Bleacher Report - Articles by Barney Cotton

Guss Hiddink's Summer Shopping List

Barney Cotton — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 04:36:40 -0400

By the headline it seems likely that Hiddink will be staying on past this season, which is backed up by the “reliable” source of the Daily Express. This story has been plastered all over various sport sections in the British national newspapers over the past few weeks, since the Dutchmen joined the London club in early February.

Onto the supposed “shopping list” that Hiddink has given to the Chelsea hierarchy. Immediately, if this is true, it would be easy to surmise that Russian owner Roman Abrahmovic has fallen back in love with the club he bought back in June 2003.

The newspaper claims that almost 100 million pounds is at Hiddink’s disposal. The players that he has shortlisted include Karim Benzema, Yuri Zhirkov, Wagner Love, Dani Alves, and most surprisingly, Robinho. Some of these players would be good additions to the squad.

However, according to several other newspapers this will be partly funded by having several players shipped out of the club.

Deco, Florent Malouda, Paulo Ferreira, Mineiro, Branislav Ivanovic, and Didier Drogba will all leave according to various sources.

Personally, I am very confused with the claims that Drogba will be leaving as he has had a recent upturn in form after Scolari left. However, what do Chelsea fans think of the situation?

Nemanja Vidic Being Pursued by AC Milan?

Barney Cotton — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:02:29 -0500

Manchester United’s Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic will reportedly be the subject of a bid from Italian Giants AC Milan, according to various reports.

I personally find this laughable as Sir Alex is not going to sell such an incredible player that is vital to United’s challenge for trophies every season. Also, the bid that the San Siro club has put in is nowhere near the real valuation of the central defender.

According to the Daily Star, the offer will be in the region of £18 Million, which will in turn be rejected. Vida, as he is known by his teammates, is a settled member of the squad who has been a top performer for the Red Devils ever since he arrived a few seasons ago. This along with many other reasons is why he will not leave!

Though this is barely news as it will never happen, the “story” is based on Paulo Maldini leaving at the end of the season and the resulting hole in the defence that he will leave. No doubt he will leave a big space in the Milan squad, but the club will have to look somewhere else.

The only way he will leave is if another Japp Stam situation will happen. Let’s all hope that does not happen in the foreseeable future.

Chelsea Chairman Bruce Buck Signals Club's Summer Plans

Barney Cotton — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:40:51 -0500

Chelsea have recently risen up the table but this season have been less than impressive in comparison to seasons gone buy in recent years. This has led to a variety of reports involving Roman Abramovich leaving, players leaving, and the management not happy.

In recent media reports it seems a massive clearout at the London club is on the cards.

Chairman Bruce Buck has suggested that the team will be torn up and that they will start from scratch by bringing in some new talent and kicking out the dead wood. However, this will largely depends on how generous their Russian billionaire owner is feeling during the summer transfer window.

It will probably also depend on who the new manager will be, as Hiddink is only in charge till the end of the season.

The chairman stated:

"I think that we could expect that several players will leave and that several players will come in," Buck said.

He later went on to talk about the missed opportunity of signing Brazilian superstar Robinho and that he expects to bring in around five players in order to compensate for losing the other players.

The players that have been talked about leaving in the weeks newspapers have varied from newspaper to newspaper but the common players mentioned include Florent Malouda, Michael Ballack, Deco, Alex and Didier Drogba, who are all apparently in the firing line.

Whoever leaves and whoever comes in, Chelsea fans everywhere will just hope that they can bring success back to their club.

Who do you think will leave, come in, or be replaced?

Tottenham Hotspurs' Heurelho Gomes' Ultimatum

Barney Cotton — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:03:45 -0500

Tottenham Hotspurs “dodgy” keeper, Heurelho Gomes, has come out on the offensive in recent newspaper interviews, stating that he deserves to be the North London club’s No. 1 goalkeeper.

My immediate response to this news story was to laugh, as even though he has improved slightly since his early season clangers, he is still a below average Premier League goalkeeper.

This is compared to recently acquired Italian shot-stopper, Carlo Cudicini who was snapped up on a free transfer the January transfer window.

His latest blunder came against Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday, much to the dismay to many Spurs fans.

So there is not only one problem with his so-called ultimatum of “make me number one, or else,” there are two!

Even though he has 17 international caps to his name for national football giant Brazil, he may not have the ability to be at a “top” Premier League club especially with better goalkeepers in the squad.

It may be that he just has a lack of confidence. But whatever it is, he has no right to come out and declare he should be a No. 1 with the form he has shown since his £7.8 million arrival at White Hart Lane in the summer.

This is a hefty sum of money for so little in return on the part of the former PSV No. 1.

The “blundering Brazilian” as The Sun newspaper has recently dubbed him had this to say to the British tabloid:

“I feel the club supports me and the chairman has told me I am his No 1. I don’t feel threatened by Carlo because it is important for a club like Tottenham, with aspirations to challenge for honors, to have quality replacements for every position,” Gomes said. “You are not going to see me happy on the bench, that’s for sure,” he continued.

If Gomes thinks Cudicini is a “replacement”, then he is sadly mistaken in my opinion. Also, if he “expects” to remain as No. 1, he has to either start performing or leave, as no one player can expect to be chosen in every starting 11.

Whomever Harry Redknapp chooses tonight, it could spell the end of Gomes’ stay at White Hart Lane.

Becks Should Stay at Milan

Barney Cotton — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:02:31 -0500

For all of us England fans, David Beckham is a much adored icon of our great game, and has legendary status throughout the world of sport.

The LA Galaxy and England midfielder is currently on loan at Italian giants AC Milan for the next few months during the MLS off-season. He has impressed everyone at the club and this has led to the Milan board looking into the possibility of getting Beckham on a full-time contract.

Over the weekend, Beckham played a key role in Milan’s league game, scored a great goal, and apparently played very well all game. Afterwards, he refused to rule out a permanent move to the San Siro. This led to the newspapers jumping to the conclusion that he is going to stay in Italy.

This story has become very prominent in today’s newspapers as speculation intensifies over his future in the MLS.

The Times put it best when they said:

"The England midfield player is due to return to the Los Angeles Galaxy in March, but he has made such an impact at the San Siro that Milan are keen to keep him...Beckham can leave the Galaxy for nothing in October and the MLS club may be tempted to cash in on their prized asset before he can activate a break clause in his five-year contract."

By the way, Becks apparently made a very Steve McClaren-esque interview and spoke in a comic Italian accent to the media after the game on the weekend.

In my opinion, Beckham should stop wasting his career in the MLS as he is way too good for him to squander his talent in an inferior league when it is clear he can still play in a top league like Serie A. He should sign with the Italian giants in the summer or when his contract runs out in October.

Also, if he wants to keep himself in contention for an England starting place it would be best for him to be playing in Europe.

Feel free to comment and on a side note, can someone edit this please.

Tiger Woods To Be Alongside Obama at Inauguration

Barney Cotton — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 09:55:07 -0500

On Sunday, one of the most significant moments in recent world history will take place as President Elect, Barack Obama will be inaugurated as Americas 44th President.

The celebration will take place at the Lincoln memorial and will finish on the 20th January. For those of you who did not know, this is where Martin Luther King gave his famous, “I have a dream” speech.

There is a list of celebrities of African-American origin that have made great strides in their individual fields that will be attending as well as other celebrity supporters of Obama. These people will probably have something to say at the celebrations. This includes one of the greatest golfers of all time, Tiger Woods.

With Obama being the first black president, similarities can be drawn with the breakthrough that Tiger Woods made back in 1997 when he became the first African-American to win a Major when he won the US Masters. Earlier this year he won his 14th major at the US Open and truly is an icon of the sport.

On being invited to speak at the inauguration Tiger had this to say:

"I am honoured that I was invited to this historic event and look forward to participating in Sunday's festivities," said Woods.

Who Will Be Ryder Cup Captain For Europe?

Barney Cotton — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:06:05 -0500

Weeks after the Americans announced their Ryder Cup Captain for the 2010; it seems that Europeans have finally come to a decision about who they want to represent them next year.

Back in December, Corey Pavin was announced as the USA captain for the 2010 Ryder Cup where they will be defending their title on European soil.

Originally, the captain was supposed to be announced on Tuesday, but the European team wanted more time to decide who they want as captain and an announcement is due on Jan. 29. This was after four hours of non-stop negotiations between the committee, based in Abu Dhabi due to the European Tour being in the region for the next few weeks.

The current favourites to replace Nick Faldo are Welshman and former captain, Ian Woosnam, Spaniard Jose Maria Olozabal, and Scotsman Sandy Lyle. All are former major winners and would do the job well in my opinion.

Since the tournament is being hosted in Wales' Celtic Manor, I make Ian Woosnam the favourite but bookies are making Spaniard Olazabal the favourite for the position. The original favourite months ago was Sandy Lyle, but due to his actions at the Open is probably out of the running.

Many people within the sport have had a say on the position for the Ryder Cup Captaincy.

Three-time major winner, Padraig Harrington has had a say on the matter:

"I think Jose is going to do a great job when it comes around to him being captain and there's no doubt everybody is looking forward to him being captain," said Harrington.

"But the fact that he's thrown in there is confusing the issue for Sandy, maybe.”

"Sandy has been a stalwart in Europe for a long number of years and in many ways deserves the Ryder Cup captaincy.”

"Maybe because he's a reasonably quiet individual and hasn't lobbied so much in the past and maybe because he's drifted away, purely due to age, from the younger players on tour.”

"But certainly if it was a few years ago I don't think we'd be having this discussion, Sandy Lyle would probably be the Ryder Cup captain."

Sam Torrance has given his opinion to the committee:

"I like Ian Woosnam. Woosie did it in Ireland, but this is Wales. I don't think anybody can bring the Welsh support like Ian could.”

However, various golfers and pundits alike have stated that Olazabal would rather try and get into the team and captain the squad later on in his career.

Well whoever it is, I feel all three candidates can offer something positive to the European team, which will be a lot more prepared this time round to reclaim the greatest trophy for the greatest tournament in sport.

Luis Fabiano May Be Didier Drogba's Replacement for Chelsea

Barney Cotton — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:03:40 -0500

Yesterday I wrote a report on Chelsea’s Ivorian striker, Didier Drogba, and how he might be leaving the London club to rejoin French side Marseille either in January or in the summer transfer window.

Well it looks even more likely that he will be leaving now, as Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins said he is unsure whether the striker will be involved again on the weekend.

Apparently Chelsea staff, players, and fans alike are tired of his “antics” and he's almost surely going to leave sooner rather than later. This will no doubt please many football fans that follow the English Premier League.

As I stated in my previous article, Marseille are in for the striker but no offer has been made and no one is sure how much they will offer to bring him back to the club.

Now, the news all Chelsea fans have wanted to hear; who will Scolari bring in as a replacement? Something which they desperately need if recent performances are anything to go by.

Well it seems that Sevilla’s Brazilian international striker, Luis Fabiano, is the main man on Luiz Felipe Scolari’s wish list.

They will have to shell out almost £20 million for the striker, which sounds like a reasonable deal compared to the Kaka transfer saga.

I think we can all say, we are happy to see the back of this player.

Chelsea Striker Wants Out

Barney Cotton — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:17:29 -0500

Just a few days after a major moment in this season’s title race when Premier League champions, Manchester United, beat Chelsea in a convincing 3-0 victory, it seems that one of their most prized assets wants to leave the London club.

Didier Drogba, according to several national newspapers, wants to leave Chelsea due to behind the scene actions that are going on at the club.

This speculation rose after he was left out of the club's trip to Southend tonight in their FA Cup third round replay. He did not even travel with the squad to the League One club.

The newspaper who lead the speculation of Drogba on his way out of the club was The Daily Mirror. The newspaper claimed that Chelsea’s Brazilian manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, has told the Ivorian striker that he can now leave if he wants to which has lead to much interest from French club Marseille.

The Mirror quotes a 'close friend' of Drogba as saying: "Didier is so disgusted with Chelsea that he is ready to go. He is happy to make a financial sacrifice, so long as he can play for a club that really wants him."

Drogba moved to Chelsea from in 2005 after a great season with Marseille for a huge £24 million pounds. It seems that the French club wants him back to help them climb the French championship.

I personally doubt he will go in January, but I think he will leave in the summer. All English football fans will be happy to see Drogba go, myself included.

What do you Chelsea fans think? Who would you want as a replacement?

Jermaine Pennant to Milan?

Barney Cotton — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:56:29 -0500

After last month’s ridiculous speculation that Jermaine Pennant was going to be offered a contract at Los Golacticos, Real Madrid, it seems his someone in the media is at it again, as today he was linked with Italian giants, AC Milan.

However, his real destination remains unclear, after it became evident that he is leaving Anfield this month or maybe in the summer.

The more believable transfer gossip from The Independent is that he will either be off to fellow Premier League clubs, Wigan Athletic, or Hull City.

However, as I have already stated, there was some comical speculation. This came from the “reliable” source of The Daily Mail.

The paper said: "San Siro boss Carlo Ancelotti has been alerted to Pennant's imminent availability on a free transfer and ordered his negotiating team to draw up a pre-contract offer ahead of a summer move."

The article later went on to say: "A switch to the Bernabeu fell through over personal terms but could yet be revived."

Lassana Diarra Confirmed as a Galactico Today

Barney Cotton — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 02:22:29 -0500

Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra will officially leave Portsmouth today and join Spanish giants Real Madrid on a four and a half year deal.

The much reported transfer will be for a staggering £20 million, which the Pompey manager Tony Adams incidentally wants to be used to spend on new players to strengthen his squad. The offer is four times the amount they played for him in January.

It was also reported that Mark Hughes’ struggling Manchester City side were also after the French international, however, it was confirmed by both Real Madrid and Portsmouth yesterday that the transfer would go through today if a medical was passed.

The Spanish capital has already seen another new signing before the opening of the January transfer window, as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar joined earlier this month.

In relation to when we will see the player in action for Madrid, it is unclear whether Diarra will be playing for them against Liverpool in the Champions League, due to Pompey’s involvement in the UEFA Cup.

The complication is because Madrid can only register either Huntelaar or Diarra for the knockout stages for the Champions League. I personally think they will go with the Dutchmen as Madrid will need goals to get past Liverpool and progress further in the competition.

Diarra has been on top form this season and has scored a total of three goals in his 31 games for the south coast side.

Diarra has moved to Madrid due to fellow defensive midfielders Ruben De La Red and Mahamadou Diarra being out for the season.

In my opinion he will end up a reserve player once the two other midfielders I have talked about come back from injury, but with the obvious talent he has, he will be a popular transfer target once again, when this happens.

Local Lad Richard Sterne Wins South African Open

Barney Cotton — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 07:25:31 -0500

South African golfer Richard Sterne has today won the South African Open in a playoff against Gareth Maybin of Northern Ireland.

The Pearl Valley golf course had been home to the championship that had showcased some big names and some stunning golf, which left the two men at the top of the leader board on fourteen under par.

Sterne shot his way to the title with a 66 round on the final day including six birdies; however this led to a play off.

On the first playoff hole, Maybin hit his tee shot straight into the bunker, while the South African took the initiative a got a birdie securing the championship.

"I had a bad back on Friday but kept going, this is one I've always wanted win," said South Africa's Sterne.

Englishman Lee Westwood was the overnight leader, however, on the final day he shot a one over par round of seventy three leaving him in a tie for third.

Sterne’s compatriot Ernie Els shot an incredible 64 on the final day to give him an opportunity at the title, however he fell just short, joining Lee Westwood in third.

This victory was the South African’s third European Tour championship of 2008 and the fifth of his career.

On winning the championship he had this to say:

"There are a lot of emotions going through me right now as it means so much to me," said Sterne.

"I was pretty confident playing the first again because I'd birdied it twice before so I had a good feeling for it."

I hope this is the start of Sterne making an impact in the majors and on the world stage as in his short career so far he has shown signs of a great player in the making. Having recently turned 27, and only been in a handful of major tournaments, I believe we will see more of him in the next few years.

I also see him winning a few more European Tour events in the 2009 season.

Fernando Torres To Be Offered a New Deal

Barney Cotton — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 23:20:46 -0500

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has been reported this week as wanting an improved contract to match his performances of last season.

The deal is reportedly going to be a £120,000-a-week offer, which would bring in around £6 Million a year for the Spaniard.

The deal is also a must for the Merseyside club, as Manchester City have been lurking, ready to make a move for the striker.

According to The Daily Star, Manchester City are looking to make an off either in January or in the summer, if contract negotiations stall.

“A source close to the player” has been quoted saying that; “Fernando feels he should get a new deal after what he achieved in his first season”.

Well, in my opinion, he can hardly earn that amount of money on this season’s performances.

However, without Torres, Liverpool are no way as near a threat to the other top two teams, Manchester United and Chelsea, than they are with him.

If Liverpool are to have the remotest chance of winning the league, which is highly unlikely, Torres will need to be at the club and firing on all cylinders.

Latest on Seve Ballesteros

Barney Cotton — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:58:54 -0500

Over the past few months, the golfing universe has been eagerly wanting to know the latest on golfing legend Seve Ballesteros condition in relation to his brain tumour.

The good news is that he has recently returned to his home in Predena, Northern Spain to recover from his multiple operations that he has had over the past few months. He has undergone four separate operations, with one of them lasting over six hours.

However, after leaving Madrid Hospital on Dec. 9, Seve and his doctors have been looking for the next stage in his recovery.

The Spaniard is a true hero and wanted to keep his many fans up to date with his situation and on his website he has told the world that he would keep them up to date, as much as possible.

His latest update stated:

"I have started my first chemotherapy session; and at this point, my thought is to rest and follow the neurosurgeons."

He later went on to say that he would give another up date in January.

Jimmy Bullard Off in January?

Barney Cotton — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:12:04 -0500

One of the Premier Leagues most loved players, England’s Jimmy Bullard, seems to be wanting away from Craven Cottage in the January transfer window.

Fulham’s manager, Roy Hodgson, has suggested to the media that Bullard thinks he is not earning enough money and that he could get a better contract somewhere else.

"We're not trying to get rid of Jimmy Bullard, but Jimmy Bullard is trying to get a contract which suits him," says Hodgson."He's not sure we can provide that contract and, as a result, we have to be realistic and there might be clubs out there who can offer him that and who can match the transfer fee that we think he's worth."

A few clubs have been linked to the midfielder, but it seems that David Moyes’ Everton are leading the chase for the former Wigan Athletic player.

Everton, however, may also be unable to match his demands, according to some reports in this morning’s newspapers.

What do you Fulham fans think of losing your best player?

'Chelski' Linked to Some Very Different Names

Barney Cotton — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 09:04:22 -0500

Every transfer window, there are loads of world class players linked to Chelsea football club due to their enormous Russian spending power. But due to the current financial crisis, the players linked have been somewhat less of footballing ability.

I will say that I am a huge fan of the three players linked to the London club, but I think you will agree that it is slightly surprising who they are interested in.

The News of the World has linked Emile Heskey, Kenwyne Jones, and Kevin Davies. They are the shocking names linked to Chelsea, and are apparently on Luis Felipe Scolari’s Christmas list this year.

Roman Abramovich has apparently said to his Brazilian manager, that he is not willing to splash the cash this transfer window, as he does not see the point in spending a lot of money on a backup striker for Anelka and Drogba.

This means that Scolari has had to look at cheaper options and use his scouting system at Chelsea.

However, I believe that none of the three will join. And either youth players will step up, or Scolari will use his extensive knowledge of the South American Leagues to sign a player from there.

Gary and Phil Neville to Reunite?

Barney Cotton — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 03:10:06 -0500

Could it really be possible? The Neville brothers reuniting one more time? Well according to sources near Everton manager, David Moyes, this may become a real transfer saga at the end of this season.

When I heard about this it was clear that Phil would never be returning to Old Trafford but could Gary really be moving to Liverpool? Really—Gary Neville?

To be honest, even though I am a United fan I would love to see the brothers in action together once again.

According to the News of the World, Moyes has been looking at the Red Devil’s Captain as a possible signing due to Gary being down the pecking order at United. Both Wes Brown and Brazilian Rafael Da Silva have done well since he had his unfortunate string of injuries.

Gary’s contract runs out in the summer and he has yet to be offered a new one. He will probably be offered a coaching role at the club but he does not want to retire, yet he is 34 years old.

He has seen his brother flourish at Everton and this is why Moyes think he may have a chance of signing the United skipper.

Jose Mourinho Wants to Bring in Chelsea Man

Barney Cotton — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:03:26 -0500

Ever since the charismatic Jose Mourinho left Chelsea and joined Serie A side Inter Milan, transfer speculation has been rife that he would try and bring players from his former first team to Italy.

Names that were linked to the San Siro club included the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Ricardo Carvalho.

Unsurprisingly another Chelsea player was linked to Inter today, but I think you will not be able to guess who it is!

It was reported in The Daily Star and later on Sky Sports News that Mourinho was interested in Serbian defender, Branislav Ivanovic.

Surprised? I know I was.

There would be many players that Mourinho would be interested in the Chelsea squad, so why Ivanovic? Surely he would be able to bring in a top player from the London club.

Jose apparently wants to boost his defence before the second half of the Serie A championship.

I personally think there is not much point in this signing as Inter Milan have an outstanding record this season and they have only let in a total of fifteen goals conceded.

Is a Chelsea reserve player going to make a difference?

Robbie Keane Rumors: Part Three

Barney Cotton — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:12 -0500

In recent weeks, Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has been linked with a shock return, according to the British tabloids. However, Reds manager Rafael Benitez has come out and quashed any rumours, stating he is at Anfield for the long term.

The Sun has quoted the Spaniard as saying, "We don't want to sell Robbie, so I was surprised when I heard about the rumors. We are not even thinking about selling.

"But Robbie has the quality and is working hard, so it is not a problem.

"The key for me is when the team plays well. If they do that, Keane will have more chances and he will score more goals."

Well, there you go. Once again the tabloid rumors lead to nothing. Robbie Keane is going to stay at Anfield.

More Robbie Keane Rumours

Barney Cotton — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:54:49 -0500

A few days ago I wrote an article on the rumours that out of form Liverpool striker, Robbie Keane, was reportedly on his way back to Tottenham.

There was even more speculation in the same newspapers yesterday with the News of The World again reporting that the Republic of Ireland international would soon be subject of an offer from Spurs.

Apparently, the London club will offer Aaron Lennon and Jamie O'Hara plus £5million to take Keane back to where he was in my opinion.

This transfer gossip is totally laughable and it will never happen.

Henrik Stenson Shines Bright at Sun City Championship

Barney Cotton — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 21:38:12 -0500

A few days ago I wrote an article on the Swedish team’s victory at the Golf World Cup held in China. One of the members of that team, Henrik Stenson, has carried his good form into this European Tour Event.

After the news that a European Tour Event in India had been cancelled, the Tour wanted some good news. The Swede happily obliged and put on a terrific display at the Sun City Championship this week.

He was in a class of his own as he went into the final day a massive eight shots ahead of his nearest challenger, American Kenny Perry.

Stenson never gave the rest of the field a chance and shot a final round 68 to leave him a total of nine shots ahead of the field. He took home a tasty £800,000 at the South African event.

The in-form 32-year-old finished on 21 under par, with Perry his closest challenger after a fine 65.

Robert Karlsson was a further three shots back in third position. Britain's Lee Westwood finished in a share of fifth place with Spanish World No. 2, Sergio Garcia.

This tournament has become famous for runaway leaders. Back in 1993, Nick Price won by a very impressive 12 shots.

I personally hope that the Swede continues his rich vein of form as we come into the New Year. I also hope that he can once again challenge for a major, as I believe he has the ability to achieve those heights in his career once again.

Final Round Leaderboard (GB & Ire unless stated)

-21 H Stenson (Swe)

-12 K Perry (US)

-9 R Karlsson (Swe)

-8 R Sabbatini (US)

-4S Garcia (Spa), L Westwood

Gaydamak Reassures Pompey Fans after Deciding to Sell the Club

Barney Cotton — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 06:20:05 -0500

Portsmouth’s owner Alexandre Gaydamak, has insisted that there will be no immediate sales of top players after he put the south coast club up for sale earlier this week.

Gaydamak stated that he can no longer "invest the time required to oversee the running of the club" as his main reason for putting Pompey on the market.

However, the Portsmouth owner may find potential buyers in short supply in the current economical climate, as so many other clubs up for sale have found out. For example, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has found no buyers for his club.

The Pompey owner does not want to make a profit from selling the club but wants an owner that will carry on plans of a new stadium and training facilities.

Gaydamak bought a stake in the club in January 2006 and became the sole owner later that year after his partner sold his stake to him.

It was reported that a South African consortium was previously interested in buying the club. However, Portsmouth denied talks were ongoing. The consortium decided to pull out for unknown reasons and no further contact has been made.

Will Robbie Keane Return to Spurs?

Barney Cotton — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 03:54:30 -0500

After a season of disappointment, Liverpool and Republic of Ireland Striker Robbie Keane has had many column inches this week about him rejoining the club he left in the summer, Tottenham Hotspur.

This may be complete rubbish, but I thought it would make a good article that I could put on Bleacher Report.

The newspaper that started this recent transfer speculation was the News of the World, who claimed that Spurs are willing to resign the player only five months after he moved on.

According to the tabloid newspaper, if there was an offer similar to the one they made originally, £20 million, and then Rafael Benitez would be willing consider it.

However, the deal would rest on the shoulders of the board, as they don’t want to appear to have wasted £20 million.

What do you Liverpool and Tottenham fans think of this speculation?

Other players that have been linked with a move away from Anfield include, fullbacks Andrea Dossena and Fabio Aurelio.

Players Linked to Manchester City in This Week's Newspapers

Barney Cotton — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 01:56:49 -0500

Transfer speculation around Eastland’s club, Manchester City, was again common place in the weekend’s tabloid newspapers, just like every week since the takeover.

I recently did an article on where David Villa would be going due to his current club, Valencia’s economic problems at the moment.

The News of the World has now claimed that he is on his way to City for a massive £52 million in January. All that is left is to finish of the signing of the contract.

The reason for the sale is because Real Madrid have signed Jan-Klass Huntellar and because Valencia need the money to recover from the situation that they have found themselves in.

Other players that were linked to the club over the weekend were Frank Ribery for around the £20 million mark, Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry and Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz.

It has also been reported that Brazilian striker Jo will be offloaded in January.

This is most likely untrue speculation but everyone likes a bit of transfer gossip.

What do you Manchester City fans think of this current speculation?

Indian Masters Cancelled by European Tour

Barney Cotton — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 04:44:53 -0500

The inaugural Race to Dubai will no longer be stopping by the Delhi Golf Club this February, as the European Tour has cancelled the Indian Masters Tournament.

The executives of the tournament have taken the event off the European Tour calendar due to various financial and security problems that have swept the country in recent weeks.

Last week, there was a hostage situation in an Indian hotel, which led the English Cricket Team to pull out of the country, sparking security concerns for other sporting events. This one may have been a target.

The women’s equivalent event was also cancelled earlier last month due to more financial problems.

"It made it impossible to present the tournament in the manner we would wish," said Mohamed Juma Buamaim on canceling the men’s European Tour event.

However, this is probably not the last we have heard of the Indian Masters, as the European Tour hopes it will return in the 2010 season.

When it first arrived on the European Tour calendar, the tournament attracted many famous names and was eventually won by local Shiv Chowrasia.

Many of the women’s European and LPGA Tour events were canceled due the current financial crisis.

Will there be more cancellations due to the current financial situation across the world?

Big Em for Big Money According to Bruce

Barney Cotton — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:44:29 -0500

It has been recently reported in the British newspapers and on television that Wigan and England striker, Emile Heskey, is out of contract in the summer, and that there are many potential suitors for the big striker.

However, Wigan boss Steve Bruce, says that he will not be sold in January even if he brings in money whereas in the summer he won’t.

The Sun newspaper recently ran a story on this and this is what Bruce had to say for himself.

Bruce told the tabloid newspaper: "Some might think we'd be prepared to accept £2-3million rather than let him go for nothing next July. But I wouldn't consider it. You have to weigh that up against the £30m or so for staying in the Premier League.

"And Emile could be the difference between staying up or going down. He is a talisman at this club and he has got himself back into the England team playing for us.

"Of course every player has his price. If we got an outrageous offer we'd have to think about it, but I'm talking £10m not £3m."

Where Is William Gallas Going?

Barney Cotton — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:13:13 -0500

Former Arsenal captain, William Gallas, has recently been reported to be unhappy at Arsenal and this has led to various newspapers giving rumours on his possible destination if he should leave.

The Sun reported that when Gallas was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy in favour of Cesc Fabregas, Italian giants AC Milan came sniffing around.

The newspaper quoted “one of Gallas’ friends” stating that he wasn’t happy with the club and also not happy with Gunners boss, Arsene Wenger.

It is also been reported that he still feels embarrassed and would like to move on as quickly as possible.

Apparently, he does not want to return to France and the AC Milan offer is very tempting.

However, as I write this report, Sky Sports News has shown an interview with Wenger, showing that he wants to keep Gallas and that he is definitely going to stay.

So really, this is probably just rubbish speculation.

What do you Arsenal fans think?

Who's Next For Sunderland's Manager Job?

Barney Cotton — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:30:22 -0500

Yesterday, former Manchester United captain, Roy Keane resigned from his managerial post at Sunderland, reportedly by text message. However, that is a whole new story.

This has led to the morning newspapers spreading rumours about his possible replacement.

The clear favourite is former Newcastle and Bolton manager, Sam Allardyce. The man has apparently stated that he has a clear interest in becoming the Black Cat's manager.

However, the Daily Mirror has also said that David O’Leary, Alan Curbishley, and Gordon Strachan are possible appointments. FC Twente manager, Schteve Van McClaren, is also in the frame for the position.

Dick Advocaat and Gerard Houllier are outside candidates for the position.

There is also a slight whispering that Hull City manager, Phil Brown, is interested. However, this speculation has probably just come about because he was a fan as a boy.

So in closing, nobody has a clue.

What do you Sunderland fans think?

Chelsea to Sign a Brazilian Striker on Loan?

Barney Cotton — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:28:39 -0500

The headline in The Independent Newspaper's sport supplement this morning stated that Chelsea was looking to sign a striker in the Jan. transfer window.

With Roman Ambromavich’s links in Russia, Chelsea is looking to get the signature of Vágner Love on a loan deal to the end of the season.

The Brazilian is an excellent talent that would definitely add to Chelsea’s considerable strike force, probably weighing in with a few goals on the way.

The other names that were apparently in the frame for the striker position at the London club were Amr Zaki and Karim Benzema—both good talents that would fit it with the club.

Chelsea fans, what do you think?

Hammers To Sell Deano?

Barney Cotton — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:16:35 -0500

West Ham United striker, Dean Ashton, unfortunately could be sold by the London club to help ease its horrific financial situation.

With the Carlos Tevez arbitration case case rumbling on, the Hammers will likely be forced to sell talent to compensate for the massive penalty. Dean Ashton is a logical choice for the board as he would bring in the largest transfer kitty of any current West Ham player.

The money situation has gotten worse with the Scandinavian owners losing money all the time and telling their manager, Gianfranco Zola, that he will have to sell before he buys, with most of his transfer budget being used to keep the club afloat.

Yesterday, The Daily Mirror reported that the England striker would be the first out the door. It was also reported in the summer that West Ham rejected a £15M bid from Spurs because they wanted £18M.

I highly doubt that they will get that sort of money for him now!

Anyway, the British newspaper also suggested that other dead wood will be sold. The players named included, Nigel Quashie, Lee Bowyer, Luis Boa Morte, Calum Davenport, Danny Gabbidon and Jonathon Spector.

I feel sorry for you West Ham supporters who will be losing one of the best strikers in the Premier League today.

As always get in contact with me if you have any questions and leave a comment telling me what you think of this sad news.