The Angola Shooting Means Nothing For The World Cup

In the aftermath of yesterday's events in Angola, some journalists have, typically, raised question marks over the security surrounding this year's World Cup Final in South Africa.Let me just say this is the kind of tabloid nonsense that we just don't need at the moment. Angola is not South Africa. Cabinda, where the shootings took place, is disputed territory and, because it is oil rich, there http://bit.ly/7UKpWD

Latest Transfer Rumours

Well, the transfer window is open and this, naturally, gives the tabloids carte blanche to make stuff up. Here’s a few of the tabloid transfer rumours from this weekend.
The Daily Mirror are suggesting that Chelsea will bid £36m for Edin Dzeko of Wolfsburg and that AC Milan are also interested in the striker. Can’t see [...] http://bit.ly/6VhZgS

Vieira Move To City Completed

Former Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira has joined Manchester City on a six month contract.
The 33 year old is new City boss Roberto Mancini’s first signing and the manager is quoted on the official Manchester City website, saying:
“Patrick is a world class midfielder with a winner’s mentality and will fit into this [...] http://bit.ly/7L2xWW

Coyle Confirmed As New Bolton Boss

Former Burnley boss Owen Coyle has been confirmed as the new manager of Bolton Wanderers.
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside pronounced himself “delighted” at capturing the club’s number one choice for manager. Gartside is quoted as saying:

“Owen was our number one target and we are naturally delighted that he has returned to the football club as manager.”
“He [...] http://bit.ly/6zSc03

Six Premiership Matches Called Off

Six Premiership football matches have been cancelled this weekend due to the extreme weather conditions.
The matches off so far are:
Burnley v Stoke
Chelsea v Hull
Fulham v Portsmouth
Liverpool v Tottenham
Sunderland v Bolton
West Ham v Wolves
Wigan v Aston Villa
Post from: Premiership Today Football News
Six Premiership Matches Called Off
http://bit.ly/6z48Sv

Togo Players Shot In Angola

Usually, I try to keep this blog pretty lighthearted, but occasionally serious stuff gets in the way.So, the news that gunmen fired on the bus carrying Togo footballers , including Emmanuel Adebayor, is pretty shocking. Particularly as the driver was killed and some of the players were wounded.Apparently, Togo were supposed to be flying to the Angola capital, Luanda and from there to Cabinda for http://bit.ly/5TSKRm

Birmingham vs Manchester Utd Preview

Nemanja Vidic still absent for Manchester United with a leg injury, while home side Birmingham CIty welcome Stephen Carr back from suspension.
Carr will resume his place at right back, with Scott Dann, Liam Ridgewell and Roger Johnson all keeping their places in defence.
A number of players rested for Birmingham’s FA Cup match will be recalled, [...] http://bit.ly/6xG5ya

Wigan vs Aston Villa Preview

Mohamed Diame is missing for Roberto Martinez’ Wigan Athletic side while Aston Villa could welcome back midfielder James Milner.
Diame aside, Wigan have no new injuries worries. However, goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is still out with a back problem, so Mike Pollitt is set to deputise. New signing,  Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic, could be in the squad.
Aston [...] http://bit.ly/4D1uVg

Arsenal vs Everton Match Preview

Cesc Fabregas is missing for Arsenal with a hamstring injury, while Everton skipper Phil Neville returns for his first Premier League game for a number of months.
Neville played in Everton’s FA Cup match against Carlisle and is set to keep his place in midfield.
WIth Yakubu on international duty and Louis Saha out with a hamstring [...] http://bit.ly/7xjfZI

Hull City vs Chelsea Preview

Daniel Sturridge is likely to start for Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea, while Hull City welcome back winger Stephen Hunt.
Hunt was rested for Hull’s FA Cup match but is set to come straight back into the starting line-up.
With fellow midfielder Seyi Olofinjana on international duty and Dean Marney a doubt, George Boateng could start in central midfield [...] http://bit.ly/7cTh4X

Fulham Match Postponed

Fulham’s Premiership match with Portsmouth this weekend has been called off due to the severe weather.
Craven Cottage is one of the few grounds without undersoil heating and the snow and cold weather have meant the pitch will not be playable.
Additionally, Liverpool have concerns about the safety of fans around Anfield Stadium and have contacted the [...] http://bit.ly/8wrgN9

The Top Five Players Who Won't Be Playing At The 2010 World Cup

There's no doubt there will be some incredible talent on show at South Africa 2010, but - as with every World Cup - there are some players who are going to miss out. And here are our top five, complete with the obligatory YouTube videos showing how fantastic they are.5: Edin DzekoBecause Bosnia lost their play-off match against Portugal, the 2010 World Cup will be without Europe's top striker. http://bit.ly/5CJuIu

What Price Holland To Win The World Cup

While the focus is, as it should be, on Spain or Brazil as potential winners of the 2010 World Cup Finals, it appears that no one is really touting the Netherlands as possible victors. So, allow me to step in and say: I think the Dutch could win the 2010 World Cup.Now, like anyone who has watched football for more than about ten minutes, I know that the Dutch regularly shoot themselves in the http://bit.ly/8iHqxv

Manchester City Record Massive Loss

Manchester City FC have reported a loss of £92.6million in the financial year finishing May 31st, 2009.
Though some way behind the biggest ever loss - £140m by Chelsea in 2005, these figures do not include City’s summer transfer spending.
City’s chief financial office, Graham Wallace commented:
“The financial results reflect a period of rapid change at the [...] http://bit.ly/56Iyne

Arsenal vs Bolton Match Preview

Arsenal will be without Cesc Fabregas for the visit of a still managerless Bolton Wanderers side.
Fabregas hobbled out of Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa after scoring two goals as a substitute. The midfielder has a hamstring problem but may return next week.
Denilson is likely to start in place of Alex Song, who is at [...] http://bit.ly/8RJQkJ

South Africa Not Up To The Job...Because They Have Rubbish New Year Parties!

Very strange article in The Guardian yesterday that I couldn't quite get my head around. The essence of it is this: because Johannesburg didn't put on a New Years Eve party on Dec 31st, 2009, the whole nation of South Africa isn't up to delivering a decent 2010 World Cup Finals!You can read it here. Frankly, if you have a better explanation of the point the journalist was trying to make, I'd be http://bit.ly/5RAFKp

The Power Of Positive Thinking In Ghana

While scouring that new fangled interweb thing for interesting 2010 World Cup news, I came across this piece on GhanaWeb.com.In it, the author suggests that the fact that many of Ghana's key players - Michael Essien and John Mensah among them - are injured for the African Cup Of Nations is, in fact, a very good thing for Ghana.His argument is that the absence of these players means that scouts http://bit.ly/6EySO9

No Ireland...So Guinness Are Sponsoring Who?!

Thanks to the hand of Henry, the Republic of Ireland won't be at the 2010 World Cup Finals, which is a shame as brewers Guinness were hoping to sponsor the team.Luckily, they have followed in the grand old tradition of ridiculous World Cup sponsors from days gone past and found another team to sponsor.So, which lucky side could best represent hundreds of years of Irish brewing history, you ask http://bit.ly/8P2LS3

Seen Avatar? Keep Those Stupid Glasses

If you're going to see James Cameron's clunky, moralising, overblown sci-fi epic 'Avatar', may I be so bold as to suggest you keep hold of those stupid 3D glasses you need to watch the film.Because those (cough) innovators in sports television, ESPN, are going to be showing 3D matches, starting with what is sure to be a riveting tie between South Africa and Mexico at the 2010 World Cup Finals. I http://bit.ly/8nEUnU

January Transfer Rumours

OK, let’s kick of our round up of January transfer rumours with Patrick Viera. Having been linked with both Spurs and old side Arsenal in the summer, Viera has now been linked with a six month loan move to Manchester City.
The Daily Mirror are suggesting that Liverpool will tie up a deal for Atletico Madrid’s [...] http://bit.ly/4RsSVG

Stoke vs Fulham Match Preview

Fulham centre half Brede Hangeland is rated doubtful for this match against a Stoke City side who welcome back Ryan Shawcross.
Shawcross returns after a one match suspension and is set to start for Tony Pulis’ team alongside Abdoulaye Faye. Danny Collins will drop to the bench.
Midfielder Rory Delap may keep his place in the Stoke [...] http://bit.ly/6Y7J5F

Coyle Looks Set To Be New Bolton Boss

Owen Coyle looks set to be the new boss of Bolton Wanderers after admitting he would like to take the job.
His current club, Burnley, gave Coyle permission to speak to Bolton Wanderers but have been trying to persuade him to stay, apparently without success.
A statement released by the club read:
“Owen Coyle has today reaffirmed his [...] http://bit.ly/8QJNOX