West Ham United have officially confirmed their interest in moving into the Olympic Stadium in East London following the games in 2012.
The Hammers face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur for the use of the stadium, with Irons vice-chairman Karren Brady confident that her club would make best use of the facilities.
She commented:"We believe this is the only bid that can deliver London's legacy commitment to the International Olympic Committee.
"The last thing anyone wants is for the Olympic Stadium to become a ghost of Olympics past. The only realistic solution is to make the stadium work for a Premier League football team and that should be West Ham United.
"As a top-flight football club, we have the necessary expertise in running a major multi-purpose venue.
"Working with Newham Council, we could ensure extensive use of the stadium that would create prosperity in the local area and see this club grow and move on to another level.
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"Our plan to keep most of the stadium in place protects the public investment."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Manchester City players David Silva and Joleon Lescott have welcomed temperamental striker Carlos Tevez back to their squad,
The Argentina international has recently returned from a self-enforced exile in his homeland, and after apologising to the club will be considered for a place in Roberto Mancini’s squad once more.
David Silva has hailed the potential impact of the returning attacker, and feels Tevez is an important player for the Etihad Stadium outfit.
“I just saw him this morning for the first time at training,” the Spain international told Sky Sports.
“I just wished him all the very best before he left. He was a very important player for us. If he is back with us, then perfect.
“Carlos is a great player and if he is physically fit he would be a very good player to have.
“But it will be down to the coaches and the technical team to decide who plays and who doesn’t,” the playmaker stated.
Despite Tevez’s reputation for scandal and controversy, Lescott does not feel the forward will make any waves upon his return to the team.
“No-one here sees Carlos as a disruption.
“If we can all get together and push in the same direction I am sure it’s a positive for the club.
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“With us, Carlos has never been an issue, and we are confident that if he does get his chance, he will score a lot of goals,” the England defender finished.
New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union moved to first and second respectively in the MLS Eastern Conference with 1-0 wins on Saturday.The Red Bulls moved a point clear on top with a 1-0 win over the Kansas City Wizards, which came from a 21st-minute strike by English striker Luke Rodgers.
Philadelphia kept the pressure on with a 1-0 win at home against the San Jose Earthquakes, with French midfielder Sebastien Le Toux scoring the winner 14 minutes from time.
The Columbus Crew enjoyed a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, a second-half brace from Venezuelan striker Emilio Renteria proving the difference between the two sides, and the Colorado Rapids were held to a 1-1 draw at home by the struggling Chicago Fire.
The Seattle Sounders cruised to a 3-0 win over Toronto with Brad Evans scoring a double to add to Alvaro Fernandez’s opener, and Chivas USA had goals from Nick LaBrocca, Marcos Mondaini and Alejandro Moreno to thank for their 3-0 win over New England Revolution.
The Portland Timbers enjoyed a 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake, with Kenny Cooper scoring the winner after 22 minutes.
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has angrily hit back at Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy for suggesting that the Potters have an overly-physical approach to the game.
Murphy accused City, Blackburn Rovers and Wolves of bein over-zealous with their tackling, a view which clearly infuriated Coates.
He told The Sentinel:"There's a lot of nonsense talked about this. We don't condone bad tackles, nor I think do other clubs.
"We are a strong team, we are competitive and we are fair. That is as it should be."
Of Andy Wilkinson's booking for a late challenge on Cottagers forward Moussa Dembele last month, Coates added:"It was a poor late tackle and we were disappointed with Andy. He was reprimanded by our coaching staff and we apologised.
"Danny Murphy, by the way, got booked for aggressive behaviour in that game. It does make you wonder about players opening their mouths about incidents, because these things happen.
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"He himself is a pretty competitive player.
"I bothered to look at his record and he's got three red cards and 65 yellows, so he's not a shrinking violet."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Arsenal will be gunning for revenge at the Emirates tomorrow afternoon as the Champions arrive in North London. Arsene Wenger was particularly disappointed at the manner of their 3-2 defeat at the Liberty Stadium and suggested, at his Friday Press Conference, that referees have it in for the Gunners more than any other team in the country. Whether that is true remains to be seen but you can’t help feel that they Wenger’s men do get the thin end of the wedge at times.
Arsene Wenger also suggested that the failure to land a Champions League spot at the end of the season would be a devastating blow to the football club because anything other than rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite year on year would be a letdown.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of blogs that include, time to stop this crisis talk; the ideal signing for Arsene Wenger, while it may be time for Arsene to change his ways. We have also added new features to our summary article that includes Arsenal’s quote of the week and a full match preview ahead of the United game.
Best of FFC
Arsenal’s top TEN wonderkids that proved anything but
A ‘super-signing’ can do so much for Arsenal’s future
Time for a change of ways Arsene
Does Arsene actually make a vaild point over January signings?
Time To Stop All This Crisis Talk
The ideal signing that both Liverpool and Arsenal should battle for
Will the Premier League’s top stars find the allure of Spain too hard to resist?
Interest in Berbatov as Arsenal weigh up more for wonderkid
Arsenal brace themselves for Lazio bid
Once a liability, now indispensable at Arsenal
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Best Arsenal Blogs on the WEB
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Beaten by Swansea in possession, points and budget | Wenger mess deepens at Arsenal – Le Grove
A year is a short time in football – Online Gooner
Arsenal: False Idols, Falsehoods and Victorian Abattoirs. One Of Speaks… – A Cultured Left Foot
Summer of Change as a Mass Exodus on the Cards…. – Highbury House
So the fans’ feelings count for nothing then Hill-Wood? – Gunnersphere
Arsène Wenger must end austerity drive to break Arsenal’s drought – Guardian
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Arsenal Quote of the Week
“I feel that the players technically are very good, but sometimes they don’t sense danger or show a ruthlessness in certain situations to win games,’
“When Arsenal lose control of the game, it just goes disastrously wrong for them.” Nigel Winterburn told talkSPORT.
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Match Preview v Manchester United
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Arsenal will be gunning for revenge when they meet Manchester United on Sunday as they aim to get even with champions following the humiliating 8-2 thrashing in August.
Arsene Wenger’s side were humbled at Old Trafford in the opening weeks of the season as crisis gripped the Gunners following the departure of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Since then the Frenchman has steered the club into calmer waters and to within four points of the top four despite suffering losing two of his key players and having to deal with a never-ending succession of injuries. One defeat in 12 since mid-October had put Arsenal in with a great chance of achieving Champions League football next year but two defeats on the trot has seen them drop further behind Chelsea in the New Year. Wenger will have been unhappy with his side after they were blown away by Swansea at the Liberty Stadium last week and they’ll need to cut out the reckless mistakes that cost them in South Wales. With Johan Djourou and Ignasi Miquel continuing to fill in at full back they’ll need Andriy Arshavin and Theo Walcott to double up and minimize the threat of United’s wide players if they are to exact retribution for the embarrassing defeat suffered six months ago.
The Red Devils will be well aware that Arsenal will be vengeful going into the game but need to approach their trip to North London with a sense of trepidation. A 3-0 win at home to Bolton came after two consecutive defeats with Paul Scholes scoring on his return to Old Trafford. Whilst the veteran midfielder will probably be relegated to the bench at the Emirates his return to the club has provided a visible lift. Michael Carrick’s improved performances in central midfield will have delighted Sir Alex Ferguson who will more than likely recall Ryan Giggs to the starting line-up. The 38-year-old continues to defy the ageing process and his experience will be key to beating the Gunners who have been forced into fielding a number of teenagers and young players this season. Getting Wayne Rooney into the game will be key for United along with Antonio Valencia and Nani on the wings. The duo will come up against two inexperienced full backs on Sunday and Ferguson will make it clear to Valencia and Nani that they could be the difference in the game. Keeping Van Persie quiet will also be a high priority fo the Scot and it’s anticipated that he’ll charge Phil Jones with marking the prolific Dutchman.
Arsenal 5th : 36 points
Last six: L L W D W L
Team news: Thierry Henry and Thomas Vermaelen are both doubts for Arsenal who have 11 players out injured.
Key Player: Robin Van Persie
His first goal of 2012 wasn’t enough for Arsenal to see off Swansea last week but there is no downplaying Van Persie’s importance to Arsenal. The Dutchman will be going all out to gain revenge after playing and scoring in the 8-2 thrashing back in August.
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Manchester United 2nd : 48 points
Last six: W L L W W W
Team news: Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Danny Welbeck are all doubts for Manchester United who have 10 players on the sidelines.
Key Player: Wayne Rooney
Despite having failed to score in the league since before Christmas the Red Devils forward still poses a major threat up front. Rooney’s playmaking ability, energy and determination to win will be key to United’s chances at the Emirates Stadium.
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Click on Roger Johnson’s misses below to unveil our current Premier League Wag XI
Newcastle prevailed 2-1 against 10 man Birmingham in a dreary game at St James’ Park on Saturday.With two teams seemingly safe in the Premier League slowly limping their way to the end of the season , the game was pretty poor for the neutral until it sprang into life before the break.
Ten minutes before half time the rain stopped and the game sprang in to life.
Joey Barton’s superb corner caused havoc in the Birmingham penalty area, with Liam Ridgewell eventually handballing Fabricio Coloccini’s goal-bound header, earning the defender a straight red card.
Shola Ameobi stepped up and calmly dispatched the spot-kick to give the host the lead.
Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster had to be at his very best to stop the home side going further ahead first denying Peter Lovenkrands and then tipping over Nolan’s fierce shot.
From the resulting corner Newcastle stretched their lead, Steven Taylor powerfully heading in Barton’s corner.
Birmingham’s Sebastian Larsson seemed to help the ball into the net but Taylor will no doubt claim the goal.
Birmingham scrambled a goal back just before half time; Cameron Jerome’s power caused problems for the Newcastle defence and Lee Bowyer powered home the loose ball via deflection from Coloccini.
Ameobi should have had a second late on the game, but after good work from Nile Ranger and Barton, the big striker produced a tame effort that was easily cleared.
The three points mean Newcastle’s Premier League future is now secured, Birmingham however are still in a relegation battle.
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis is delighted with the form of club record signing Kenwyne Jones so far this season.
The 25-year-old £8million signing from Sunderland has found the net in his last three games, having suffered an injury on his City debut against Wolves.
Pulis told reporters:“Kenwyne’s got all the tools to be an outstanding player for this club.
“Three goals in his last three games have helped his confidence, but I firmly believe there is a lot more to come from the lad.
“We still think he can get fitter, he can be a lot sharper and if he manages to do that, then he will be a real handful for defenders.
“Having said that, he’s worked really hard to overcome the injury setback and he has worked well with the other players too, so we’re delighted with the impact he has already made.
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“He is a fantastic signing for this club.”
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I am not here to argue that the quality of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the USA is anywhere near the same level as the top flight in England, but one day, in the not too distant future it could be. More and more quality players are signing up for the American experience after David Beckham proved that it could be done successfully after leaving Real Madrid and Europe behind.
It may have been a quiet January in the transfer window in England, but the three biggest names to arrive have been from across the Atlantic. Landon Donovan’s return to Goodison Park has been met with joy on Merseyside and Robbie Keane snapped up the chance to play for his boyhood club Aston Villa for two months while the off-season continues in Los Angeles. Obviously you can’t forget Theirry Henry’s much publicised return to Arsenal, where he has already shown that he hasn’t lost any quality in sending the Gunners through to the FA Cup fourth round.
The quality of these players in not in question and although it is assumed that a player will only move to America at the end of their career, the national team are a young, improving side and players like Robbie Keane still have a good few years left in him yet and will represent Republic of Ireland in the Euro’s this summer.
David Beckham revealed last week that he expects to stay in Hollywood and sign a new contract after big spending PSG declared their interest. The likes of Tottenham Hotspur have also been publically interested in the former England captain in recent times and he is expected to be involved with team GB at this summers’ Olympic Games in London.
More well known, quality players that European clubs will no doubt want in their sides such as Rafael Marquez, Fredy Montero and Torsten Frings also grace the MLS and the likes of Dider Drogba, Allesandro Del Piero, David Bentley and Michael Ballack are heavily linked with a move there in the near future, so the quality is only going to increase as the sport grows in the States.
One problem that ‘soccer’ has had in the USA has been the supporters’ interest, as the likes of Baseball and American Football are huge all over the country and will take some beating. Fans are choosing to go with their more prestigious sports which is completely understandable but with attendances rising at ‘soccer’ games in the past 12 months, slowly but surely it can compete.
MLS games in 2011 averaged 17,870 fans per game in contrast to last year’s 16,675 per game. Take a look at Wigan Athletic in the Premier League if you want a comparison. The improvement in attendance has propelled the MLS to the third-most attended sport in the United States, placing it in front of the NBA (17,319 average) and the NHL (17,126). The MLS has also become the 10th most watched league in the world, above Brazil’s Serie A and the Scottish Premier League which can only be good news for the fans.
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An improvement in quality, an improvement in funding and an improvement in support – the MLS is starting to have what it takes to compete with other sports in America and also top European Leagues and it may not be too long until matches between teams from the MLS and Europe become competitive.
Would you like to see the MLS become as big as the Premier League, let me know on Twitter: @Brad_Pinard
Retired Manchester United great Gary Neville has paid tribute to his former club as they close in on a record 19th league championship.When Liverpool took out the 1989-90 First Division title to claim their 18th championship, United – with the Sir Alex Ferguson era just four years old – had won only seven.
But since then the balance of power in the English Premier League has shifted down the M62, with Ferguson’s men closing in on their 12th title under his reign, a feat which would see them claim Liverpool’s long-held status as the country’s most successful football club.
Neville, who retired in February after 602 appearances for United, said the club had enjoyed a remarkable run.
“It would be great for the fans and I think it would be great in terms of the way the club has gone over the last 20 years,” Neville said.
“To get to the point whereby we were 12 championships behind and to think we are now level, is a great achievement.”
Neville downplayed suggestions of acrimony between United and Arsenal – their opponents on Sunday – and suggested Arsenal’s poor form over recent years has seen Chelsea eclipse them as United’s chief rivals.
“People talk about animosity, but I think between the clubs there’s always been a fierce rivalry but there’s never been a point where it’s overstepped the mark on the pitch,” he said.
“I think it’s a competitive game, the Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. I think people, to be honest with you, want that sort of passion and excitement and I wouldn’t get carried away too much by the spats that have got blown out of proportion.”
“I think Arsenal haven’t been the biggest challengers in the last few years, it’s been Chelsea so you could argue it’s not been as intense but as I’ve said before, on Sunday, when you go out there, it’s one of the biggest games of the season.”
Neville also admitted he would love to see his old teammate Paul Scholes, 36, pull the boots on for another season.
“I love watching Paul Scholes playing football. He’s the best midfield player in the country on his day when he plays,” he said.
“I think it’s up to Paul, he doesn’t need me to advise him but I would want him, as a United fan and someone who knows him very well and someone who’s loved playing with him, to see him carry on and continue. I think he’s still got so much to offer.”
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has dismissed rumours suggesting that Wolfsburg have made an offer for Dutch forward Ryan Babel.
The 23-year-old has struggled to make his mark at Anfield, but Hodgson is not about to sell the Netherlands international.
He told reporters:"I'm afraid we're in the realm of speculation. You know better than I how many stories you're getting every day and many of them are unfounded – many are attempts from people to get their players in the spotlight.
"We've had no written or formal offers for Ryan Babel and he's a player who I'm expecting to play for us."
Meanwhile, Serie A new boys Cesena are poised to complete the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri from the Reds.
The 27-year-old has made just ten appearances in two seasons at Anfield and is desperate to move on to gain regular first-team action.
Hodgson confirmed:"Diego has done a marvellous job for the last two years.
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"He's a very good goalkeeper and a very good person, but he made it clear to me at the start of the season that, after two years of watching Pepe Reina play every week he might, if he's not careful, lose his goalkeeping ability or his status as a first-team goalkeeper.
"He made it clear he'd like to leave and find a club where he'll be able to play on a regular basis."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email