got to want to play for Ireland. Your hearts got to be there to go and want to play for Ireland. Cascarino added: “I think if you’ve got players who are indecisive, I don’t feel as a manager I would want to choose them. If they’re having to think about whether they wanted to put their loyalties to Ireland or not - I wouldn’t choose them and I think that’s the big difference different our era and the one now.”

Cascarino: I could have also played for Scotland Roshane Thomas TONY CASCARINO has revealed he could have represented Scotland rather than the Republic of Ireland. The London-born striker, who won 88 caps for Ireland, revealed his father was born in Edinburgh which would have enabled him to play for the Scots at international level. Cascarino, 52, said: “My dad was born in Scotland. So I could have quite easily qualified to play for them. My grandparent’s on my father’s side are Italian and they came over during the war period and he was born in Scotland. “I’ve seen his birth certificate and any doubts are now gone. It still seems unbelievable but I could just as easily have qualified for the Scotland national team.” But despite being eligible to play for Scotland it’s not something Cascarino has

ever discussed with his father. The former Chelsea striker also alluded to the fact that his father never grew up in Scotland, which might have been the main reason why the conversation was never brought up. “What happened is that my dad left Scotland at a very young age,” Cascarino added. “I think my dad was about three or four when he came to South London. My dad has no Scottish accent or anything like that he spoke Italian as a young boy and he was a Londoner, so he spoke with a London accent. “So you’d think my dad was from Elephant and Castle, not Scotland. So he spent all his childhood there. I’ve always tried to keep that quiet because my dad wouldn’t really talk about it. But with an Italian surname I don’t suppose the SFA were ever likely to come calling!”

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THE NEWGEN PAPER England U21 cling on to win at the Molineux

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014

West Brom’s Berhaino continues goalscoring form

BY ROSHANE THOMAS Baker will be heading into unknown territory having previously represented England at U17 to U20 level, but the Chelsea man will be oozing with confidence mostly due to his sparkling form and Blues boss Jose Mourinho even tipped the influential midfielder to play for England’s senior team in the near future. The former gave the England youngster his first-team debut for Chelsea at Derby County in the FA Cup third round last campaign, albeit a late cameo appearance. But if Baker can continue his trajectory for both club and country then a bright future beckons.

Need to know more… Lewis Renard Baker was born on April 25, 1995. The midfielder previously played for Luton youth team but when

Chelsea came calling the chance to play for such a prestigious club was too good an opportunity to turn down. Amazed by his footballing ability at such a tender age Chelsea were impetuous in their aim to get the midfielder playing at a higher standard and shortly after excelling at U15 and U16 level Baker was brought into the Under 18 team and impressed from the off when he amassed 19 appearances during the 2010-2011 campaign. The 2011-12 season was also another rewarding term for the freekick specialist when he was appointed first choice penalty-taker – as he coolly converted four goals from the spot that season – highlighting Chelsea’s faith in the youngster. And Baker’s sparkling form signified a step in the right direction when he became an ever-present

figure during the 2012-13 campaign which culminated in the midfielder playing a pivotal role in Chelsea’s reach to the NextGen Series and the FA Youth Cup finals. However, their talisman ended up medal-less on both occasions. Baker’s eye-catching performances saw the the youngster deservedly named Chelsea’s Young Player of the Year as well as being rewarded with a new five-year contract in the summer.

What next for the Chelsea youngster? Time and time again we have seen many young talented British footballers either disappear into football oblivion or fail to replicate the sort of form they showed at youth level, which has been inscrutable to say the least. But unlike other clubs, often bereft of ideas for their young

players, it seems like Chelsea have a plan for Baker as he is yet to be sent out on loan – which is promising bearing in mind the amount of young players the London-based club ship out on meaningless season-long loans. Handed the No 34 shirt at the start of the season it remains to be seen whether the midfielder will given firstteam opportunities under Jose Mourinho this term. John Terry is the last player to make the breakthrough from the Chelsea youth ranks into the first team but Baker has all the right attributes to follow in the defender’s path, and his recent call-up into the England U21 squad shows the 19-year-old is heading into the direction.

BAKER: I’M LEARNING FROM THE BEST AT CHELSEA LEWIS BAKER says he wants to keep ‘learning from the best’ as he continues his rise to international prominence with the England Under-21s squad. The highly-rated midfielder

has been apart of Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad this term and has hailed his hard work as the catalyst for his latest step up on the international ladder. Baker said: “Training with the

likes of [Nemanja] Matic and Cesc Fabregas at Chelsea, I’m learning from the best and that’s what you want to do. “And being part of the [Chelsea] first team is a great honour for me.

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THE CHELSEA prodigy has rose to prominence over the last few seasons and his endeavours reached new heights last Thursday when the 19-year-old was deservedly named in Gareth Southgate’s England U21 squad for their upcoming European Championship play-off encounter with Croatia. The two-legged Euro play-off will decide the Young Lions fate for next summer’s finals in Czech Republic. Having guided Chelsea to the Under 21 Premier League title last term – as well as casting a watchful eye over his influential performances - Southgate clearly believes Baker can be something of a secret weapon; ready to exert his class under the BT Sport cameras this Friday.

But being called up to the Under-21s is another great achievement. “It’s a good step up, and a big step up, and I just want to keep working hard.”

Cheltenham Town v Bristol City Wednesday 7.30pm

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England (4-3-3) ROSHANE THOMAS JACK BUTLAND

Pulled off a string of fine saves to keep England in the game.

ROSHANE THOMAS

England U21 Kane 60, Berahino 85

Croatia U21 Livaja 13

2 1

England U21 strengthened their aspiration to qualify for next summers Euro 2015 Under-21 Championship finals when they narrowly beat Croatia 2-1 at the Molineux Stadium on Friday. A late penalty from in-form striker Saido Berahino subjected the visitors to a defeat putting Gareth Southgate’s men in a fairly comfortable position to qualify when they take on Croatia once more on Tuesday for their decisive second leg in Vinkovci. This week a lot has made about whether the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calum Chambers and Raheem Sterling should be playing U21 football having all made the set up into the senior team. But although their inclusion would be an added bonus for manager Southgate, the Young Lions showed they have enough talent and resilience to cope without the penetrative qualities of the Barkley’s and Sterling’s of this world. An unnecessary story earlier in the week has been that Shaw - still only 19, by the way - feeling the need to refute ideas that he had been “demoted” to play for the under-21s having been a regular in the England squad earlier this year. It’s absurd that a player who, yes has the qualities beyond his years, should feel he’s being dropped from the senior team into the U21 despite the fact he’s perfectly eligible to play. As well as the names I mentioned Jack Wilshere is another player who could have easily been involved in

The best analysis in football Despite conceding a goal in the first-half Jack Butland pulled off a string of fine saves to help the Young Lions

MICHAEL KEANE

Had a poor game which led to the defender being brought off.

Friday’s 2-1 win against Croatia U21; but instead he, similar to Chambers and Oxlade-Chamberlain featured in the senior team’s meaningless Euro 2016 qualifier against European minnows San Marino. There is plenty of time for them to step up. They do not need to be fast-tracked. For Gareth Southgate, however, last month his side were drawn against Croatia in the qualifying play-offs for next year’s European Under-21 Championship finals in Czech Republic. For Croatia it was a case of them entering unknown territory having never played a competitive game against England. But with neither teams able to muster any noticeable efforts on goal, in the early stages of the game, it was the visitors who eventually drew first blood from a corner-kick. Ante Coric floated in a delightful ball at the back-post where an unmarked Livaja steered his header past Butland to give the Croatians the best possible start. Southgate had a number of Barclays Premier League stars at his disposal - albeit a lovely conundrum to have - but England narrowly came close to reducing the arrears through the unlikely source of

LIAM MOORE

Solid performance from the centre-half, could have scored.

An average performance from the Middlesborough defender.

Big Sam blunted by Blades

LUKE SHAW

Arguably the game’s pivotal figure; tireless running.

England U21 (4-3-3): Butland (c), Keane (sub: Dier 45), Moore, Gibson, Shaw, Redmond, Carroll, Forster-Caskey, Hughes (sub: Ince 56), Kane, Berahino Substitutes not used: Bond, Garbutt, Lascelles, Baker, Bamford Booked: Moore

NATHAN REDMIOND

Had a few chances to get his name on the scoresheet. Good performance.

Croatia U21 (4-4-2): Livakovic, Zuparic, Milic (sub: Milos 90), Bradaric, Datkovic (c), Mitrovic, Pjaca, Pavicic, Rebic, Livaja (sub: Bagaric 69), Coric (sub: Pasalic 62) Substitutes not used: Delac, Perica, Caktas, Brucic Booked: Zuparic, Pavicic

Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina Friday 7pm

BEN GIBSON

RATINGS

Shaw. With two decisive legs determining England’s fate for next summer’s finals Shaw, the £30m man, went on a jinxing run down the left flank and burst inside from the left wing to unleash a fierce strike from an acute angle which crashed off the inside of the post. Despite conceding an early goal Redmond was the fulcrum for the Young Lions often at the heart of most of England’s attack. The Norwich winger unleashed a tantalising strike from 25 yards which was spectacularly saved by Dominik Livakovic and from the resultant corner-kick Liam Moore, ghosting in from the far-post - saw his glancing header go over the bar. But having come close on two occasions to halve the deficit it was evident that there was more impetus in the way England were starting to play. Prior to the match Southgate’s men boasted the better defensive record having only conceded two goals as opposed to Croatia’s five. Having said that, England weren’t doing their impressive defensive record any justice when the influential Coric exerted his brute strength to out muscle Michael Keane only for the former to see his curled attempt at goal nar-

International

England U21 take a narrow first-leg advantage at the Molinuex Stadium

Referee X Estrada Attendance 23,107

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TOM CARROLL

rowly go wide of Butland’s post. Another ominous warming that the visitors would not be easily cowed. Refusing to simplify their football Croatia flicked at the accelerator again in an attempt to establish a two-goal cushion. Aiming to showcase his attacking skills under the BT Sport cameras Coric orchestrated the away side’s attack once more but passed up another glorious chance to strengthen Croatia’s aspirations of gaining a healthy first-leg lead when the midfielder struck his venomous shot over the bar. Having established a foothold in the game it was a case of whether the visitors would be left to rue missed chances come the final whistle. And so they did, almost immediately after the interval the importance of what was at stake set the tone for England’s equaliser. In-form striker Saido Berahino showed sheer determination by the left flank and drifted in from the left channel hoisting in a cross for Kane, who evaded his marker, to gleefully nod it home from close range - which brought England back in the game. The last time the U-21s played at Wolves - in March 2008, they drew 0-0 with Poland in front of over 28,000. Six years down the line the opportunity for the young Lions to play at Molineux came to

fruition once more, this time with a lesser crowd of 23,000 beseeching Southgate’s men to claw their way in front. “Come on England” the chant emanated from the England faithful and Redmond put their words into practice when he once more conjured up a stunning strike from an improbable range this time forcing Livakovic to spill his effort but the latter recovered well to deny a lurking Kane a brace from the rebound. A plus for the hosts was when Croatia manager Nenad Gracan opted for a tactical rejig and brought off earlier goalscorer Marko Livaja replacing him with what later proved to an ineffective Drazen Bagaric. That substitution proved to the visitors downfall as the lack of creativity was hampering their chances of securing a win which later culminated in the Croatians looking devoid of ideas. It all started so well for Nan Gracan’s men but with the game reaching the latter stages England were firmly in the ascendancy. No surprise it was Redmond again who had a chance to put the hosts in the lead for the first time. The former Birmingham trainee delightfully brought the ball down, controlling with class, but his endeavours proved to no avail in the end having narrowly saw his effort prod wide of Livakovic’s post. However, Berahino’s scintillating form prevailed once more for the Young Lions. The striker amassed nine of England’s 31 goals scored during he qual-

ifiers and the chance to continue his goalscoring form presented itself when the West Brom star was fouled in the penalty area by the heavily tested Livakovic. Oozing with confidence the striker coolly stepped up and dispatched his penalty to sheer perfection - with the Croatian guessing right - to send the crowd into raptures, which is perhaps the last time we will see a West Brom player’s goal celebrated with that much exuberance at the Molineux Stadium. His late penalty proved to be the last meaningful effort on goal which saw England deservedly encompassing their winning streak to nine successive games. The Young Lions will need to replicate their dominant second-half performance they showed on Friday once more on Tuesday when they face Croatia in their decisive second-leg in Vinkovci.

England U21 v Croatia U21 5pm, BT SPORT

Scotland v Georgia Saturday 4pm

Struggled to impose a threat in the game. JAKE FORSERCASKEY

Guilty of giving the ball away inside his own half. WILL HUGHES

Threaded a great pass to Berahino in the first-half. HARRY KANE

Scored a diving header to bring the Young Lions level. SADIO BERAHINO

Showed glimpses of his quality and scored a late penalty.

6 6 6 7 7

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LEE CLARK’S TOUGHEST TASK

NEWLEY-APPOINTED Blackpool manager Lee Clark faces the arduous task of keeping the club in the Championship following their stuttering start to the season. The Championship strugglers, who are currently rooted at the bottom of the league, drew 1-1 against Bolton Wanderers as their aspirations of climbing out the drop zone suffered a further set back. But Clark is adamant he will turn things around, and the ex-Birmingham manager said: “All my focus is just keeping the club in the Championship for the short term. Hopefully in

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BY ROSHANE THOMAS

ers up until then that hadn’t played a game this season. He hadn’t been the future we can build for the long injured he just wasn’t part of the term. But if we can keep the club in previous management teams plans the Championship to have a basis - so that resulted in him not having to start from for next season that the required fitness level needed would be fantastic for us. It’s a big for the Championship. Charles was challenge but I am confident that if finding it physically harder than he we keep believing then we can do it. thought he would’ve. “Obviously it’s a huge challenge, “But now he’s had a run of games I knew that when I took the job on. and the fitness work needed, so The predicament at the table, the that’s an example of where we’re at.” lack of wins and the lack of confiBut despite Blackpool’s fitness dence within the squad. We’ve had a concerns the Seasiders have recently tough first week because we played bolstered their midfield options three games in a week. having drafted in ex-Burnley mid“But when we had the internafielder Chris Eagles and enigmatic tional break it gave us the oppormidfielder Jamie O’Hara - all of tunity to put some work into the whom are on short-term deals - as they both have proven track records in the Championship. With more players at his disposal Clark is hopeful WHAT HAS THE BIGGEST SHOCK FOR YOU SINCE YOU’VE BECOME his recent signings can hit A MANAGER - I never get surprised by it now. I’m approaching six or seven the ground running and seasons as a manager now and I gain experience everyday and I’m learning also enthused his enjoyeveryday. But I never get shocked by anything. ment at signing the duo. But the Blackpool boss WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST SIGNING AS A MANAGER - The stand-out alluded to the fact that he one is Jordan Rhodes who was a success on the pitch but added value to the is aiming to strengthen squad. Anthony Pilkington is another player who enjoyed success and added in other areas as well as value to the squad. offload a few players due to the size of the squad. IN TERMS OF TRAINING DRILLS WHO DO YOU LOOK TO FOR INSPIRAHe added: “Chris will TION - I study lots of coaching manuals, DVD’s and things on the internet. hopefully add a new players tactically, technically and physically.” Blackpool’s lack of match fitness was exploited when summer signing Charles Dunne struggled to cope with the rigorous demands of Championship football - having previously played at League Two level for Wycombe Wanderers. Dunne, 21, found it difficult to secure a regular starting berth under previous manager Jose Riga but despite not being at the required fitness level the left-back is now a regular starter under Clark. “Charles from my first game was one of my starters and has started all the three games since,” Clark said. “But Charles was one of those play-

Managerial Questions - Lee Clark

See all the goals tonight WITH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

dimension to us obviously with the addition of Jamie O’Hara, who performed really well when he came at Leeds - so it looks like he will be an exciting addition for us. Chris will add that experience and quality as well. He’s still got a lot of years in front of him, so in terms of the tactics type of players we’ve got we’re adding good players. “We do need to strengthen in other departments like the defensive area of the squad because we’re short on numbers. But also we’ve got too many players as well; we need to trim the squad down and have to go for quality rather than quantity. “I’m looking to offload a few players and bring one or two more in to strengthen certain areas.” Blackpool will be aiming to kick-start their season when they travel to fellow Championship strugglers Rotherham this Saturday - who are currently placed 21st in the league on 20 points. Despite it being early in the season the match will be considered a six-pointer due to both teams precarious league position.

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Messi looks set to be top of the bill in derby

BARCELONA are hoping to beat a record as well as inflict defeat on rivals Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season this Saturday, writes Roshane Thomas The Spanish giants meet in the capital, with table-toppers Barca currently four points ahead of their rivals - thanks to a 3-0 home win over top-flight newcomers Elbar. Lionel Messi scored the final goal, with the likes of Xavi and Neymar also on the scoresheet, to bring his tally to 250 - putting him one behind all-time top scorer Telmo Zarra of Athletic Bilbao. The game is also set to mark controversial striker Luis Suarez’s first appearance in a Barca shirt, having served his four-month ban. Cristiano Ronaldo, however, has broken a record following his scintillating start to a Spanish top-flight campaign. The ex-Manchester United icon scored a brace in a 5-0 thrashing of Levante, which made it 15 goals in seven games - beating Esteban Echeverria’s record of 14 for Real Oviedo set in 1943. Barca boss Luis Enrique said: “We will be going to Real to win, as we have done over the last few years. But I don’t think the game will be decisive.” In Germany, Bayern Munich dominate once again and are four points clear following a 6-0 home demolition of Werder Bremen that saw Philipp Lahm and Mario Gotze both net twice. But the big surprise is Borussia Dortmund being fifth from bottom after a 2-1 loss at Cologne. Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp said: “We played a kind of football which is absolutely pointless.” Arsenal’s Champions League opponents Anderlecht drew 1-1 at Mechelen and CSKA Moscow, who host Man City, emphatically registered a 6-0 win over Kuban Krasnodar.

TROTTERS LINE UP HOOPER NEIL LENNON is hoping to bring his former Celtic strike star Gary Hooper to Bolton. The new Trotters boss has identified the Norwich City forward, who has been blighted by injuries this term, as the man to help steer the club away from the relegation danger zone. Lennon previously managed Hooper (right) during his reign at Parkhead, and will look to land a loan deal for the forward who has struggled to make an impact at Carrow Road.

Monday, October 20, 2014

N LVG: I MY RED, S Y GREENIAND T C BLUE PRINT BY ROSHANE THOMAS

That was the final thing. Mentally that was the hardest of times, hearing that explanation and thinking logically, ‘How can that be the reason?’ But Lescott admits the decline of his City career set in under predecessor Mancini after they won their first title in 2011/12. The 32-year-old played 31 league games that season, then went to Euro 2012 where he played in all England’s matches and even scored against France. But, on his return, City bolstered their defensive options when they drafted in Serbian defender Matija Nastasic and Lescott’s successful partnership with Vincent Kompany was disrupted. Lescott said: “The first I heard of it was an interview from Mancini saying I had lost confidence. “I thought that was was strange because we had won the league, I had gone to the Euros, scored, and I didn’t think they confidence could get any higher.” The former

BITTER Joleon Lescott has accused Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini of double standards over his League Cup final axe. is relieved to be back BY Lescott ROSHANE THOMAS playing regularly with new club West Brom after his City career went frustratingly downhill when he became a periphery figure. He says the rot set in under Roberto Mancini - and mocked the Italian’s excuse for dropping him. But Lescott is angriest at Pellegrini, who dropped the centre-half from the Capital One Cup final against Sunderland last March despite playing every game leading up to the final. Ahead of Manchester United’s visit to Albion tonight, Lescott said: “I played every minute captained the semi-final then not playing in the final - that was the hardest part. “I played as many minutes if not more than TEAM NEWS anyone in the League WEST BROM: FosCup. He just read out ter, Gamboa, Lescott, the team and my name Dawson, Pocognoli, wasn’t in there. That was Dorrans, Gardner, Morhard. rison, Brunt, Sessegnon, “Then he explained Berahino the reason why he didn’t MAN UTD: De Gea, pick Joe Hart and it was Rafael, Jones, Rojo, because Costel PantilShaw, Blind, Herrera, Di imon had played more Maria, Mata, Van Persie, minutes. Falcao “I was like, ‘if that’s the reason for him, why isn’t TV: Live on Sky Sports that a reason for me?’ 1 from 7pm

Wolverhampton defender believes his demotion at City cost him a place in Roy Hodgson’s England World Cup squad this summer for Brazil. He said: “After Euro 2012 I felt there was an opportunity with John Terry and Rio Ferdinand getting older and stuff. “I got the feeling Gary Cahill was going to be the next focal point and it was an opportunity for someone to play alongside him. “I felt it was mine, after playing in the Euros, to stake a claim first. But if you are not playing as regularly as someone else, it warrants him playing ahead of you. I was disappointed I wasn’t given the opportunity.” Lescott’s belated debut after injury problems coincided with Albion securing their first victory of the season in a 1-0 win at Tottenham. He added: “I thought if I go to a club where you play every week, hopefully I will get another chance for England. “West Brom West Brom skipper is not as glamorous as Man Chris Brunt could City, but they’re an be fit to face United established Premier despite injuring his League team. groin on duty with “And like any Nothern Ireland. team, regardless of United captain your ambition, you Wayne Rooney is want to progress. suspended after his red card against West We finished Ham. Ander Herrera, 17th last year. That’s not good Chris Smalling and enough. We’re Michael Carrick are looking for top back in training and half.” could feature.

United boss reveals how he selects players

THE HAWTHORNS KICK-OFF 8PM

WEST BROM V MAN UTD

FOCUSED Messi playing against La Liga side Elbar

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JOY Falcao celebrating against Everton

United ‘are not fit enough’ BY ROSHANE THOMAS

Lescott anger at Pellegrini & Mancini for the ‘hardest times’ of his career

LVG: WE NEED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BY ROSHANE THOMAS LOUIS VAN GAAL has admitted Manchester United are missing the Champions League and are desperate to get back among Europe’s elite. United are not involved in Europe for the first time in 19 years after last season’s dismal seventh-place finish under David Moyes. That means the deposed champions can focus on domestic matters this campaign and the task of re-establishing themselves as

a top-four side. But Van Gaal said he would rather be competing in the Champions League this season, because he feels it would improve United’s competitive edge. The Red Devils travel to West Brom and have the rest of the week to prepare for Sunday’s visit of Chelsea, who host European minnows Maribor in the Champions League tomorrow. Van Gaal (left), who is looking for a third straight win, said: “When you play in the Champions League, you can compare yourselves as a team with the better players, with a higher

level. I had a philosophy when I was a technical director of the Dutch Football Federation, I gave structure to the youth education, that the younger players have to play against the better players. “Then you get development of your players, because they are playing better opponents. The chance is better for the players then, especially the youngsters.”

West Brom v Man Utd 8pm, SKY SPORTS 1

LOUIS VAN GAAL has hit back at suggestions that his players are not fit enough. Manchester United have scored just once after the hourmark this campaign, raising the question of whether their players are in good enough condition to last the distance. The 20-time champions have had to hang on for 2-1 wins in their last two games, against West Ham and Everton (above, Radamel Falcao’s winner against Everton), but manager Van Gaal said their fitness or commitment was not in question. “Fitness is maybe a point, because I’ve already said I have adapted my intensity of training sessions to a lower level,” said Van Gaal. “But I have to give a certain level because they need to play 90 minutes. But I think we are fit enough from what I see. They are fighting to the last minute and are willing to do everything so I’m very happy with their passion. “But we have to learn to kill the game and you can do that, not with one or three or eight, we have to do that with 11 players.” Van Gaal conceded there are better teams than them in the Premier League at present, chiefly Chelsea and rivals Manchester City, their next two opponents after West Brom. “You have your hopes, but there are stronger teams,” he added. “We have to make a team and that’s why I have three years. I hope we can fulfil that dream we have together.”

MILLWALL KEEN ON SECURING POPE DEAL MILLWALL are chasing free-scoring Port Vale striker Tom Pope. The 29-year-old has already scored nine goals in 15 games so far this season and is out of contract at the end of the season.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER READING MIDFIELDER

BRENDAN RODGERS THOUGHT HE WAS BIG TIME AT READING

James Harper made a name for himself at Reading having spent nine great years at the Madejski Stadium. But despite enjoying large parts of his spell with the Royals Harper details what it was like playing under former Reading boss Brendan Rodgers and how his loyalty to the club wasn’t rewarded with a testimonial. BY ROSHANE THOMAS

EXCLUSIVE

ames Harper was the last survivor from the Reading team which sealed promotion to the Premier League in 2006, but once the wave became overbearing Harper knew his time to jump ship had also come. For the midfielder it was a place where he felt like home, but home became a joyless experience; due to a lack of game time, booing from the supporters and a strained relationship with the manager. “Brendan Rodgers? Let’s not talk about him.” Harper’s dislike towards the Liverpool manager is palpable. The midfielder blames Rodgers for his departure from Reading, despite remaining loyal to the club for nineyears. “I didn’t want to leave at all because the season we got relegated and I had Bolton and Middlesborough come in for me to go back into the Premier League,” said Harper. “But I actually thought we were going to do it because we were in second position but then we didn’t make it in the end. “During that summer Wolverhampton came in for me but I got injured again and they didn’t sign me. So I was still at Reading and we were in the bottom three but Brendan Rodgers wouldn’t play me. He was playing youth team players, who were rubbish.”

Whilst watching on from the bench Harper felt aggrieved that the likes of Scott Davies were playing ahead of him despite the former Arsenal trainee’s wealth of experience - as opposed to Davies’ inadequacies. Harper’s disbelief is testament to the fact that four-years after his release from Reading Davies is currently a free agent at the age of 26. To compound matters for Harper whenever he made a cameo appearance from the bench, under Rodgers, the latter would opt to play him out wide disregarding the midfielder’s natural position. He added: “People like Scott Davies were playing. He wasn’t even good and he doesn’t even play anymore. So I was on the bench and he wouldn’t even play me and if he did,

which was hardly, I was coming on for like 10 minutes on the left wing and all that crap. He kept saying to me: ‘You’re going to get your chance.’ With his pleas for a regular starting berth continuously ignored Harper’s chances of playing under Rodgers seemed fanciful when the ex-Chelsea coach drafted in Brain Howard, as his replacement, unbeknown to Harper to at the time - which extinguished any lingering hopes he had of getting back into the team. It was a huge blow for the 34-yearold having remained a loyal servant to the club for nine-years - something of a rarity in modern day football. It’s uncanny to think his loyalty towards the club coincided with the midfielder’s acrimonious departure - with Rodgers suggesting: ‘You’ve been here for too long now.’ Momentous achievements such as winning promotion to the Premier League became a distant memory when his agent informed him his services was no longer required at the Madejski Stadium. “We played Newcastle and got beat 3-0, we were playing teams and kept getting beat, we were in the bottom three and he just wouldn’t play me,” said Harper. “In the end Rodgers signed Brain Howard and my agent said: ‘Listen he signed Brain Howard but he can’t play until you go.’ “That was the first I knew about it. We had a game against Barnsley on the Saturday and deadline day was the Monday and he called me into his office and said: ‘You have to go, Sheffield United want you.’ “And I just ended up having a massive row with him.” Harper’s animosity towards Rodgers grew even stronger when the ex-Reading manager’s alarming sense of arrogance in their hostile meeting eroded any sort of meaningful relationship which could have been resolved in the build up to his departure. He added: “I told Rodgers: ‘I know Brain Howard is waiting at the gates for me to go, but I ain’t going nowhere. I don’t know what your game is, we’re in the bottom three and I don’t know why you’re not playing me because you’re playing terrible players.’ “Then he went: ‘If it doesn’t work out for me here I’ll go to Inter Milan with [Jose] Mourinho. This is not my level, I’m a Champions League manager.’

STEADY: Jermaine Jenas passes the ball as James Harper of Reading closes in during the Barclays Premier League match.

EUROPE: Gilbert making his Champions League debut against Ajax

ONE WINNER: James Harper trying to win a tackle against Ipswich’s Town Alan Quinn.

“He was just so big time and so arrogant.” It’s palpable to see why Harper considers Rodgers to be, in colloquial terms, an “absolute dick” having been deemed surplus to requirements by him. The midfielder eventually moved to Sheffield United but his spell at the the League

One side was hugely unsuccessful - despite gaining more first-team opportunities. Stability has been a major issue for Harper since his departure from Reading. Besides Sheffield United - where he featured regularly, ineffective spells at Hull City, Doncaster Rovers and Barnet culminated in the midfielder dropping

into Non-League football where he is now currently on the books at Basingstoke Town. At one stage Harper had to endure being without a club for two years, due to a series of rejections and his treatment from managers wasn’t showing any sign of improvement. “I couldn’t really get anywhere,” said Harp-

er. “I was at Hull City and I didn’t play for a season there. The manager didn’t really like me then I went to Doncaster and we were top of the league and I played 30 games, but then a new manager came in and didn’t like me so I didn’t play. “So I had like maybe two years of not play-

ing and I was struggling to get a club - I couldn’t get a club at all. I was ringing up clubs and the majority of them turned me down. I was even ringing Conference teams but kept getting the same response. So it was very tough. “My agent was ringing around but kept getting told “no” and I rang up a couple of managers myself and I was getting texts back saying: ‘No, thanks.’ “The last five or six years has just been downhill. I should’ve never have left Reading.” Indeed, Harper’s departure from the Royals led to his decline in form for what was a once promising career. With it being a modern trend to reward long serving players with a testimonial, Harper was denied this privilege which was another kick in the teeth for his loyalty. To make matters worse for Harper his futile attempts to patch things up with Rodgers, who had become under fire at Reading, left him bewilderingly frustrated as his heart felt text messages were continuously ignored. Harper added: “The worse thing is Reading were doing horrific and I was still texting him. I put all that stuff behind us and I was wishing him good luck and every time they lost I’d wish him good luck again, but he just didn’t

reply to me. They had QPR away and everyone was saying he was going to get sacked and I wrote him a really long text and it was proper nice and he just put back ‘thanks.’ But once Rodgers was appointed manager of Swansea Harper’s former boss eventually replied to his texts, however his response wasn’t what the midfielder had in mind. “He got sacked went to Swansea and then rung me trying to be my best mate asking me about players,” said Harper. “I thought to myself: ‘Why are you trying to be my mate?’ Barring his career post-Rodgers Harper did fulfil a meaningful career having played a pivotal role in Reading’s trajectory to the topflight. Besides everything that took place Harper details his proudest moment in a Reading shirt. “He added: “Whenever we played Preston they used to always batter us. But the season we went up I think the 05/06 season we played them at the start of the campaign and beat them 3-0. “We absolutely ripped them apart and that’s what I would consider to be the happiest moment for me whilst at Reading.”

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Sport Football

magine losing your home, cars and eventually your marriage? Well during his harrowing reign as Crystal Palace chairman Mark Goldberg’s love affair with football cost him his fortune - as well as everything else he loved, but seeing his son, Bradley Goldberg, turn his career around has given him a pleasure that is priceless. Goldberg junior endured disappointment in 2011, and a reminder that football can turn nightmarish, when Charlton Athletic felt he wasn’t at the required level to be offered a professional contract which culminated in the then 19-year-old being released by the club. But now on Dagenham and Redbridge’s books the striker is oozing with confidence and credits his determination for being able to prove doubters wrong. “After I got released from Charlton in 2011 I always wanted to bounce back and prove people that I am capable of doing well, said Goldberg junior. “In the 2012/13 season I went to Hastings and tried to prove myself and ended up scoring goals there, despite us getting relegated. Then I signed for Dagenham and Redbridge so hopefully I can do well here to.” But it all hasn’t been plain sailing for the

In 2013 Bradley Goldberg, 21, was unable to guide Hastings United to the fourth round of the FA Cup as their loss at Championship side Middlesborough ended on a proud note. Their cup journey started against Chatham, then visits to Staines and Harrogate eventually saw the Non-League side earn a glamorous draw against Middlesborough. More than 1,000 fans made the 618mile round trip to the North East and despite Hasting’s 4-1 loss at Riverside that failed to demoralise the squad and fans as a stand-out moment from Goldberg, who spearheaded the U’s attack, even earned the youngster applauses from former Boro manager Tony Mowbray - in what turned out to be a memorable day for the club.

Goldberg family. In 1998, when Goldberg senior was in his mid-30s, he took millions he had made from an IT recruitment business and plumped them into Palace, where an unforgettable error-strewn eight months saw the ex-Chairman take his boyhood club on the blink of liquidation. Goldberg senior eventually paid a heavy price for his failures at Palace when unrewarding risks saw him declared bankrupt and his marriage collapsed. But despite his dad’s downfalls, Bradley Goldberg indebtedness towards him is palpable and he considers him to be his “biggest inspiration” due to his dad refusing to relinquish his love for the game but instead savouring a pride towards his achievements. Bradley said: “I definitely think my dad’s one of my biggest inspiration, because he’s one of the most optimistic people I know. He always gets you going when you’re low - bearing in mind he’s been through the toughest times. “I’m 21 now, but I was at a young age when my dad was the Crystal Palace chairman. It did have an effect on my family when things turned sour during his eight months there. But it shows how you always have to bounce back and that sort of paved through to me really in what I’m trying to do now. That’s what my dad did after his difficult time at Palace, he bounced back and now he’s managing Bromley.” With his love for the game stronger than ever and his equilibrium rekindled Goldberg senior established himself as a manager for Conference South side Bromley. Although the riches he was once accustomed to whilst at Palace now a rarity at Bromley, he regained his sense of happiness in other areas besides the boardroom when he masterminded the London-based clubs success in securing the Kent and London Senior Cup. Now that both members of the Goldberg family were back on the right track a fatherson managerial encounter came to fruition in 2013 when Dagenham and Redbridge loaned the youngster to Bromley. Having once been told at Charlton that he wasn’t good enough, Bradley didn’t let that deter his aspirations of becoming a footballer as he details what it was like to play under his dad: “It was a great experience for me and it went really well, Bradley added. “Having made a good start and winning

Football Sport Hodgson’s successor must buy into ‘DNA’ plans, says Ashworth

A dad who lost £40m and a son who was told he wouldn’t make it Former Crystal Palace owner Mark Goldberg lost his £40million fortune in an ill-starred eight months, and his son Bradley suffered a setback when he was released by Charlton in 2011 - however both feel richer for their experience, writes Roshane Thomas

Friday, November 14, 2014

Roshane Thomas

DAN ASHWORTH, the FA’s head of elite development, said last night that future England managers must embrace the new “DNA” project, a position that will strengthen Gareth Southgate’s prospects of succeeding Roy Hodgson. Southgate, below, is viewed by some within the FA hierarchy as the logical successor to Hodgson, whose contract as a manager of the senior team expires in the summer

Big Sam blunted by Blades

RATINGS

Bradley Goldberg Fact File Previous clubs Charlton Athletic (2010-2011) Joined Charlton in 2010 on a twoyear scholarship. Having failed to make a senior appearance for the Championship side, Charlton opted against offering Goldberg a professional contract and he was released in 2011. Hastings United (2011-2013) Made a name for himself at the NonLeague side.

Night To Remember: Bradley Goldberg scored in Hastings United’s 4-1 loss at Middlesborough in 2013. games it helped me a lot with my confidence too. I owe it all to my dad because we had a great squad and a great team spirit.” Father-son managerial scenarios are a regular theme in football; in Steve Bruce and Alex Bruce as well as Paul Ince and Thomas Ince. Goldberg junior didn’t feel under any pressure to succeed under his dad, who aimed to impart his paternal counsel, with the striker instead aiming to let his performances on the pitch speak for itself. He said: “There was always going to be added pressure

because obviously everyone’s looking at him being my dad and people questioning whether I should or shouldn’t be in the side. But thankfully at the time, I let my football do the talking.” With his goalscoring prowess rediscovered Bradley is aiming to continue his fine form and has promotion with his new team firmly in his sights. “Hopefully I can score 20 goals or more this season, and keep my form going, Goldberg junior said. “Hopefully we can be consistent too and try to challenge for promotion.”

Dagenham and Redbridge (2013-present) Professional hopes revived when he impressed on trial and was signed by the Daggers. Bromley (loan) (2013-2014) Imperious form whilst on loan at Bromley, where his father, Mark Goldberg, got the best out of him. Bristol Rovers (loan) (2014) Joined the Conference Premier side on a one-month loan deal. Words by Roshane Thomas

Forster can keep pressure on Hart thanks to summer switch Roshane Thomas FRASER FOSTER has said that moving to Southampton has given him the platform and profile to dislodge Joe Hart as England No1. The former Celtic goalkeeper has been in eye-catching form this term pulling off a string of fine saves - and also started for England against Scotland in the 3-1 friendly victory last month, after being named five times on the bench for the national team since the summer. There used to be incredulity in Scotland that no one took Forster seriously while he was playing in Celtic. His arrival at Southampton this summer and concerns regarding Hart’s lack of form at Manchester Forster has helped Southampton start the season in style

City - have changed the picture. “It’s important [that] I work as hard as I can and put as much pressure on Joe Hart,” Forster said. “Ben Forster and I will be doing that. It’s something I’ve dreamt off as a kid, to be England No1. Joe Hart is a top goalkeeper himself and playing at Manchester City. “It’s a long time until I’ve got another international game, so it’s about concentrating on club football.” Forster, 26, said playing in the Premier League gave him the exposure to put pressure on England manager Roy Hodgson. “Southampton have given me a fantastic opportunity, and it is important to play as well as I can and then see what happens, he said. “It’s important [that] I play as well as I can for Southampton because Joe Hart’s a fantastic goalkeeper and so is Ben Forster.”

2016. Ashworth declined to comment on the specifics of how that process will unfold, whether in 2016 or later, but emphasised the importance of finding a manager who will buy into the principles behind the “DNA” project. When asked whether this more organic approach would play into the hands of an internal candidate, Ashworth said: “First and foremost, Roy has still got a long time left on his contract, so it’s not a question we need to think about for a period time.” Hodgson has yet to indicate whether he plans to continue as England manager beyond 2016, but it seems likely the FA would favour another English coach.

Young English players are too soft, says Dyche Roshane Thomas BURNLEY manager Sean Dyche has demanded the “elitist” academy system should be revamped for the good of English football. Dyche believes that part of the problem stems from young players being given too much too young. “Some of the elitist thinking within academies is so elite that the rawness is softened because they get treated unbelievably well,” Dyche said. “Some of it’s farcical. You get 14-year-olds needing a rub before training. I can’t accept that. I was speaking to an eight-year-old who did a hamstring. I said: ‘I can’t believe you know what a hamstring is, son. You go out there and you get yourself running.’ “Some people have that natural edge to what they are and it takes them to where they want to go to. People

might say it’s an archaic view but I don’t think so. I think the moral fibre of football is as absolutely relevant now as it’s ever been.” Burnley have one of the brightest home-grown prospects in the top-flight in Danny Ings, the highly-rated England Under-21 striker, who has scored four goals so far this term. Dyche also managed Charlie Austin - who is the joint-highest English scorer in the Premier League this season, along with West Bromwich Albion’s Sadio Berahino. Dyche added: “The players who keep going are the ones who break ceilings. So far, Charlie’s doing that but it is a ‘so far’ story even for Charlie. “The big historical goalscorers do it season after season. He [Charlie] is still quite young for him to be considered a mainstay Premier League striker.”

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LIVERPOOL’S NEW-LOOK STADIUM

LIVERPOOL expect the redevelopment of the main stand at Anfield to earn the club an additional £20 million per season, with the cost of the £144 million project being funded by an interest-free loan from Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the club’s owner. Carillion, the construction company, will take full control of the site on Monday, with construction work planned to begin next month. The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2016-17 season, with an extra 8,500 seats added to the main stand, increasing the stadium capacity from 45,000 to 54,000. Liverpool will repay the loan to FSG over a period of five and a half years, with the finance being provided via the American sports investment

BY ROSHANE THOMAS company’s cash reserves. The possibility of securing naming-rights partner is being pursued, with the club seeking a one-off payment of about £10 million for the privilege. The number of corporate hospitality seats available will double to about 7,000, an increase that Ian Ayre, the club’s chief executive, insists is a necessity as Liverpool seek to match financially, and indeed better, their matchday revenues will continue to be dwarfed by Manchester United’s Ayre said: “You use the word affordability and there is not a football club in the country that can afford a new stadium or stand without corporate hospitality. “It repays two thirds of the cost. It’s a fact of life. You can’t find economic solutions without that. We will still be behind the corporate

hospitality of Old Trafford and be around the same level of Arsenal. That feels right for the model we have created. “I don’t think we are changing anything because we are keeping the ratio very similar. The overall percentage of corporates when we finish it will not be that dissimilar from today. We are increasing capacity and keeping the corporate seats in line as a percentage. “We know the demand is there for both. We’ve always known there’s a huge demand for general admission but there is also a huge demand for hospitality. “We’ve got people desperate to come to those facilities and that’s good. Driving prices in those corporate areas helps. People often point at the corporate fans and say they are not real fans or whatever; but the reality is they make a huge contribution to the football club and

keep tickets prices at the level they are. Without them, the revenues would be much smaller and if other costs were at the same level, everybody else would get hit in some form: sponsors, general admission, everyone.” Arye maintains the belief that remaining at Anfield rather than moving to a purpose-built stadium is the best solution and insisted that the challenge of repaying the redevelopment loan in such a short time frame will not undermine Liverpool’s ability to remain competitive on the pitch. “The way we pull this together lends itself to that,” Arye added. “We have not spent twice the money on a new stadium, meaning we have twice the debt. With this solution and the economics around it, we can continue to invest in the team. “You have to manage your finances effectively. At the end of every

season the one target we want is to make as much revenue to reinvest in the team. If you have got a huge cost burden from something you’ve built, that’s eating into that. It’s nice to have the biggest house but you’ve got to pay for it.” A second phase of the project in which 4,800 seats will be added to the Anfield Road Stand already has planning permission, but Liverpool are yet to commit to a start date for that redevelopment. If and when they do so, Liverpool would be able to host showpiece European events such as the Champions League final because they would meet Uefa’s requirements for capacity and pitch size. “Under this ownership we have found a solution,” Ayre said.

RODGERS HAS A GOOD FEELING AFTER RECENT UPTURN BRENDAN RODGERS believes that the reaction of his players during his most tumultuous spell as Liverpool manager will define them, writes Roshane Thomas. The Reds lost three Barclays Premier League matches in succession

for the first time under Rodgers during a nightmare run last month and the ex-Swansea manager found himself under pressure, with critics questioning whether he was the right man to lead Liverpool forward. In response to being

criticised, Rodgers said: “The feeling is certainly different now. For us we just need to go game by game. “It was the same last year when we won 11 games in a row. The feeling now is much different on

the training field and in the changing room.” Next for Liverpool is a pivotal game against Basel a match they must win to reach the round of 16 of the Champions League.

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Thursday, November 20, 2014

BYFIELD REFLECTS ON CAREER

VETERAN striker Darren Byfield has played for 19 clubs in a career which has spanned for 18 years. The 38-year-old is now currently playing for Conference North side Solihull Moors as his love for the game shows no sign of abating. Having come through the youth ranks at Aston Villa the former Jamaica international spent two years at Villa Park before spells in the lower leagues set the tone for his career. With his wealth of experience and an eye for goal Byfield is best known for his spells

BY ROSHANE THOMAS

spells at Walsall and Bristol City which brought him the best memoat Walsall, Rotherham United and ries. During his time at Walsall the Millwall. Despite only spending one ex-Sunderland forward memorably season with the Lions, the Birmingscored the winner in the Saddlers ham-born striker amassed 16 goals cup triumph over Reading. in 31 league appearances. However, Byfield has endured But during his relationship with both delight and anguish in cup singer, now ex-girlfriend, Jamelia finals. Whilst at Bristol City he agothings soon turned sour for Byfield nisingly missed out on promotion, when backlash from the Millwall as well as a return, to the Premier fans resulted in the striker banning League when the Robins endured his own kids from watching him Championship play-off final heartplay. ache against Hull City in 2008. He said: “It was a good season. It “Bristol City and Walsall were started off well with me scoring a brilliant,” Byfield added. “Walsall goal on my debut against Yeovil, but due to the fact we got to the play-off then the second game against Leyfinal and won and I also scored the ton Orient I jumped up and came winner in that game, so it turned out to be a great day. “And then I just loved my time at Bristol City but we missed out on the Premiership by that one MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - David Rocastle playing for Arsegame in the play-off final nal, which made me love that club like no other. That’s my club. as well - so I experienced both. WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - It would have to be “But both Walsall and Aston Villa, because obviously signing for them, and there was a lot of EuroBristol City were the best pean nights. My dad was a Man United fan so I wouldn’t have gone anywhere I’ve been at in terms of near that club! enjoying it. But overall I’d definitely say Bristol City.” I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - It’s probably the best sport in the world, With Byfield now in the I just love everything about it. The fans, the skills you can put into it, how latter stages of his career, different type of players make a team and how it brings everyone together. life after football is someThe passion also it’s just the greatest sport easily. thing which the striker down wrong and was out for like three months due to my ankle. “I came back with the club being in relegation trouble and obviously being out for a long time I didn’t hit the ground running. And due to this, I received a lot of stick from the Millwall fans. There was a time, and I’ll never forget this, we played Gillingham and obviously that was the club I left to go to Millwall. “And I had to tell my ex-girlfriend [Jamelia] and my daughters to stay away, because I was going to get booed from the Millwall and Gillingham fans. But then I scored a hat-trick that game and I just went on fire after that, so it turned around very quickly.” But for Byfield it was

I Love Football - Darren Byfield

has contemplated for a long while. Coaching and punditry are areas ex-footballers have explored after retirement. But Byfield has firmly set his sights on going into management. Having passed his UEFA B License Non-League is where the 38-year-old believes would be an ideal level for him to get his ‘foot on the managerial ladder.’ He said: “I’ve been doing my badges and I’ve just passed my UEFA B - and I want to go into management. It’s something that I think I would probably have a better chance at doing at this level [NonLeague] than like the Championship for example. And I don’t mind, I’ll start anywhere to get my foot on the managerial ladder. “I was previously on the coaching staff at Tamworth. It was a great insight and one where I had the opportunity to see everything. “When I was in the office I was seeing what was going on and how the gaffers was operating. So it was a wonderful experience learning a lot and great apprenticeship if I have to be honest.”

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Highly-rated defender Reece Oxford made skipper

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Friday, December 05, 2014

U21 International Cup

Blades exact shoot-out revenge on West Ham after Winston Reid blunder ROSHANE THOMAS

Leyton Orient

In association with

McAnuff 13, Vincelot 41

Rochdale Done 4, 65, Vincenti 48

Referee D Sheldrake Attendance 4,405

2 3

RATINGS

West Ham U21 return to winning ways ROSHANE THOMAS

West Ham U21 Bywater 35, Lletget 46

PSV U21 Rudovic 3

2 1

Referee A Young Attendance 250 West Ham U21 returned to winning ways when they deservedly beat Jong PSV 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground in their Premier League U21 International Cup encounter. This was West Ham U21’s second of their European campaign after hosting Athletic Bilbao U21 in October in a thrilling 5-3 defeat by the Spanish side. But despite a recent poor run of form Nick Haycock’s men are now back on the right track when goals from Kieran Bywater and Sebastian Lletget strengthened their aspirations of getting out the group stage. It was something

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of a rarity when highly-rated defender Reece Oxford, still only 15, captained West Ham’s development team. It has increasingly become apparent that Oxford has exceptional footballing abilities beyond his tender years. With Nick Haycock’s defence marshalled by Oxford the former would have been hoping for a better start as his side entered the match on a bad run of form. But the away side drew first blood when abject defending saw Andrija Luckovic thread a pass through to Andjelo Rudovic who comfortably slotted it past Spiegel, although due allowance must be made for the hapless mature of defending in front of him. Almost immediately after taking the lead the visitors passed up a glorious chance to establish a two-goal advantage. Earlier goalscorer Rudovic almost turned provider when he laid it on a proverbial plate to Rai Vloet at the near post but Spiegel produced a great reaction save to deny the midfielder from point blank range. West Ham were restricted to patient build up as they aimed to draw level once more. But excellent play from Sadlier down the left flank saw the striker go on a jinxing run and wiggle effortlessly in between two defenders only to see his tantalising strike parried away by the untroubled Jeese Bertrams. Despite their best efforts to get back into the game the young Hammers keeper Spiegel suddenly began to look fallible when he needlessly gave away possession and Vlot nearly capitalised on his misfortune when he surged past Pask, but whilst being hesitant in his attempt at goal his team-mate Luckovic took it upon himself to test the West Ham shot-stopper, however he tamely shot straight at a palpably relieved Spiegel. With the home side starting to assume greater control of the game the breakthrough for the hosts finally fell past the half hour mark when Lletget went on an advancing run down the right channel and eventually squared it to Bywater on the edge of the box, who superbly smashed it home past the despairing dive of Bertrams into the top right-hand corner to deservedly bring West

Ham level. West Ham’s momentum did not waver after the interval; if anything they came out rejuvenated in the hope of taking the lead and that came to fruition almost immediately after Haycock’s men kicked off for the start of the second-half. Hapless defending from Jong PSV presented Sadlier with the chance to lay it off for Lleget who was rewarded for his endeavours when he slotted it home from a tight angle to bring the home side in front for the first time. Another golden chance went begging for the visitors when second-half substitute Heesakkers was clean on goal. Having been one-on-one with Spiegel it looked easier to score than miss for the midfielder but the West Ham shot-stopper saved majestically to preserve the home side’s advantage. During latter stages of the game Oxford led his side admirably as a win for the hosts looked firmly sealed thanks to another terrific save from Spiegel, this time denying Van Overbeek. In the end it was West Ham who left the Boleyn Ground victorious and claimed their first win in the competition. It will all come down to their London derby clash against Fulham in early December to see if they can progress.

RATINGS West Ham U21 (4-2-2): Spiegel, Westley (sub: Pike, 81), Fanimo, Makasi, Pask, Oxford (c), Bywater, Marlow, Lletget, Whitehead (sub: Nasha, 71), Sadlier (sub: Mavila, 90) Substitutes not used: Bogard, Tombides, Onariase, Gordon PSV U21 (4-3-3): Bertrams, Hermannsson, Kock, De Wijs, Tamata, Schaars, Sanoh (sub: Heesakkers, 60), Leemans, Vloet, Lukovic, Rudovic (sub: Van Overbeek, 58) Substitutes not used: Rommens, Loof, de la Paz

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FORMER WEST HAM TRAINEE

FREDDIE SEARS rose to prominence when his debut goal for boyhood club West Ham propelled him to Premier League stardom. “Oh, Freddie, Freddie” was the chant emanated from the Upton Park faithful when the young striker introduced himself in spectacular fashion following his winning goal for his beloved Hammers against Blackburn Rovers, in March 2008. With a baby faced Sears up and running in the top-flight, having previously shown his goalscoring prowess at youth and reserve level, many expect-

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BY ROSHANE THOMAS

for young players. Six years ago a young player would have had ten ed the then 18-year-old to follow in matches to prove his worth and the footsteps of Tony Cottee. stake his claim for the first-team, But six years down the line his but due to the influx of foreign rise to the big time has diverted radmanagers and the increase in record ically with the striker now playing signings, in the top-flight, there his trade at League One level for chances are now limited. Colchester United. Sears added: “That’s obviously the If anything the pressure could problem at the minute. If you look have got to Sears, but the latter at the young players around you believes due to their being lots of probably get one or two games and managers whilst at West Ham he that’s kind of it. It’s not like you’re was always facing ‘an uphill battle’. going to get 10 games to see if you’re “I would’ve hoped to had more good enough and if you aren’t then of a chance but it was difficult,” said it’s at least you had 10 games to Sears. “When I was at West Ham prove yourself. there was a lot of new managers. “But it’s kind of like one game or I think there was a new manager two games and sometimes you’re coming in from the cold and get stuck straight in, which isn’t the easiest. “It’s a results business now there’s a lot of money MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - My first game to West Ham, I in the game. If someone’s went with my dad it was West Ham v Manchester United. I think it was 2-2 and out there for £15m and Paul Ince was getting absolutely battered but that was probably my earliest then there’s a kid, most memory of going to my first game. likely the £15m signing will play.” MY FOOTBALLING HERO WAS - Paolo Di Canio. Despite his latter parts THE BEST OPPONENT I PLAYED AGAINST WAS - So far in my career at West Ham being frusI’d say Rio Ferdinand. He always used to talk to you as well which was a bit trating Sears still has fond strange. memories during his time at his boyhood club. I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - Just love the game, I love everything about The 25-year-old made 58 it, I love watching it and playing. appearances in all compeevery other year so you’re kind of fighting an uphill battle at times. “You’re in the team and then you’re out the team and I never really got a run of games. The kind of run of games I did get I felt I played well and deserved a chance. But it’s a different league [Premier League] it’s all about results and big transfer fees. “Clubs are putting in a lot of money nowadays and it’s more about getting the results and less about bringing youngsters through. But I can’t look back at it, it was a great time and I really did enjoy it there.” With managers under immense pressure, Sears believes this has an impact on the lack of playing time

I Love Football - Freddie Sears

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titions scoring three goals and credits former manager Alan Curbishley for everything he was able to achieve. “It was a dream come true really to come through the academy having supported the team,” Sears said. “I’d been there since I was 12 so to come all the way through into the first-team and then to keep playing until 21, 22 was a brilliant feeling really. “I owe it all to Alan Curbishley because he gave me my debut and he was really good with the youngsters. “Coming through the youth ranks and training with the first-team he was also a really good person to talk to. He was the one who put me on the map really.” Now with the striker a pivotal figure for Colchester’s attack, Sears is targeting a strong finish with the U’s. He said: “Hopefully I can help the team move up the table. We want to be in the top half. It’s been quite difficult at times but hopefully now we can start performing well and I can keep playing well, keep scoring goals and get the team high up as possible.”

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They’ve only got one Song at Upton Park

Cesc Fabregas is my brother from another mother, says Song

Alex Song has been in terrific form for West Ham since arriving on loan in the summer from Barcelona. With the Hammers vying for a European spot and a move to the Olympic Stadium on the horizon Song envisions a bright future for the club, writes Roshane Thomas

Roshane Thomas

t can feel like a trick of the imagination now but in 2011 West Ham were relegated to the Championship following a disastrous season, however following their upward trajectory European football beckons at Upton Park. The revitalised Irons have exceeded expectations this term having made a splendid start to the campaign. The additions in the summer have also hit the ground running in the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Diafra Sakho, Cheikhou Kouyate and Enner Valencia. But the Hammers have been enthusing about their new song, and the new song they are referring to is Alex Song. The former Arsenal midfielder has played a pivotal role in West Ham’s recent string of fine results, which is showing no sign of abating. With Sam Allardyce’s men currently placed fourth in the league it’s obvious to see that the East London club are the surprise package this season. Their previous inadequacies from last term have been non-existent so far - much to Allardyce’s delight. Having proved their mettle against the likes of Manchester City and being warmed to by the Upton Park faithful Song remains confident that he made the right decision joining the Hammers. The industrious midfielder, who was heralded as the next Patrick Vieira, had become a periphery figure at Barcelona and having struggled to secure a regular starting berth at Camp Nou, the 27-year-old is also delighted he’s now playing week-in-week-out. “When I see the way we’re playing and the way we are at the moment I know I that I made a very good choice,” said Song. “I wanted to come back to London and I spoke with the manager and it went really well because my family also wanted to be back in London. “Everyone has shown me love here and that’s also why I’m very happy at the moment. It wasn’t that I was not playing at Barca because I am a bad player. I wasn’t playing because they have the best players in the world. “So I decided that I didn’t want to be in that position for a third year. That would have been too long for me. That’s why I decided to move. I have to play. At the moment I am focused and very happy with the way we are going. Once I get my fitness back I know that I can show the people what I can do.” As well as aiming to rebuild his once burgeoning reputation Song also foresees a bright career for West Ham and believes more top players could follow in his path if the Hammers secure European football ahead of their move to the prestigious Olympic Stadium, scheduled for the 2016-17 season. He added: “I think with the whole project

and the future of the club it’s very good and important. That’s another reason why I chose to come here. “The way West Ham are looking now in the next five years I think we will be one of the best clubs in England because everything’s coming on in a very good way now. If everything goes well by the end of the season, the club will attract more players. “When the new stadium comes in everyone will start to look here because we will be a different club. That’s why I think this year we have to do something very well together.” Song is not the only player the Upton Park faithful have been singing praises for. In-form striker Sakho amassed six goals in his first six appearances, becoming only the second player in Premier League history to do so - which has led to the former Metz marksman being regarded as one of the bargains of the season, having joined West Ham for a modest fee of £4.7m. Sakho’s goalscoring prowess bore the hallmarks of a top four striker and due to this Song believes the 25-year-old is underrated and also added that he would be receiving more acclaims if his goalscoring record had come in the shirt of a bigger club. “I think he’s underrated because he’s a really fantastic player,” said Song. “Six games in six goals what more do you want me to say? When you look at the way that he has started it’s amazing. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves but he has proved his quality in every single game. He is a young player and has the chance to be one of the best players in the future.” With five strikers at Allardyce’s disposal, albeit a lovely conundrum to have having previously been bereft of proven goalscorers, Sakho is proving to be West Ham’s attacking fulcrum this season. But as the January transfer window approaches clubs will soon be on red alert if the Senegal international keeps up his impressive goalscoring record. However, despite their plethora of attacking talents this term, Song is adamant that West Ham’s leading marksman will stay at Upton Park. Song added: “I think he doesn’t want to look like: ‘Oh I want to go tomorrow’. “No, I think he’s starting to believe in himself here, which is very important. “When you come from nowhere and then people give you the opportunity and the chance to work very well - and then the manager and the fans give you a lot of faith

ALEX SONG’S sense of indebtedness towards Cesc Fabregas is palpable. During their time at Arsenal the duo (below) were inseparable with the childhood friends forming a very close friendship. Song, who has been in eye-catching form for West Ham, joined Arsenal as a 17-yearold and having entered unknown territory Fabregas took him under his wing. Song said: “On the first day that I arrived at Arsenal I slept at his house. I was

Big Sam blunted by Blades

RATINGS

Alex Song Fact File Previous clubs Bastia (2004-2006) This is the club where Song first shot to prominence, which caught the attention of Arsenal. He also represented France U16 whilst at the French side. Arsenal (2006-2012) Song enjoyed six great years at Arsenal. During his last season with the Gunners he was voted in second place as Arsenal’s player of the season by the fans.

Commanding Performance: Alex Song up against Manchester City’s David Silva earlier this season. to perform it’s great. When I look back it’s just like my story when I started to play at Arsenal, it was a little bit like this. I always tried to concentrate on my job and be the best player that I could to try and help the team. I think this guy [Diafra Sakho] has a great future if he just continues to improve.” It remains to be seen whether West Ham’s bubble will be burst at some point during the campaign. A busy Christmas period which features the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea will test the East London club’s European credentials. The high-flying Hammers could finish in

the top four for the first time ever this Christmas and Song is well aware of what’s at stake. “We just have to continue improving every single game,” said Song. “We don’t have big squads to challenge with Manchester City, Chelsea or Arsenal. No, we are West Ham and we know where we are. “For me I’m saying if we get into Europe this year it will be fantastic. Come the end of the season we will see. But the club can take a lot of positives right now and if we get that position [Europe] it will be a bonus for everyone.”

Charlton Athletic (loan) (2007) In the second half of the 2007/08 season Song joined Charlton on loan but was unable to steer them away from relegation. Barcelona (2012-present) Sealed dream move to Barca, but the midfielder was unable to secure regular game time at Camp Nou. West Ham (loan) (2014-) If the Hammers secure European football a permanent switch seems likely. Words by Roshane Thomas

Alex Song sings the praises of West Ham team-mate Kouyate Roshane Thomas ALEX SONG believes Cheikhou Kouyate could become one of the best players at West Ham and has likened his performances to Patrick Vieira. The 25-year-old has been an influential figure in the heart of their midfield, having played 15 league matches for the Hammers so far this term scoring once and providing two assists. Despite sustaining an ankle injury earlier in the campaign, Kouyate’s glimpses of quality have not gone unnoticed and Song has been delighted with West Ham’s new acquisition, although he refutes any suggestion’s that the Senegal international is a similar player to Yaya Toure, he said: Kouyate has been a commanding figure in West Ham’s midfield

“I think he’s a little bit similar to Patrick Vieira as a opposed to Yaya Toure because Yaya is more like a technical player with his ability to play with the ball. “I think he’s one of the good players we have here in the team as well because when we have a player like this it makes us stronger. With him [Mark] Noble and [Kevin] Nolan it’s very good.” Despite having high regards for his team-mate, Song had no prior knowledge of the midfielder. However, despite this Song believes that Kouyate can reach new heights at West Ham. “I didn’t know him before coming here,” Song added. “I’ve played with him and he’s doing well so far. I think for the future too it’s very good because he’s a young player. “He can achieve a lot of good things at this club and become one of the best players here at West Ham.”

supposed to go to the hotel, but he said: ‘No, I can’t be here with you sleeping in the hotel.’ “So he gave me some advice to try and help me settle and it’s always a pleasure whenever I see him.” With Fabregas in imperious form for Chelsea, having amassed 13 assists so far this term, Song is not surprised by his current form and is looking forward to coming up against his ex-Arsenal team-mate. “I’m very happy for him with the way he’s playing at Chelsea,” Song added. “I look forward to seeing him on the pitch so that I can win against - then after the game we can be brothers again.”

Messi is the best player I have ever played with Roshane Thomas WEST HAM midfielder Alex Song considers Lionel Messi to be the best player he has ever seen in his life. Song has played with many illustrious footballers during his playing career, but the player who surpasses any of those is a certain Argentine, who is often earmarked as the greatest player ever. “Messi is just on another planet,” Song said. “The things Messi has done is just mad. For me he is the best player I have ever seen and played with in my life.” Song’s countenance eluded bemusement when asked who was the better goalscorer between the Barca talisman, Sergio Aguero and Cristiano Ronaldo. He said: “You can’t compare these three players, no chance. I think Messi is so far off those players because he’s on

another level from Ronaldo and Aguero - he’s just unbelievable. “With Messi you can’t compare him to anyone. From my own opinion because I trained with him every single day and then I played against those players as well, so you can’t compare him with those players. There’s no chance.” Messi lead Argentina to the final of this year’s World Cup only to endure a miserable defeat against eventual winners Germany. But Song believes Messi’s endeavours is unquestionable and enthused the Barca man’s passion for wanting to achieve more. “Messi has the ability to change a game” Song added. “It’s good because those kind of players are hungry. He always wants to win, even if he loses one game in training he’s upset. He’s won everything but he still wants more.”