United keeper David De Gea set to sign new contract

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Feb 8, 2014

United superstar keeper David De Gea is poised to sign a new deal that will keep him at Manchester United until 2018.

De Gea’s current contract expires in two years and United are keen to tie him down to an improved deal worth £90,000 a week.

Barcelona have been monitoring the keeper’s situation , with a view to a potential summer move for the £25million-rated Spaniard.

De Gea, 23, has become United’s first-choice keeper despite a shaky start after joining from Atletico Madrid for £17.5m in 2011 and the club are keen to endorse his value with a new deal.

With skipper Nemanja Vidic quitting at the end of the season and Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra set to follow, United boss David Moyes faces a big rebuilding job this summer.

Ryan Giggs, 40, is also set to end his illustrious playing career, but De Gea is one Moyes wants to keep long-term.

Written by Steve Milne

Liverpool still interested in Fulham star

By

SteveMilne

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Feb 8, 2014

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The 25-year-old only just signed for the London outfit from Olympiacos, where his fine goalscoring form this season had seen him emerge as a target for a number of top European clubs.

In the end, however, he joined struggling Fulham in the January transfer window, and will be seen as a key part in helping Rene Meulensteen’s side avoid the drop this season.

Still, with Fulham currently bottom of the Premier League, they remain among the favourites to go down, and it is thought that Liverpool will be ready to pounce for the Greece international if that happens.

The Reds were among his main suitors a few months back, and may be in need of additions upfront this summer if they fail to keep Luis Suarez from joining Real Madrid.

The Cottagers won’t want to lose a key player so soon, but it seems unlikely that they will be able to keep Mitroglou and other big names if they drop down to the Championship.

Written by Steve Milne

Footballer dies in Car Crash.

By

Ben Reardon

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Feb 8, 2014

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Shakhtar Donesk striker Maicon has died in a Car accident, the club have confirmed.

The club issued a statement earlier this morning, regarding the passing, which read.

“He was a talented footballer, open and friendly guy. Maicon loved life and knew how to make it positive and bright. Tragic, untimely and absurd death took away a wonderful person from our ranks,” the club said in a statement published on the official website.

The centre forward centre forward signed for the club in 2012, and was part of a strong Brazilian contingent at the club, making six appearances during his time, scoting one goal at the Donbass Arena.

The 25-year-old, was on a loan to the Ukrainian Premier league club Illichivets Mariupol until the end of the 2013-14 season, however, no further details of the crash have been made known just yet.

All of us at sillyseason want to send our dearest condolances to the player’s family and friends.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Rodgers: Suarez saga helped me as a manager

By

Ben Kelly

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Feb 8, 2014

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has stated that the Luis Suarez transfer saga that took place over the summer helped improve him as a manager. Suarez, who was eager for Champions League football after Liverpool failed to qualify, tried to force through move to Arsenal after The Gunners had a bid for Suarez rejected. However, Liverpool stood strong and managed to keep hold of Suarez, who ended up signing a new 4 year deal at Anfield in December.

“Yes, it made me a better manager because it’s a problem you don’t get as a scenario when doing your coaching badges, and how you deal with it can make you or break you,” said Rodgers, “it was about managing the situation and always being honest about the situation. That is what you get paid for.”

“Luis is a good man. He is a very generous human being and I have found him very amicable in everything I have spoken to him on. He was in a difficult place in the summer and I understood where he was at. It’s difficult for a player of his qualirt to be playing at the highest level, I had empathy for him in his situation.”

“From my experience watching Liverpool from the outside and speaking to some of the players who have been involved, there aren’t too many places better than being at Anfield on a Champions League night.”

Rodgers was talking ahead of Liverpool’s huge game against Arsenal at Anfield in Saturday’s early kick off. The Reds are currently sitting in 4th and eight points behind leaders Arsenal, who beat the 2-0 at The Emirates earlier in the season.

By Ben Kelly

You’d be wrong to leave Arsenal warns Wenger

By

SteveMilne

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Feb 8, 2014

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned Bacary Sagna against leaving the Emirates Stadium, with the France international yet to agree a contract extension.

The 30-year-old, who signed from Auxerre in 2007, is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance for the Gunners against Liverpool on Saturday, but is out of contract at the end of the season.

Goal revealed that Serie A side Napoli are one of several teams monitoring Sagna’s situation, with the defender free to discuss pre-contract agreements with other clubs

But Wenger remains determined to keep the full-back in north London and, with Arsenal challenging for multiple honours this season, is convinced Sagna should not leave.

“I believe that his future is here and any other decision would be wrong,” said the French manager.

“He is fantastic, not only a great player, but a fantastic attitude.

“You know when you start the game that Bacary Sagna will give you 100 per cent commitment, no matter where you play or against whom you play. That is a fantastic guarantee.”

Wenger did admit, however, that Arsenal are still far away from finding a breakthrough in contract discussions with Sagna, who is keen to explore his options.

“When I say I expect (Sagna to stay), it is more that I want it,” continued the Arsenal boss. “I hope that, in the end, I am right. We are not close at the moment.

“Because he is a defender, we are ready to give him more than one year.

“It is an important contract for him. He is 31 years old (this month) and I can understand. He wants to keep his options open.

“I am not all right with that because I would like him to sign just now, but I have to accept it. It is his freedom, the decision belongs to him.”

Written by Steve Milne

Podolski……… Drives public Bus!

By

Billy Foster

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Feb 7, 2014

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Many people are having problems travelling with the recent tube strikes however help was at hand. Whilst most people were complaining and moaning Lukas Podoslki decided to get behind the wheel of a bus and drive the passengers to the busses scheduled location. To prove to other people that he had done so he posted a picture of himself in the bus on social media websites.

A footballer wouldn’t be expected to be a bus driver however Arsene Wenger didn’t seem to mind as the German international was on time to training the next day.

The striker has had injury problems this season however now back and fit he looks set to help the charge towards the title fight for the Gunners. They will be facing Liverpool on saturday and will soon be playing fierce rivals Manchester United.

By Billy Foster

Dennis Bergkamp to get statue next to Emirates stadium

By

Billy Foster

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Feb 7, 2014

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Arsenal have confirmed that they will be reveiling a statue to comemorate Dennis Bergkamp at the Sunderland match on February the 22nd. The plans began last year and the statue has been finished recently. The ceremony will start at 11:30am on game day and Bergkamp will be making an appearance at half-time.

Dennis is currently the assistant manager to De Boer at his home club of Ajax. He joined Arsenal as a player in 1995 making 423 appearances and scoring on 120 occasions. He was with the Gunners for 11 years and was part of the best Premier League squad to date named the Invincibles.

His statue will be standing tall and proud alongisde the greats such as Herbert Chapman, Tony Adams & Thierry Henry.

By Billy Foster

Djourou has his watch stolen from team hotel

By

Billy Foster

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Feb 7, 2014

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Johan Djourou’s watch was stolen from the team hotel in Hamburg and was worth a staggering £83,000. Djourou and team mate Jacques Zoma went for a meal, when returning to their bags they had discovered that both of their bags where gone. In the bag with his watch was his wallet. German police are currently taking out an investigation to find the culprit.

Djourou’s currently on loan to Hamburg who is currently second from bottom and are the only ever present club in the Bundesliga however that record may be in danger. Last weekends 3-0 loss to Hoffenheim has made this weekends match against Hertha Berlin a must win. The Swiss international said that some of the items in his bag were very personal to him.

His watch is insured and he will receive a replacement if the original isn’t found and returned. The defender has missed the past 2 matches for the German side due to muscle problems however may return for the upcoming match and he has currently played 14 matches for the side.

By Billy Foster

Anfield regeneration takes a step forward

By

Ben Kelly

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Feb 7, 2014

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Liverpool city council have today launched a one month consultation on Anfield’s £260million regeneration. Last week council bosses responded to delays by insisting plans wouldn’t be ‘held to ransom’ by the owners of four homes standing in the way of the scheme. Today the latest step was given the green light by the cabinet, opening the door for residents and buisness owners to air their opinions on the specifics of the planned development. The Anfield regeneration will be submitted for final approval in April once local opinions have been taken into account.

Cabinet member Ann O’Byrne said this has been another huge step forward in the project. She said, “The whole of Anfield suffered because of the fall of the housing market renewal and the dramatic loss of money that left that whole area in a state of limbo. But when I talk to residents now they’re delighted they can see the future is not looking brighter and they’re happier with the progress we’re making.”

The club aims to have the regeneration finished and Anfield expanded by 2018. If 2 of the 4 home owners in the area continue to refuse to sell their homes, Joe Anderson has stated that compulsery purchase orders will be used to make sure the project goes ahead. Negotiations are set to continue until the end of February, but if no agreement can be reached the comulsery purchase orders will be forced into place.

By Ben Kelly

I’m no Suarez, but I want to be remembered

By

SteveMilne

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Feb 7, 2014

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Aware that the club’s supporters were excited by the prospect of the Uruguayan signing in the summer, the French striker stressed that he’s solely focused on improving his own game claiming the trust of Arsene Wenger will help him do exactly that.

Speaking to ex-Gunner Alan Smith, to whom the boss compared Giroud recently, the 27-year-old spoke openly about his career aims at the Emirates.

“I understand that Arsenal fans want a big name, but I try to stay calm, to take it easy and concentrate on my job, train well, and repay the confidence of the boss.

“He always talks to me, trusts me – that’s why he didn’t buy another striker last summer and in January. I’m still here because the boss is pleased with my game, with what I can bring to the team.”

Set to feature against Suarez twice in the next week, Giroud happily admitted that the Liverpool attacker is currently operating on another level.

“I know I’m not a player on the same level as someone like Suarez – because he’s been amazing this season – but I know I can improve again. That’s why I’m quite confident of my future here.

“This isn’t a time to doubt myself. Sometimes a striker won’t score for a month or two. It happens to every striker. But you’ve always got to believe in your quality and remember that people trust you.

I feel really good here and I really want to win something with this club.”

Wary of his words being twisted following an interview earlier in the season in which he was portrayed as having grandiose expectations, Giroud also took the time to clarify his ambitions.

“I said something earlier in the season to a French newspaper and they made a big thing of it with the headline ‘Legend!’ I didn’t mean I wanted to become a legend at Arsenal, more that I want to make a mark in Arsenal’s history.

I don’t want to come across as arrogant, saying I want to be the best ever. I just want to be remembered here.”

Written by Steve Milne

Everyone at Chelsea was waiting for me to leave

By

SteveMilne

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Feb 7, 2014

0

Napoli boss Rafael Benitez didn’t enjoy a great time during his time at Chelsea, where he served as an interim-manager of the London club last season.

It was obvious. Fans were quick to understand Rafa’s tactical acumen, but he was never going to be favourite among the fans, because of his previous successful association with Liverpool.

Recently there are reports in Italian media that Benitez has been targeted by Qatar’s Football Association.

After a great start to the Serie A season, there has been a slight reversal in fortune for Napoli and the Partenopei reached low ebb after their shock 3-0 defeat at the hands of Atalanta last weekend.

Benitez is seen as a manager who has a long term future at Napoli but reports emerged that he could be offered a job of leading Qatar’s national team to World Cup 2022.

It was reported that Benitez could be offered a bumper lucrative offer that could see him earn around £10m per year. When asked about the rumour, the Spaniard laughed it off and insisted he is just staying focused on the job.

“£10m per year? Well, my suitcase is already packed then” he joked.

“I am one hundred percent focused on what I do. I demonstrated in London, where everyone just waiting for me to leave but I stayed focused and won the Europa League.”

Napoli are 3rd in the league table and are 15 points behind league leaders Juventus. Their hope of a potential title challenge is all but gone and must focus on securing Champions League qualification.

Written by Steve Milne

David Moyes comes to a mutual agreement with Vidic over his departure

By

FootballSam

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Feb 7, 2014

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After signing for Manchester United back in 2005, Nemanja Vidic has now announced his decision to leave Manchester United at the end of the season. David Moyes confirms that they both mutually agreed on this decision, as it is the best decision for both club and player.

Moyes says: “It was something that we all mutually agreed together. Me, and Nemanja and I think it was the right decision for club and player.

David Moyes also moved quickly to confirm he has plans in place that he wants to implement, and changes he wants to make, whilst also confirming Nemanja will continue to captain United up until his departure from the club.

“I think people know that I have things in my mind that I want to do, what I want to change over time. I cant do it overnight but that wasn’t the reason for this. This is a decision which has been mutually decided together. He felt it was the right time for him so we will get on with it and we will move on.”

Moyes refuted claims that Vidic would lose focus now that his departure is confirmed, claiming he expects more of the same for Vidic right to the end.

“Not somebody like Vida given his concentration, the type of man he is and the leader he is. He has been a great leader for the club, he has served the club brilliantly well and I would expect that to continue right until the end of the season.”

Nemanja Vidic’s exit pathes the way for a new centre back to enter the club. It will certainly be interesting to see what happens come summer.

Pellegrini Hits Back at Mourinho

By

FootballSam

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Feb 7, 2014

0

Recently, Jose Mourinho has claimed that Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City team are the ‘little horse’ in this seasons title race. Pellegrini has hit back at those comments.

“Maybe it is a small horse if the manager thinks like that. It can be a little horse but very rich. “This is the team that spends most money in the last 10 years, it is the team that spends most money this year and the team that spends the most money in the transfer window so little but rich.”

Nobody can deny, Manchester City are the biggest spenders in the premier league. With the financial power they have it is hard to believe they would be thought of as a ‘little horse’. Most likely this is yet another Mourinho mind game – aiming to unsettle City in their bid for Premier League Glory.

Cole to earn new deal.

By

Ben Reardon

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Feb 7, 2014

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Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole is set to be offered a new contract at the club, following months of speculation.

Cole had been linked with a move away from West London, after dropping down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Both Arsenal, and several American MLS Clubs had attracted interest in the experienced full back, who were keen to snap him up once his contract had expired.

The defender had previously lost his place to Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta, after Jose Mourinho had dropped several big name players, after returning fot his second stint.

But it now appears that Cole has won Mourinho over, and is set to gain a new one year deal.

Mourinho hinted in a pre-match interview before the Newcastle game ?

Mourinho said: ‘He still has a future here and we want to renew his contract – but ask Thierry maybe he has a better idea.’

Cole has been a stand out performer during his eight years at the Bridge, and it looks like final few players of ‘the old guard’ look all set to earn new deals at the club.

The Portuguese manager has also started playing mind games, stating that Manchester City are the favourites.

‘I’m not saying we’re not going to win. I’m saying we are candidates, we’re outsiders,’ Mourinho said.

‘We are not a squad like Man City’s with every player in the best moment of their careers of the age of stability between 25 and their 30s, all of them working together for a long time, a manager (Manuel Pellegrini) that arrived and the team was there ready for him.

‘We are different. We are beginning. Of course we dream to win the Premier League and if we have the chance to win we’re not going to say we don’t want to but we don’t have the same responsibilities.’

The Special One also confirmed Mohammad Salah would make his debut in Saturday’s fixture.

He is almost there but not there,’ Mourinho said. ‘If it was the last game of the season I’d say “let’s go and do it” but there’s no point to risk him now.

‘It’s not the moment to lose players, it’s the moment to try to have them all. Tuesday at West Brom is a better possibility.’

Mourinho continued his mischief-making by taunting Saturday’s opponents over their failure to recruit a replacement for influential midfielder Yohan Cabaye who left the club in January to join Paris St Germain.

‘Cabaye is one of the best midfielders we had in the Premier League and they did not replace him,’ Mourinho said.

‘But they have a good team and they know they can beat us. Alan Pardew is a good coach and I think it’s a difficult game.’

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Ribery ruled out after having surgery on his buttocks

By

SteveMilne

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Feb 7, 2014

0

Ribery had surgery on Thursday to repair a burst blood vessel in his buttock so will be unable to help his side extend their unbeaten run in the league to 45 games.

A club statement read: “Surgery became necessary at short notice because bruising associated with the damage was affecting a nerve.

“Ribery will remain in hospital until Sunday and will undergo a post-operative examination the following day.

“That in turn will allow medics to assess the length of the player’s lay-off.”

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said: “I hope he can train with us again as soon as possible.”

Of Nuremberg, Bayern winger Xherdan Shaqiri said: “They’re on form and they’ll do all they can to trip us up,

“They will be aggressive from the start and ask us all the questions.”

Defender Jerome Boateng, whose side top the table by 13 points, said: “They work really hard and are incredibly aggressive. We’ve got to be prepared for that.

“It’s definitely a special game. The atmosphere’s always electric. It’s always great fun playing in a derby.”

Nuremberg, who are only outside the relegation play-off place on goal difference, were historically one of Germany’s most successful teams. They won nine league titles, the last of which came in 1968 – a time when Bayern had only won one of their 23 titles.

Midfielder Markus Feulner, formerly of Bayern, said: “We’re looking forward to it and the fans are up for this game.

“They will go into this game with a certain heady feeling – just like us. This derby is a huge match and it gives us the chance to compare ourselves with the best team in the world. We’ll try to put on a good display.”

Written by Steve Milne

SillySeason.com

United keeper David De Gea set to sign new contract

Liverpool still interested in Fulham star

Footballer dies in Car Crash.

Rodgers: Suarez saga helped me as a manager

You’d be wrong to leave Arsenal warns Wenger

Podolski……… Drives public Bus!

Dennis Bergkamp to get statue next to Emirates stadium

Djourou has his watch stolen from team hotel

Anfield regeneration takes a step forward

I’m no Suarez, but I want to be remembered

Everyone at Chelsea was waiting for me to leave

David Moyes comes to a mutual agreement with Vidic over his departure

Pellegrini Hits Back at Mourinho

Cole to earn new deal.

Ribery ruled out after having surgery on his buttocks

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