Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton wants striker Andy Carroll to focus on football following his brush with the law.
Carroll, 21, was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £2,500 in compensation after pleading guilty to a charge of common assault at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday.
The England Under-21 international had scored the winner in Saturday's 2-1 Premier League victory at West Ham and Hughton is hoping Carroll can now concentrate on his football after closing the chapter on an unsavoury incident.
Carroll also appeared in court last weekend where he denied a charge of assaulting a former girlfriend.
"We are all delighted with today, but what everybody wants to do is just get back to watching him do what he does best, as he did on Saturday at West Ham," said Hughton.
Meanwhile, the Magpies boss is keen to keep expectations surrounding the Gateshead-born striker to a minimum.
He added:"We are very definite about what we say about him. He is still a young lad and he is still a young lad who has improvements in his game to make.
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"We are conscious of not building him into something he isn't at the moment.
"But he has wonderful potential and he is a young lad who is playing regularly now in the Premier League and if you are able to do that, you are able to make progress."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Four different groups of investors have bid to become the new owners of toiling Scottish champions Rangers.
The Ibrox club went into administration last month due to unmanageable debt, and were docked ten points by the SPL.
However, administrators Duff & Phelps have revealed that four bidding parties will battle it out for the club’s ownership.
“Following our announcement on March 30, that best and final bids for control of Rangers Football Club should be submitted by April 5, I can confirm we have received four bids by close of business today,” joint administrator David Whitehouse told the club’s official website.
“The bids are structured in various ways but I would describe them as positive and constructive.
“The administration team will now analyse these bids over the forthcoming days and hold discussions with relevant parties to gain further understanding of the details of their bids.
“It will be our intention to accept an offer next week and this will be followed by a period of due diligence and exclusivity.
“At this stage, we cannot be precise in timescale but estimate that an exit from administration before the end of the season is achievable.
“We appreciate the need to conclude this process as quickly as possible.
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“It is, however, most important to secure the best possible outcome for creditors, Rangers Football Club and its supporters,” he concluded.
Vegalta Sendai remain unbeaten and moved into second in the J-League after a 1-0 win over Montedio Yamagata on Sunday.A 52nd-minute strike from Naoki Sugai ensured Makoto Teguramori’s side are the only team yet to lose after seven games.
They are within one point of first-placed Kashiwa Reysol, while Montedio Yamagata remain in the bottom two following the loss.
Shimizu S-Pulse recorded just their second win of the season with a 4-1 thrashing of Omiya Ardija.
Striker Naohiro Takahara hit a brace after Australian attacker Alex Brosque had opened the scoring, with defender Shinji Tsujio chiming in with a fourth before Rafael’s late consolation goal.
Brosque made it 1-0 after 39 minutes, sliding into the back post to place home to give the visitors the lead.
The Australian forward was involved in the second as he provided the lay-off with his chest for Takahara to volley home.
Takahara was the beneficiary of a horrible defensive lapse for his second five minutes into the second half, capitalising on a wayward 20-yard back pass before placing home.
Tsujio hit a fourth 20 minutes from the end before Rafael’s 90th-minute goal, as Shimzu moved into 11th, one spot below Omiya Ardija.
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
[divider]
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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