All posts by h79snht.top

So, it’s here again for another year. It’s going to happen and there’s nothing we can do about it and there’s no way we can get away from it. It’s like when your mother-in-law arrives just in time for kick off and proceeds to talk all the way through the first half, shut up for half time, before continuing her discussions through the second half, blissfully unaware that you’re trying to watch the match. Though, to be honest, if she wanted to distract me for 96 minutes tomorrow, she would be welcome to (bear in mind I’m single and haven’t got a mother-in-law here, so it’s going to have to be a very quick courtship and wedding at this late stage).

I hate derby day. As simple as that. I hate it. It’s a truly horrible day. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s the worst day of the football season. And some fool at the FA decided that it should happen twice a season. Clearly somebody is off their rocker.

It never fails to leave your stomach feeling the way it does after you’ve had a bug for three days and haven’t eaten. It never fails to make your fingernails shorter by however far you can physically get your teeth in behind them. It never fails to put your body under more stress than taking an exam that your life depended on you passing.

I’m not aware of such a test existing, but it’d definitely spice up GCSE exam halls.

One reason why it makes me (and I assume other Manchester City fans) feel like this is simple. The result is amplified: wins feel better, defeats feel worse, while draws feel like even damper squibs than they were. But the biggest reason of all, however, is actually that we’re Manchester City fans. Doing things the easy way isn’t in the club’s nature, so getting through derby day isn’t a simple achievement.

United fans have it easy. It’s win-win in their camp. They win, they get to taunt some City fans. They lose, they get to pretend that Liverpool is their big fixture and they don’t really care about City anyway. Though, of course, we all know they do thanks to the outrage felt at the Welcome to Manchester billboard, the (now cancelled) party to celebrate City’s lack of success and the (club endorsed) banner that shows the years where we have won nothing… thank you for showing such concern in little ol’ City.

That’s what makes the game so difficult to endure. It’s a horrible day, invented so neutrals can watch as people like me suffer nervous breakdowns and a whole manner of heart problems decades before we should. I love winning derbies, I just hate the actual playing of the game.

And then there are the neutrals! The pundits, ex-players, commentators, and fans of other clubs that don’t really care about the result, but take it upon themselves to tell us how much of a great game it’s going to be. The media build-up is incredible: you would think that no football match is ever going to be like it until the end of recorded time ever (which, at Old Trafford, will probably have about seven or eight added minutes).

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The strange and ever-so paradoxical thing is that I’m now a part of that crazy build-up to the game. By writing this column, by doing this City podcast, or by being on the other City radio show that I am, I’m adding pre-match build up to the already unnecessary pre-match build up to a game that I hate watching every time it comes around.

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Aston Villa are believed to be ready to meet with former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a possible candidate for their vacant managerial position, according to The Telegraph.

The Midlands club parted company with Alex McLeish after a difficult season saw them only win seven Premier League matches and finish just two points above the relegation places.

With the search for a new boss under way, Randy Lerner is believed to prefer Roberto Martinez of Wigan, who turned the job down last summer.

However with the Spaniard in talks with Liverpool over their head coach role, the Villa Park side are exploring other options, such as Norwich’s Paul Lambert and Swansea’s Brendan Rodgers.

However, Lerner’s private jet was believed to be in Norway on Thursday, with Solskjaer set to be flown to Birmingham for talks with the Premier League side.

The former Old Trafford hitman is the manager of Molde, and has led the minnows to their first ever top-flight title in his homeland.

However, Solskjaer is believed to have a buy-out clause in his contract, and will be considered for the role.

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By Gareth McKnight

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The Dons may have won 2-1 on the night but ultimately the damage was done in the first leg.

It was a night in which everyone associated with MK Dons could be proud even if disappointed that our promotion hopes had gone for another year. What Dons lacked in the first leg they had more of in the second. They were more creative, the full backs got forward more and crosses were more accurate.

Falling behind early on in the second leg was not great, many would’ve thought it was done and dusted but being an MK Dons fan I know it’s never over until that whistle goes. I also know that every man that pulls on that shirt will not go down without a fight! And I was right, every single one of them showed hunger, commitment and desire. We had a few chances before we finally got our goal and it epitomised the Dons, we don’t score scrappy goals. Daniel Powell did well to get his strike away and find the bottom corner. You could see it instantly lifted us as we knew we had something to build on now. We had a stonewall penalty appeal turned down before the half was over. We don’t seem to get the rub of the green with decisions like that but we don’t let it affect us.

We started brightly in the second half, we had worked the ball down well with a lovely passing move before the ball was fed to MacDonald who couldn’t get the ball on target, as he poked it wide. Huddersfield hadn’t created a lot on the night, they were more prepared to soak up pressure from the Dons. However, just after the hour mark David Martin found himself making two vital saves to keep the Dons’ faint hopes alive. This was Huddersfield’s best moment of the match but our defence stood firm to keep the deficit to two.

Legs were starting to tire and you could see that everyone was putting in everything they had, none more so than Deano who looked like he had nothing left to give. We are blessed to have Shaun Williams as a centre half as his pace is one reason we didn’t concede again, he made very timely interceptions. Robinson had decided enough was enough and there was no better time to go for it. After another good game from Chicksen he was replaced by Chadwick and Bowditch replaced by Ibehre. We had changed to have 3 at the back in the hope of pushing forward to get another goal to get the nerves jangling.

The Dons kept pushing forward as much as possible not fearing the threat Huddersfield could pose. It was do or die time, we had to score, we couldn’t sit back and if we conceded as a result at least we tried. Thankfully we didn’t but it was close. Robbo brought Smithy on for MacDonald with about ten minutes to go. The boos didn’t bother him one bit, in fact I think he almost enjoyed them. In injury time Jabo was denied by two top class saves but from the resulting corner Smithy stooped low to give the Dons a second goal. Ultimately it was too little too late but the Dons could be proud that they didn’t go down without a fight. They gave everything to the cause tonight and were by far the better team.

Another season of being just the bridesmaid but another season which was full of drama, goals, passion and pure football. I’m proud to be an MK Dons fan and cannot wait to see what next year has in store!

You can follow me on Twitter and read even more of my writing on my personal blog

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It is not often that such revered managers as Harry Redknapp are uncertain about their future at a club. However, reports on back pages last week claimed that the former West Ham legend is on the brink of leaving Spurs after new contract negotiations have come to a halt. Many fans at White Hart Lane will not want a new man at the helm considering the success that Redknapp has bought to the club. However, with the possibility that Tottenham will begin next season without Harry, these 5 replacements could prove to become as successful as their predecessor:

1. David Moyes

If you were to ask most Premier League fans who they would choose to manage their club, David Moyes would be at the summit of most shortlists. Having transformed the fortunes of Everton from a club battling relegation to a club with European ambitions every season, on a shoestring budget, has written Moyes into Toffees folklore. With any vacancy in England’s top division, Moyes’ name will always be in the equation. The Scotsman has remained extremely loyal to the Blue half of Merseyside, leading the club for 10 seasons. However, an approach from a club with Tottenham’s reputation may tempt Moyes to undertake a new challenge.

2. Jurgen Klinsmann

The current USA national team coach was once a beloved striker at White Hart Lane scoring an incredible 30 goals in just 56 games for Spurs during a fragmented 18 months during the 90’s. Although his managerial career has been less prolific, he guided Germany into the 2006 World Cup and some fantastic performances helped his country to a third placed finish. Klinsmann is not the most experienced of managers but if Levy is looking to hire someone who knows the club and is popular with Spurs fans, he need not look much further than the German.

3. Rafa Benitez

Having been without a job since his tenure at Inter was terminated, the well respected tactician tends to be on the short list of any managerial vacancy in the Premier League. His successful spell at Anfield indicates that he has what it takes to manage in England’s domestic league. However, what may be more of a positive attribute that Rafa could bring to Spurs, is his excellent record in European competition. No football fan needs to be reminded of what Benitez and his team accomplished in Istanbul in 2005. If Tottenham want to become regulars in Europe’s primary competition, a manager like Benitez may be just what they need.

4. Guus Hiddink

One of the most respected managers in world football, Hiddink has taken on some of the more exotic jobs in the game. Having transformed International teams such as South Korea, Australia and Turkey, and being appointed at some of the most elite clubs, to instil some levels of consistency and morale, Hiddink is widely regarded as the ”Mr. Reliable” of the managerial world. Although he has yet to complete his contract at Russian Giants Anzhi, Hiddink may be tempted by the project offered to him at White Hart Lane.

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There has been no decision as to whether Harry Redknapp will prolong his tenure at White Hart Lane. I am in no doubt that the majority of Tottenham fans would wish for the Englishman to continue his efficient work at the club. However, the 4 aforementioned managers may be the best appointments to succeed a man whose popularity at Spurs is yet to diminish.

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Chelsea look set to win the race to sign Brazilian wonderkid Oscar, beating Tottenham with a £25 million deal according to The Daily Mail.

The Internacional playmaker has gained plaudits for his performances for club and country, and has been selected for the Selecao squad for the Olympic Games.

New Spurs boss Andre Villas Boas had put the South American attacking midfielder to the top of his transfer wishlist, and the White Hart Lane side were thought to be the frontrunners for the star’s signature.

The Portuguese coach was thought to have made an £11 million bid for Oscar, but sources in Brazil state that the offer was closer to £18 million.

However, Roman Abramovich has dwarfed Spurs’ efforts to sign the Brazilian by offering £25 million, with a deal all but completed.

If and when Oscar is confirmed as the Blues’ next signing it will take Chelsea’s summer signing to over £65 million, with Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Marko Marin all already confirmed as new faces heading to Stamford Bridge.

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Spurs may now have to look at other options in their attempts to sign a creative player capable of filling Luka Modric’s shoes should he leave north London.

By Gareth McKnight

Everton are remaining optimistic of their chances of keeping hold of John Heitinga despite continual interest from Fenerbahce, according to the Liverpool Echo.

The Istanbul club are currently in talks with the Toffees over a potential move for Nigerian centre-back Joseph Yobo and it is believed they want the Netherlands international to follow his team-mate to Turkey.

Yobo has spent the last two years on loan at Fenerbahce who hope that the lure of Champions League football will be enough to tempt Heitinga away from his position at Goodison Park.

The Super Lig runners-up are believed to have made a bid of £5.5m and are willing to off the Dutchman higher wages, but David Moyes does not want to sell the defender.

The Scot is intent on solely improving his squad and is hopeful of re-signing Steven Pienaar to the Merseyside club after a failed spell at Tottenham Hotspur.

Following the agreement to let 32-year-old club icon, Tim Cahill, join New York Red Bulls on Monday, Moyes will not allow any other departures – Yobo aside.

Though it has caused tensions between the two clubs, Fenerbahce are likely to push through the transfer of the Nigerian.

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Heitinga’s contract runs until 2014 and despite interest from Italy and Russia he has declared he is not looking to leave Everton before the new season.

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Raheem Sterling’s meteoric rise to stardom continues, as Stuart Pearce admits he is considering placing the talented 17-year-old in the England Under-21 squad for the upcoming European Championship Qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Norway. The Daily Mail reports.

Sterling’s great progress into the Liverpool first-team has attracted the admiring glances of Pearce, after the youngster’s man-of-the-match performance in the Europa League against Hearts and the equally impressive display against Champions, Manchester City.

Sterling was originally picked to play for the Under-19s to face Germany in Hamburg, but is now likely to be fast-tracked into the Under-21s.

It is promising news for Liverpool and Manager Brendan Rodgers, who has been delighted with the progress of Sterling.

“I have seen a lot of development in him in a short time. He takes on a lot of the concepts and he is very good with instructions. Normally wingers want to do their own thing but, tactically, Raheem is improving every day”, he said.

Sterling is also eligible to represent Jamaica as he was born in Kingston, something which his mother desires, but this latest development could see Sterling commit his future to England.

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Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote is the man Arsene Wenger wants to replace the departed Alex Song to bolster the Gunners midfield, according to the Daily Mirror.

The central midfield positions are worryingly vacant for Arsenal as they go into today’s tough clash away at Stoke City and Wenger has decided that Tiote is the man to fill the void.

It was reported that both Manchester City and Chelsea were told they would have to pay in excess of £20million to capture the Ivory Coast international in this transfer window but Wenger is adamant he can force the price down.

The 26 year old would also see an improvement in his weekly wages if he moved down to north London and Tiote is apparently very aware of the Gunners interest with under a week to go until the summer transfer window slams shut.

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You could be mistaken for thinking there was only one significant piece of transfer activity that happened at Old Trafford this summer. The signing of Robin Van Persie from Arsenal stole all the limelight and even poor Shinji Kagawa had little time to bask in the spotlight as United’s most high profile arrival this summer. It may have skipped your attention then that Sir Alex Ferguson brought in another new striker during the transfer window, 18-year-old Angelo Henriquez.

Henriquez’s arrival was a quiet affair, swamped by the never-ending optimism created by the Van Persie deal. In fact, he wasn’t even the most exciting youngster to sign for United this summer as Crewe’s Nick Powell took that title after joining for £5 million. However, all the signs point to Henriquez proving to be a quality addition as well, indeed United had to fend off interest from rivals City to secure his signature in the first place and they completed a £3.5 million move to bring him over from Universidad de Chile.

In Henriquez’s case, it’s a good example of how a scouting network abroad works wonders for a club. Aged just 15, the striker came over with fellow Chilean Pedro Salgado for a trial and impressed the United staff so much, they set up regular training sessions for the player to monitor his progress, before agreeing a pre-contract arrangement with his club that meant the Red Devils could sign Henriquez at any point before his 20th birthday. With the player showing such promising form in the Chilean division, Sir Alex Ferguson has chosen to activate that arrangement already and Henriquez has now linked up with his new teammates.

The player’s goal scoring record in Chile meant United had to act quickly to ward off interest from a number of other European rivals, including Manchester City. Henriquez broke into the first team at Universidad de Chile at the start of the 2012 season and posted an impressive record, notching 15 goals in 27 games. It’s not like the level of football he played at was of a poor standard either, indeed Universidad are one of the best teams in Chile and are competitive in the Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the Champions League. That was enough to convince Fergie that Henriquez can cut the mustard in Europe already, so instead of leaving him to develop in his native Chile, he’s brought him over to continue his progression at Old Trafford.

Numerous people have questioned whether this is the right decision, indeed perhaps Henriquez would be better off returning to Universidad on loan at least for the time being. 18 is a young age to come and settle into a foreign country while trying to break into the first team of one of the best football teams on the planet. It’s a tough ask for the striker, but he’s shown that he’s more than capable already, especially with his performances in his native league.

Internationally, the striker had caught the eye a number of years ago with his progression through the Chilean age groups. He made his debut for the U23 side this year, scoring twice on debut and also impressed for the U20’s, bagging 14 goals in nine games for the Roja. He starred in the South American U17 Championships, scoring three times in four games despite Chile crashing out in the first round of the competition, but this form thrust him into the European limelight and Four Four Two named him one of the five best players in the U17 category that year.

There’s no doubt he’s a talented player, with excellent movement and a good finishing ability. Henriquez is also extremely versatile, equally comfortable with coming deep to pick up the ball or drifting wide and running at defenders. This means he has the all-round game to succeed in the Premier League and his knack of finding the back of the net will undoubtedly ensure comparisons to Javier Hernandez who took to the Premier League like a duck to water after his move over the Atlantic.

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With the riches United now have in the striking department, it may be a while before we see Henriquez in action for the club and perhaps Sir Alex will realise he needs to ply his trade on loan back in South America before he can star for United. However, he’s certainly one to keep an eye on and who knows, perhaps in the future maybe people will remember this transfer window as the one where Manchester United signed Angelo Henriquez and not Robin Van Persie.

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Arsenal legend Ian Wright says that Theo Walcott deserves the chance to play a central striker role, according to ESPN.

Walcott is current in the midst of an ongoing contract dispute with the club and has stated in recent weeks that he wants to follow in the footsteps of Arsenal’s all-time greatest goal scorer, Thierry Henry by playing up front in a striker’s role after being utilised on the flanks by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Wright, who himself scored 185 goals in 288 appearances for the north London outfit, believes that Walcott should be given the opportunity to prove his worth up front, “I love Theo and have been saying for a long time that he should be playing as a striker. Clearly he is not the finished article and could do with some more work from the Arsenal coaches, but Theo has all the ingredients to be a top striker.”

Wright says he cannot understand why Wenger won’t allow the 23-year-old to play up top, “Wenger has been saying for a long time that he sees Theo developing into a striker, so give the guy a chance and prove he can do it. If it doesn’t work, then fair enough, but give it a go it has to be worth a try.”

Wright believes that the jeers Walcott has been receiving from certain sections of the Gunners faithful is unfair, and hopes the negative press aimed towards the winger begins to dissipate, “My hope is the fans get Theo contract situation sorted and then he can get on with showing what he can do on the field. There are so many good things about this guy, but people always tend to focus on the negatives.”

Walcott has always had the weight of expectation on his shoulders, ever since being picked in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England squad for the 2006 World Cup. As a consequence, Wright believes that Walcott has always struggled to live up to the reputation he was given at the age of 16, “The trouble for me is that people believe he should be doing more than he does every week and the expectation around him isn’t his all his own fault. There he was at 16, never played for Arsenal in the Premier League, and he was thrown into the England World Cup squad in 2006. It was stupid. Ever since, people want him to win games on his own every week and nothing he does is good enough.”

The former Southampton man has fallen out of favour at the Emirates ever since the contractual situation has arisen. Despite scoring a brace against Coventry City on Wednesday night, Walcott is expected to start on the bench when the Gunners entertain Chelsea tomorrow.

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