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Sunday, July 26, 2009

NEWCASTLE UNITED SLUMP TO BIG PRE-SEASON LOSS

Newcastle's summer of misery continued as they lost 6-1 to League One side Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road.

Jimmy Smith opened the scoring for Orient after just four minutes when he headed home unmarked from Sean Thornton's free-kick. Former Sunderland man Thornton made it 2-0 after 23 minutes, converting the penalty after Habib Beye handled inside the area.

Joey Barton got a goal back for Newcastle from the penalty spot on the half hour but Orient restored their two-goal cushion after half-time when Scott McGleish scored a staggering overhead kick from the edge of the area. Tamika Mkandawire made it four before substitutes Ryan Jarvis and Harry Baker compounded Newcastle's humiliation with two late goals.

The defeat comes with the question of who will manage Newcastle in the Championship next season still up in the air with Alan Shearer still thought to have his eyes on the role.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

CRICKET : England favoured to win 2nd Ashes test against Australia

England are a general 2/5 (1.40) with the bookmakers to complete their first Ashes victory at Lord's for 75 years after ending day three of the second Test with a lead of 521 runs over Australia.

England dismissed Australia for 215 in the morning but decided against enforcing the follow-on and instead set about extending their lead in quick time.

And while wickets fell regularly, England still ended the day on 311-6 thanks to quickfire half-centuries from Matt Prior and Paul Collingwood.

Australia's target is already over 100 more than has ever been successfully chased in the fourth innings of a Test match, and Ricky Ponting's men are a best-price 12/1 (13.00) with BetFred to complete a remarkable victory.

With a mixed weather forecast over the last two days, though, the draw looks Australia's likeliest means of escape, and that can be backed at 14/5 (3.80) with Paddy Power.

In the series betting, England are now 5/4 favourites with the Australians at 7/4. A drawn series - which would be enough for Australia to retain the urn - is 3/1.

Manchester City sign Adebayor for £25m from Arsenal

Manchester City have added to their collection of strikers by signing Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor on a five-year deal for a fee of about ££25m.

The 25-year-old joins fellow new signings Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez at Eastlands. And with Robinho, Craig Bellamy, Valeri Bojinov and Benjani also on their books, City have an embarrassment of riches up front.

The Togo striker, who takes City's summer spending to around £80m, passed a medical on Saturday and had already been successful in arranging a work permit.

Adebayor, who was also linked with linked to AC Milan and Chelsea, spent three-and-a-half seasons with the Gunners after joining them from Monaco for £7m, scoring 62 goals in 142 games.

He scored 30 goals in the 2007-08 season but struggled with injuries in the last campaign and also incurred the wrath of some Arsenal fans, who felt the striker lacked commitment.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said he was sorry to see Adebayor leave, but insisted he had no immediate plans to replace him.

Gooner Adds :
Adebayor was a big talent, but his 30-goal season two years ago seemed to change the man, and with AC Milan in the picture, money has been the main aim for the big man (and his agent entourage) ever since.

Performances last year were lack-lustre to say the least, and he seemed to be sulking (almost as much as Berbatov did in his final months at Spurs) in order to agitate a big money move.

Rumours are that Adebayor will be on around about £170K per week (or £9m per year) - and that's twice as much as he'd earn at Arsenal.

Frankly, I am pleased to see an unhappy player leave, especially at a £19m profit for the club, but Wenger needs to invest it back into the team in experienced players rather than young potential players if Arsenal are to compete this season.

Whether it's a good buy for Man City? We will have to wait and see.

Monday, July 13, 2009

MANCHESTER CITY AGREE CARLOS TEVEZ DEAL

FOOTBALL: Manchester City have announced they have reached an agreement to sign Carlos Tevez

The 25-year-old, who left city rivals United at the end of last season, has agreed personal terms and is expected to pen a five-year deal at Eastlands.

City have confirmed the deal has been ratified by the Premier League and the Football Association, and Tevez is expected to have a medical shortly before meeting up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour to South Africa.

With rumours swirling round Manchester that Emmanuel Adebayor is about to be offered a five-year contract to leave Arsenal and continuing speculation over the future of Chelsea skipper John Terry, it is clear City are a club with plenty of cash.

"This is yet another deal that shows the commitment of owner Sheikh Mansour to make this club the best it can possibly be," said manager Mark Hughes.

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Wayne Rooney injured on luxury yacht - doh!

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has suffered his first injury before the new season has even begun.

Rooney suffered cuts and bruises to his head after slipping on the deck of his luxury yacht in St Tropez.

Rooney was finally allowed out of the clinic when doctors were satisfied there was no serious damage.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Friday, July 03, 2009

FRANCK RIBERY SAYS : IT'S REAL MADRID OR NOTHING

FOOTBALL: Franck Ribery has told Bayern Munich that he wants to leave and join Real Madrid.

Franck Ribery has told Bayern Munich that he wants to leave the club and join the new generation of "galacticos" at Real Madrid.

The France international has been at the centre of a long-running saga over the past six months, with Real and Premier League champions Manchester United chasing his signature.

Bundesliga runners-up Bayern have remained adamant that they will not be selling £30m rated Ribery, but their star asset has now announced his desire to move away from Germany.

The 26-year-old wants to follow Raul Albiol, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in agreeing a big-money, summer move to the Bernabeu, delivering another transfer blow to United.

Sir Alex Ferguson chased Benzema, but the Frenchman snubbed Old Trafford and Ribery looks set to do the same.

"I have made up my mind, I want to leave," Ribery told L'Equipe. "It will be Real or nothing."