tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-143657722024-03-14T02:31:54.114+00:00Football CornerCathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.comBlogger2407125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-25333387338799383092012-05-30T17:10:00.000+01:002012-05-30T17:23:18.278+01:00Value to be had at Euro 2012<center><img src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Media/Pix/pictures/2012/5/28/1338196624778/Euro-2012-008.jpg"></center>
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We are now just over a week away from kick-off at Euro 2012 and going into the tournament in Ukraine and Poland, the Spanish are favourites to make it 3 major titles on the bounce.
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Vicente Del Bosque's men are priced around the 11/4 mark to lift the trophy, but I am steering clear of them this time around. After a long hard season for many of the nation's key players, and indeed 4 years with barely a break, I think fatigue may set in and they won't even make the final.
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So if Spain aren't going to win it, who do I think will?
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Well Germany are the second favourites and you clearly have to respect their chances. In their ranks they have some of the best players on the planet right now, with the likes of Mario Gomez and Bastian Schweinsteiger tipped to shine this summer. However, I am going to, like with Spain, steer clear of the Germans for the Euros for the simple reason that I don't feel the 3/1 on offer represents value considering the group they are in, alongside Holland, Portugal and Denmark.
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One team who I just mentioned there was Holland and despite the fact they are in the Group of Death, Group B, I reckon they have enough to progress from that and then <a href="http://www.partybingo.com/">go on a bit of a run</a>. The World Cup in 2010 proves that they are capable of making it into the latter stages of a major tournament and although they were narrowly beaten by Spain in the final, I think at 7/1 they are worth a few quid.
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France are another side who I like. Les Blues are not fancied to do too much this time around, considering the youthfullness of their squad, but with the pressure off, I feel they may actually go all the way. They shouldn't have too many problems getting of Group D, alongside England, Ukraine and Sweden, and from there, who knows what may happen. The French are best priced 12/1.
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In terms of a top goalscorer. Robin Van Persie goes into the Euros after a magnificent goalscoring season at Arsenal which saw him claim the Golden Boot in the Premier League and at 11/1, I would not put you off backing it. Another player I like in terms of the top goalscorer market is Poland's Robert Lewandowski. The 23-year old scored a terrific 30 goals for German Champions Dortmund this past season and at 25/1, he is worth a dabble.
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My bet of the tournament is priced at just 11/10 I'm afraid. The bet is for their to be a hat-trick scored in the whole tournament. I really do fancy this, considering the amount of games played at the tournament and given the quality of striker which will be on show.
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Feel free to leavr your tips in the section provided.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-25137005417093504382011-05-21T11:21:00.002+01:002011-05-21T11:26:20.953+01:00Barcelona v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Final<a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2010/10/1/1285939743332/Javier-Hern-ndez-006.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 276px;" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2010/10/1/1285939743332/Javier-Hern-ndez-006.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span id="internal-source-marker_0.16261269547976553" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">As FC Barcelona and Manchester United ready themselves for the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley on 28 May, we take a look at some of the games along the way.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span id="internal-source-marker_0.16261269547976553" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">First of all both Man United and Barcelona are fantastic teams, true champions with loads of stars playing for them – its going to be one incredible festival!! Cant wait..</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Man Utd seemed to have the easier route to the final, beating the German team Schalke fairly convincingly 6-1 on aggregate. Whilst Barcelona battled against their Spanish rivals, Real Madrid in the semi-finals. The first round was won by Barcelona 2-0, but not without controversy. Real Madrid forced a draw during the second leg, but it was too much for them to come back from 2-0 down on aggregate and win by more than 2 goals away at Barcelona.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Some may question Barcelona’s tactics during their semi against Real Madrid, but they wont care they are in the final of one of football’s biggest events – the UEFA Champions League 2011 and they wont mind what people say about them.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Perhaps it was because Barcelona have Unicef on their shirts and are seen as the do-gooders, whilst Real Madrid have sponsorship from bwin, a gambling and betting company... Who knows?? Conspiracy theorists if you really want to look into it further then make the most of it and get some great </span><a href="http://casino-bonuses.net/" style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">casino bonuses</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> whilst you are there at some of the </span><a href="http://casino-bonuses.net/best-online-casinos" style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">best online casinos</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Might even fancy a few shillings on the final myself...</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">There were accusations of racism, UEFA dished out fines and suspensions to both teams and Madrid’s coach José Mourinho, who was dismissed from the bench, made inappropriate (according to UEFA that is...) statements at the post match interview.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">In short, the semi-final was not the best advertisement for sportsmanship. UEFA have disciplined, European football will continue and onwards to the UEFA Champions League Final 2011, Wembley, London – May 28.</span></div>Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-64293655680931844212011-01-21T00:54:00.005+00:002012-05-28T19:06:23.355+01:00It's Manchester United's title to lose<a href="http://img.skysports.com/08/05/218x298/SirAlexFerguson_863822.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img.skysports.com/08/05/218x298/SirAlexFerguson_863822.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 298px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 218px;" /></a>With four months still to go before we know who will be lifting the Premier League trophy, it seems that few are betting against Manchester United winning the title back.<br />
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Sir Alex Ferguson's men are sitting pretty at the top of the table, level on points with neighbours Manchester City, however, the Old Trafford club have two games in hand.<br />
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Arsenal lie in 3rd place, two points behind United, but Arsene Wenger's side have played a game more than the Red Devils.<br />
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Chelsea have slipped down the table and at this stage, they would be doing fairly well to finish in the top 4 with Tottenham breathing down their necks.<br />
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Given the fact United have yet to hit top gear this season, it all seems to point towards them winning yet another Premier League title.<br />
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It is quite scary to think that, arguably their best player, Wayne Rooney, has scored just two Premier League goals this season and yet they remain unbeaten in 21 league games.<br />
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United are, unsurprisingly, favourites with all the bookies and sportsbooks to claim their 13th Premier League title.<br />
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So is it United's title to lose? Feel free to leave your comments below!Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-41339458569928765732010-08-03T19:10:00.004+01:002010-08-03T22:52:50.726+01:00Premier League 2010/2011 Preview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.skysports.com/08/10/218x298/Premier-League-trophy_1270351.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 298px;" src="http://img.skysports.com/08/10/218x298/Premier-League-trophy_1270351.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>So we are now less than two weeks away from the kick-off of the 2010/2011 Premier League season and I'm sure, like me, you are all getting very excited.<br /><br />There are three clubs, in my opinion, who have a real chance of lifting the title come the end of the season. Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.<br /><br />Many believe Manchester City may challenge for the title this season given the vast amounts of money they have spent over the last few weeks. David Silva, Jerome <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Boateng</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yaya</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Toure</span> have all arrived at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Eastlands</span> this summer and if you have been keeping up with the <a href="http://www.sportspundit.com/">sports news</a> of late, you will know that City's spending may not be over just yet.<br /><br />I personally don't believe they have what it takes to go all the way this season and I think they would be doing well to finish in the top four this time around.<br /><br />If I had to put my money on any team, I would probably bet on Chelsea to retain their Premier League crown.<br /><br />Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, there are a large number of teams who could easily be relegated this season. Blackpool will probably finish rock bottom with West <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Brom</span> just above them in 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> and then it will be intriguing to see who finishes in the place above them. It really could be any number of six or seven teams who finish 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> but if I had to choose one, I would have to go with Birmingham.<br /><br />We all love picking our squads for a <a href="http://www.sportspundit.com/soccer/fantasy/">fantasy soccer game</a> before the season starts and one player I suggest you have in your team this season is Liverpool's Joe Cole. I am convinced he will be a big success at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Anfield</span> and I can see him scoring loads of goals this season.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-52058334128403222302009-09-01T22:19:00.002+01:002009-09-01T22:45:02.063+01:00The Transfer Window is now SHUT<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2009/7/29/1248850856530/Cristiano-Ronaldo-001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 276px;" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2009/7/29/1248850856530/Cristiano-Ronaldo-001.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>After two months, the transfer window has today slammed shut. What a transfer window, eh?<br /><br />Obviously the big spenders in the Premier League were Manchester City, spending over £115 million. Mark Hughes was certainly given to freedom to spend money left, right and centre, building almost a <a href="http://www.sportspundit.com/soccer/fantasy/">fantasy football</a> team in the process.<br /><br />It seems the majority of<a href="http://www.sportspundit.com/soccer/"> football news </a>in Europe has surrounded Real Madrid this summer. The Spanish giants have spent nearly a quarter of a billion pounds on the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Kaka. Many <a href="http://www.sportspundit.com/soccer/betting/">football betting</a> experts believe Real may be the team to beat in the Champions League this season and personally, I agree with them.<br /><br />Elsewhere in the transfer window, Tottenham completed a transfer deadline day deal, bringing Portsmouth midfieder Niko Kranjcar to Fratton Park. Kranjcar became the second Portsmouth player to join Harry Redknapp at Spurs, following the arrival of Peter Crouch earlier this summer.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-4862255907744089722009-08-19T16:11:00.007+01:002010-02-25T12:50:38.030+00:00Manchester City to win the League?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/columnists/2009/8/5/1249511405693/City-Adebayor-001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 276px;" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/columnists/2009/8/5/1249511405693/City-Adebayor-001.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">M</span></span>any leading figures in the game have questioned whether or not <span style="font-weight: bold;">Manchester City</span> can win the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Premier League</span> title this season. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Manchester United</span> boss<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Sir Alex Ferguson</span> has already dismissed City's chances, however both <span style="font-weight: bold;">Harry Redknapp</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Martin O'Neill</span> think <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mark Hughes'</span> men are contenders.<br /><br />With the players they have signed over the summer (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Gareth Barry, <a href="http://football-corner.blogspot.com/2009/06/manchester-city-complete-their-second.html">Roque Santa Cruz</a>, Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez </span>etc;) you would think that they must be contenders, however it is how they gel together is the main thing. If they lose two or three games on the trot, suddenly <span style="font-weight: bold;">pressure begins to mount </span>and the players begin to lose interest, so it is vital Hughes keeps all of his players happy.<br /><br />So, can City really challenge? I'm still undecided, however one things for sure, I wouldn't be <a href="http://www.casinotop10.net/">betting against it</a>.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-91497861001435968032009-07-06T03:19:00.002+01:002009-07-06T03:29:11.559+01:00An important notice for all Football Corner readers<strong><span style="font-size:180%;">J</span></strong>ust to let you know, <strong>Football Corner</strong> has moved.<br /><br />Visit the new site now, <a href="http://www.football-corner.org/"><strong>www.football-corner.org</strong></a><br /><br />Also, if I could get everyone who links to Football Corner to please <strong>change the URL</strong> of the link that would be terrific.<br /><br />Anyway, look forward to having you all over at the <a href="http://www.football-corner.org/">new site</a>.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-1935877477980598912009-07-05T18:58:00.005+01:002009-07-05T19:20:05.581+01:00Carlos Tevez really does hate Sir Alex<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01404/tevez_ferguson_1404489c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 287px;" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01404/tevez_ferguson_1404489c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">C</span>arlos Tevez </span>just won't shut up about his now former club <span style="font-weight: bold;">Manchester United</span>.<br /><br />Speaking about his former manager,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Sir Alex Ferguson</span>, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Argentine</span> striker had this to say :<br /><br />"He thinks I will return. But I know what I want and I know that F<span style="font-weight: bold;">erguson did not respect me</span> as a player. Before<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Berbatov</span> arrived in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Manchester</span>, Ferguson told me, ‘You will still be the starting striker, so be cool’. But<span style="font-weight: bold;"> he lied to me</span>!<br /><br />That is why I know I will not return to United. What I want to do next season is score against United. I promise<span style="font-weight: bold;"> I will not celebrate in front of the United fans</span> but <span style="font-weight: bold;">I will shout in Ferguson’s face</span>. You can be sure of that - and it will be one of the most beautiful things I have done in football."<br /><br />Although I am a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Manchester City</span> fan, I really think Tevez should just keep his mouth shut. To put it bluntly, he's acting like an<span style="font-weight: bold;"> immature teenager</span>. On the other hand, wouldn't it be <span style="font-weight: bold;">hilarious</span> to see how Ferguson would react if Tevez was shouting in his face.<br /><br />What do you think? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Comments below please.</span>Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-63267854856534489802009-07-02T14:17:00.002+01:002009-07-02T14:44:29.307+01:00Why on earth would Aston Villa want to sign this guy?<a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2008/09/13/bramble1.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 460px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2008/09/13/bramble1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">I</span></strong> know it's that time of the year, when strange rumours begin emanating in the media, however I have never seen a stranger rumour than the one which can be found in today's<em><strong> Daily Star</strong></em>.<br /><br />The paper has today claimed that <strong>Aston Villa</strong> are set to make a move for <strong>Wigan</strong> defender <strong>Titus Bramble</strong>. As you can probably tell from the headline, I'm not a massive fan of Bramble's, in fact, I think he's one of the worst players to ever play in the <strong>Premier League.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />So why on earth would Villa manager <strong>Martin O'Neill</strong> want to sign the<strong> one and only Titus Bramble?</strong><strong> Comments below please.</strong>Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-56216131101078724712009-07-02T12:45:00.006+01:002009-07-02T13:21:14.657+01:00Real Madrid are ruining the transfer market, not Manchester City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01434/kaka_1434165c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 287px;" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01434/kaka_1434165c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span></span>t's funny, I remember back to middle of<span style="font-weight: bold;"> January</span>, when<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Manchester City</span> made that astonishing <span style="font-weight: bold;">£107 million</span> bid for<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Kaka</span>. It seemed as though everyone in the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> football world</span> had something negative to say about City's audacious bid to sign the former<span style="font-weight: bold;"> FIFA World Player of the Year.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/755/europe/2009/02/06/1096072/michel-platini-threatens-to-ban-manchester-city-from-europe"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Michel Platini </span>was threatening to ban City from entering any <span style="font-weight: bold;">European competitions</span></a> if they were just going to spend ridiculous sums of money on players. Platini's doesn't seem to be threatening to ban Real Madrid from entering European competitions even though they are now the ones actually spending the ridiculous sums on <span style="font-weight: bold;">big name players</span>.<br /><br />I don't know why this gets my so annoyed, but it does. Maybe it's because I have been a <span style="font-weight: bold;">City fan </span>for quite some time and I hate to see my team criticised. I understand that City are bound to be criticised for spending<span style="font-weight: bold;"> £30 million plus</span> on players, however I don't understand why Real Madrid aren't criticised for spending <span style="font-weight: bold;">£50 million plus </span>on players.<br /><br />So those who say that Manchester City are <span style="font-weight: bold;">ruining the transfer market </span>are just plain idiots because City haven't even spent £30 million this summer. Real have spent <span style="font-weight: bold;">£180 million</span>.<br /><br />What do you think? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Comments below please.</span>Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-69221338355202603142009-07-01T18:14:00.003+01:002009-07-01T22:02:45.461+01:00Is the new Arsenal 3rd kit a hit or a miss?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.epltalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/new-arsenal-away-shirt.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 385px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.epltalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/new-arsenal-away-shirt.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="font-size:180%;">A</span>rsenal </span>have today revealed their new <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">3rd kit</span> for the<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> 09/10 Premier League campaign</span>. I quite like the new jersey, but I'm keen to hear what you<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> Gunners fans </span>and indeed any <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">football fans</span> feel about the new kit.<br /><br />You can find several Arsenal jerseys over at <a href="http://www.myfootballkits.co.uk/">myfootballkits.co.uk</a>.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Comments below please</span>.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-41805286749692228142009-07-01T15:59:00.004+01:002009-07-01T16:26:33.321+01:00Three words to sum up Cristiano Ronaldo's time at Manchester United<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00996/cristiano_ronaldo_996988c.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 460px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00996/cristiano_ronaldo_996988c.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">I</span></strong>t's official,<strong> Cristiano Ronaldo</strong> is a <strong>Real Madrid</strong> player after spending six years with the <strong>Premier League Champions Manchester United</strong>.<br /><br />Love him or loath him, there's no denying he was one of the best players the Premier League has ever seen. In total, Ronaldo scored an incredible <strong>118 goals</strong> in all competitions for the <strong>Red Devils</strong> establashing himself as a firm favourite amongst the<strong> Old Trafford</strong> faithful.<br /><br /><strong>Football Corner</strong> wants you to sum up Ronaldo's time at United in just three words. Whenever we do the <strong>"Three words to sum up"</strong> we always get a good response from you, the readers, so let's do the same again. If I had to use three words to sum up Ronaldo's career at United, I would say he was : <strong>simply the best.</strong><br /><br />Leave your <strong>comments below</strong> and as always, make them funny.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-49319856286769698892009-06-30T23:52:00.005+01:002009-07-01T00:03:47.972+01:00The Transfer Window is officially open<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Arts/Arts_/Pictures/2008/07/03/notes460.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 276px;" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Arts/Arts_/Pictures/2008/07/03/notes460.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span></span>he <span style="font-weight: bold;">Transfer window</span> is now officially open and boy are we in for a busy few weeks.<br /><br />Many big money deals have already been confirmed, including the likes of<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Cristiano Ronaldo</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kaka</span> signing for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Real Madrid</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Glen Johnson</span> signing for<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Liverpool</span>.<br /><br />The next few days are bound to be extremely busy with several big name players tipped to be moving including <span style="font-weight: bold;">Carlos Tevez</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Karim Benzema</span>. So, make sure to stay tuned to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Football Corner</span> for all the latest transfer news as it happens.<br /><br />Who will be on the move this summer? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Comments below please.</span>Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-59243636080612384612009-06-30T19:09:00.002+01:002009-06-30T19:56:53.796+01:00Arsenal midfielder would jump at the chance to join Barcelona<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01358/andrei_arshavin_1358839c.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 460px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01358/andrei_arshavin_1358839c.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">"I</span></strong>f I have the chance to play for <strong>Barcelona</strong>, I'd be really happy."<br /><br /><strong>Andrei Arshavin</strong> has today shocked <strong>Arsenal</strong> by claiming that should the opportunity arise, he would love to join <strong>Barcelona</strong>.<br /><br />The <strong>Russian</strong> international moved to the <strong>Emirates</strong> just five months ago for a reported fee of <strong>£17 million</strong>. Since his arrival in <strong>North London</strong>, the <strong>28</strong>-year old has scored six goals for <strong>Arsene Wenger's</strong> men, establishing himself as a firm fan favourite in the process.<br /><br />Before his move to Arsenal, Arshavin was strongly linked with a move to Barcelona, however nothing ever materialised with regards a move to the <strong>Camp Nou</strong>. There has been talk in recent times that Arshavin and his wife, <strong>Yulia</strong>, are unhappy in <strong>England</strong> due to the<strong> high tax rates</strong> and the <strong>food</strong>.<br /><br />In the immediate aftermath of Arshavin's switch from <strong>Zenit St Petersburg </strong>to Arsenal, Yulia claimed she would have preferred if her husband had of moved to <strong>Spain</strong>. Strange thing for Arshavin to say so early into his Arsenal career. Personally, I hope Arshavin doesn't leave the <strong>Premier League</strong> anytime soon because I'm sure there is far more to see from the little playmaker. It will be interesting to see how the<strong> Gunners faithful</strong> react to Arshavin's comments.<br /><br />So Arsenal fans, what do you think? <strong>Comments below please</strong>.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-26200144569826902162009-06-29T21:02:00.005+01:002009-06-29T21:38:45.057+01:00Arsenal, Villa, Bolton & Man City all set to hold talks with £12 million Portuguese midfielder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club%20Home/2009/1/26/1232982010537/Miguel-Veloso-001.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 460px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 276px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club%20Home/2009/1/26/1232982010537/Miguel-Veloso-001.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">I</span></span>t has been claimed today that<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bolton</span> and <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Manchester City </span>will all hold talks with<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> Sporting Lisbon </span>midfielder <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Miguel Veloso</span>.<br /><br />The<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> Portuguese </span>international has been linked with a move to the <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Premier League</span> for quite some time now, however for whatever reasons he remains a Sporting player, but that may be about to change.<br /><br />Veloso, <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">23</span>, is desperate to join an <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">English</span> club during the summer transfer window and with four clubs now vying for his signature, a move looks a strong possibility. Whoever does eventually sign Veloso will have to cough up at least <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">£12 million</span> and in my opinion, at that price, he would prove great <strong>value for money</strong>.<br /><br />He is still<strong> quite young</strong>, he can play in a <strong>variety of different positions</strong> and he has <strong>Champions League experience</strong>. Personally, I think <strong>Martin O'Neill</strong> should do all he can to convince Veloso to go to <strong>Villa Park</strong> cause at the moment, he could really use a quality midfield player. Stay tuned to <strong>Football Corner</strong> for all the latest developments on this and more over the coming days and weeks.<br /><br />What do you think? <strong>Comments below please</strong>.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-87895101101196257252009-06-29T12:36:00.003+01:002009-06-29T12:53:53.906+01:00Manchester United finally spend some of the Ronaldo money<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01419/antonio_valencia_1419267c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 287px;" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01419/antonio_valencia_1419267c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">M</span>anchester United</span> are on the brink of completing their first signing of the summer, with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Antonio Valencia</span> likely to complete his <span style="font-weight: bold;">£16.5 million </span>move from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wigan</span> later today.<br /><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ecuadorian</span> winger has spent just over two years at the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> JJB Stadium</span>, becoming one of Wigan's most prized assets during that time. Valencia, <span style="font-weight: bold;">23</span>, was also strongly linked with a move to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Spanish</span> giants <span style="font-weight: bold;">Real Madrid</span>, however it finally looks as though <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sir Alex Ferguson</span> has got his man.<br /><br />Valencia has never hidden his desire to move to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Old Trafford</span> and once <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cristiano Ronaldo</span> left for Real Madrid earlier this month, it was only a matter of time before things began to happen. Many people have questioned whether or not Valencia has the ability to replace Ronaldo and in my view, he hasn't.<br /><br />For me, Valencia was just a <span style="font-weight: bold;">very good player</span> in an <span style="font-weight: bold;">average team </span>at Wigan (with all due respect to Wigan of course). He is just a slightly better version of<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Nani</span> and I'm sure the United faithful will be hoping for Sir Alex has someone else up his sleeve. I would be <span style="font-weight: bold;">extremley surprised</span> if this is the only business we see United do in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Football Corner</span> for all the latest.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you think?</span> Is Valencia really that good? Does he deserve to wear the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> famous number 7 shirt</span>? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Comments below please</span>.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-89274635759624666952009-06-28T23:45:00.004+01:002009-06-28T23:54:26.835+01:00Which is worse? The new Tottenham home kit or the new Man United home kit?<a href="http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/jun2009/4/4/new-spurs-kit-09-10-832317659.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 350px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/jun2009/4/4/new-spurs-kit-09-10-832317659.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong> Or</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/jun2009/5/2/manchester-united-kit-pic-pa-985266469.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 297px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/jun2009/5/2/manchester-united-kit-pic-pa-985266469.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">P</span></strong>ersonally, I think both of them are horrible, but which one do you think is worse? <strong>Comments below please.</strong>Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-57111353293769437022009-06-28T17:38:00.003+01:002009-06-28T18:23:25.292+01:00Arsenal ready to wave goodbye to Adebayor and say hello to £30 million Real Madrid & Man United target<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01429/karim_benzema_1429932c.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 460px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01429/karim_benzema_1429932c.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">A</span>rsenal </strong>manager <strong>Arsene Wenger</strong> is ready to let <strong>Emmanuel Adebayor</strong> join <strong>AC Milan</strong> for a fee believed to be around <strong>£23 million</strong>. It was confirmed yesterday, by the Milan president, <strong>Silvio Berlusconi</strong>, that the two clubs had been in contact regarding Adebayor's future at the <strong>Emirates</strong> and it would appear that a deal could be concluded in the coming weeks.<br /><br />With that done, Wenger will obviously need to bring a new frontman to <strong>North London</strong> and if you are to believe what you read in the papers, that man will be <strong>Lyon's Karim Benzema</strong>.<br /><br />The<strong> French</strong> international has been linked with several clubs in the past few days, including the likes of <strong>Real Madrid </strong>and<strong> Manchester United</strong>, however as of yet, neither club has managed to reach an agreement with Lyon. Arsenal are confident that a bid of<strong> £30 million</strong> will force Lyon to sell, however the tricky part for them will be to convince Benzema to leave the <strong>Stade Gerland</strong>.<br /><br />The<strong> 21</strong>-year old has stated on several occasions that he would like to remain at Lyon for at least one more season in order to ensure his place in the <strong>France World Cup squad</strong>. With Arsenal <strong>underachieving in terms of silverware</strong> in recent years, Wenger knows that this season must see an improvement to prevent<strong> key players</strong> leaving next summer and with that in mind he needs to bring in a player of the calibre of Benzema.<br /><br />It will be fascinating to see who Benzema is playing for when the new season kicks off in six weeks time. I for one, hope he is playing <strong>Premier League</strong> football and personally, I think he would be perfect for Arsenal. Could you imagine seeing Benzema partnering <strong>Robin Van Persie</strong> in the Arsenal attack next season?<br /><br /><strong>What do you think?</strong> Would Benzema be a good replacement for Milan-bound Adebayor? <strong>Comments below please</strong>.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-82847537564852168392009-06-28T15:14:00.002+01:002009-06-28T15:32:33.578+01:00Van will be playing in North London next season<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2009/2/21/1235181540399/Robin-van-Persie-001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 276px;" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2009/2/21/1235181540399/Robin-van-Persie-001.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span class="main-content"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">R</span>obin Van Persie</span> has today pledged his future to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Arsenal</span> amid reports linking him with a shock move to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Manchester United</span>.<br /><br />When asked about the possibility of him leaving the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Emirates</span> this summer, Van Persie had this to say : "<span style="font-weight: bold;">I'm not in negotiations with any other club - just Arsenal</span>."<br /><br />The<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Dutch</span> international has just <span style="font-weight: bold;">12 months </span>remaining on his current deal with Arsenal, however <span style="font-weight: bold;">Arsene Wenger</span> remains confident that a new deal will be signed in the coming weeks. </span>Wenger recently stated : "We want to <span style="font-weight: bold;">extend the contract</span> of Robin."<br /><br />Van Persie, <span style="font-weight: bold;">25</span>, was Arsenal's top goalscorer last season scoring an impressive <span style="font-weight: bold;">20 goals</span> in all competitions. With <span style="font-weight: bold;">Emmanuel Adebayor</span> likely to depart in the coming weeks, I feel it's vital that Arsenal manage to tie down Van Persie to a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> new long-term deal</span>. When he's fit and on form, I personally don't think there are many better strikers in the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Premier League</span>.<br /><br />What do you think? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Comments below please.</span>Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-49709788787908492652009-06-28T12:30:00.004+01:002009-06-28T13:00:17.493+01:00Samuel Eto'o to partner Carlos Tevez up front at Eastlands<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01374/samuel_eto_o_1374971c.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 460px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01374/samuel_eto_o_1374971c.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">I</span></strong>t looks increasingly likely today that<strong> Samuel Eto'o</strong> will be joining <strong>Manchester City</strong> after <strong>Barcelona</strong> president<strong> Joan Laporta</strong> confirmed that the world's richest club have made a <strong>'stratospheric' offer</strong> to the player.<br /><br />The <strong>Cameroon</strong> striker has been strongly linked with a move to <strong>Eastlands</strong> in recent weeks, with City the only club willing to meet Eto'o's heafty wage demands of <strong>£1 million a month</strong>. Agreeing a transfer fee is unlikely to be a problem for the two clubs, with Barca willing to let Eto'o go for as little as <strong>£23 million</strong> due to his current contract expiring in just 12 months.<br /><br />The <strong>28</strong>-year old has spent five years at the <strong>Camp Nou</strong>, scoring an incredible <strong>130 goals</strong> in just <strong>200 appearances</strong>. His last appearance for Barca was last month's <strong>Champions League</strong> final where Eto'o scored the opening goal of a <strong>2-0</strong> victory over City's arch rivals <strong>Manchester United</strong>.<br /><br />It is thought the whole deal could be finalised as early as<strong> Tuesday</strong>. Eto'o is likely to be partnered by<strong> Carlos Tevez</strong> at City. The<strong> Argentine</strong> striker will finalise his<strong> £30 million</strong> move on Wednesday after spending weeks considering his future. This is unlikely to be the end of <strong>Mark Hughes'</strong> spending this summer, with a defender now believed to be his number one priority.<br /><br />What do you think? <strong>Comments below please</strong>.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-16172626047210030652009-06-27T23:56:00.003+01:002009-06-28T00:01:39.205+01:00Is Xabi Alonso really worth £35 million?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club%20Home/2009/4/25/1240672325961/Xabi-Alonso-001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 276px;" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club%20Home/2009/4/25/1240672325961/Xabi-Alonso-001.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span></span>t has been claimed today that<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Liverpool</span> have told <span style="font-weight: bold;">Real Madrid</span> they will have to bid <span style="font-weight: bold;">£35 million</span> if they are to have any chance of signing <span style="font-weight: bold;">Xabi Alonso</span>. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Spanish</span> midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bernabeu</span> all summer, however as of yet, Real are yet to make a bid.<br /><br />£35 million is a hell of a lot of money and it has got me thinking, is Alonso really worth that much? I'm undecided, but what do you think? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Please leave your comments below</span>.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-79766546710111679402009-06-27T16:02:00.003+01:002009-06-27T16:25:43.323+01:00Spurs willing to let striker leave for £18 million<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01388/darren_bent_1388103c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 287px;" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01388/darren_bent_1388103c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">D</span>arren Bent's </span>days as a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tottenham</span> player appear numbered after club chairman <span style="font-weight: bold;">Daniel Levy</span> admitted the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> England</span> striker could leave once the club's valuation of<span style="font-weight: bold;"> £18 million</span> is met.<br /><br />Bent, <span style="font-weight: bold;">25</span>, has struggled to make an impact at <span style="font-weight: bold;">White Hart Lane </span>since his<span style="font-weight: bold;"> £16.5 million</span> arrival from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Charlton</span> back in <span style="font-weight: bold;">2007</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunderland</span> are believed to be the only club currently interested in Bent's signature, however the £18 million price-tag which has been placed on Bent should see <span style="font-weight: bold;">Steve Bruce</span> cool his interest.<br /><br />Spurs boss<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Harry Redknapp</span> is desperate to offload Bent as soon as possible to allow him to move for the likes of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Klaas Jan Huntelaar</span> and/or <span style="font-weight: bold;">Luca Toni</span>. With the <span style="font-weight: bold;">World Cup</span> fast approaching, Bent knows he needs to be playing <span style="font-weight: bold;">regular first team football</span> to have a chance of getting into <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fabio Capello's</span> England squad and at Spurs, that is unlikely to happen.<br /><br />Personally, I think Tottenham would be lucky to get<span style="font-weight: bold;"> £12 million</span> from the sale of Bent. I would say even Bent himself is laughing at the £18 million price-tag. Bent hasn't done much during his time at Spurs, and let's face it, a player who struggles to get into the Tottenham <span style="font-weight: bold;">starting eleven</span> is not worth £18 million. Stay tuned to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Football Corner</span> for all the latest on this and more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you think?</span> Are Spurs asking for a bit too much or is their £18 million valuation spot on? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Comments below please</span>.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-3605350483951960592009-06-26T22:08:00.004+01:002009-06-26T22:34:13.853+01:00The latest twist in the Carlos Tevez saga<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01401/carlos-tevez_1401721c.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 460px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01401/carlos-tevez_1401721c.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">I</span></strong>t would appear that <strong>Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tevez</span></strong> will be joining <strong>Manchester City</strong> after months of speculation regarding his future. The <strong>Argentine </strong>striker has been strongly linked with several <strong>Premier League</strong> clubs in recent weeks including the likes of <strong>Liverpool </strong>and<strong> Chelsea</strong>, however City look to have finally won the race.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tevez</span> recently revealed that he had rejected <strong>Manchester <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">United's</span> </strong>offer of a new deal at <strong>Old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Trafford</span></strong> because he didn't feel wanted by the <strong>Premier League Champions.</strong> It has been reported today that the <strong>25</strong>-year old has enrolled his <strong>4</strong>-year old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">daugther</span>, <strong>Florencia</strong> in a private school in<strong> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Chesire</span></strong>, which would seem to indicate that he plans to stay in the <strong>north-west</strong> next season.<br /><br />City have been the<strong> favourites</strong> for a long time to sign <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tevez</span> and I'm sure today's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">revelation</span> will make them even heavier favourites. A player like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Tevez</span> will no doubt help <strong>Mark Hughes</strong> in his quest to make City <strong>one of the biggest clubs in the world</strong> and as a City fan myself, I just can't wait to see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Tevez</span> arrive at <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Eastlands</span></strong>.<br /><br /><strong>What do you think?</strong> Can you see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Tevez</span> signing for anyone other than City or is it a certainty now? <strong>Comments below please</strong>.Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-18845915259521730172009-06-26T21:25:00.003+01:002009-06-26T21:44:42.291+01:00Is Glen Johnson really worth £17.5 million?<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01423/johnson_1423101c.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 460px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01423/johnson_1423101c.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">I</span><span style="font-size:100%;">'</span></strong>m sure you've all heard the news that <strong>Liverpool </strong>have completed the signing of <strong>Glen Johnson</strong> for a fee of<strong> £17.5 million</strong>. The <strong>England </strong>defender has signed a <strong>four year contract</strong> at<strong> Anfield</strong> after spending a successful three years on the south coast with <strong>Portsmouth</strong>.<br /><br />The <strong>24</strong>-year old has emerged as one of, if not the best right-back in the country, forcing Liverpool boss<strong> Rafa Benitez</strong> to cough up quite a sizeable chunk of money for his signature. Many people have questioned whether or not Johnson is really worth that much money but in my opinion, he is <strong>worth every penny</strong>.<br /><br />Johnson is still <strong>very young</strong> for a defender and I think in the years to come he will prove to be an <strong>integral part</strong> of the Liverpool defence. The only worry I have about him is that he is quite an<strong> attacking right-back</strong>, however I'm sure Benitez will know how to manage him.<br /><br />What are <strong>your thoughts</strong> on Johnson? Worth every penny or a huge waste of money? <strong>Comments below please.</strong>Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14365772.post-11980285893983625242009-06-26T20:53:00.004+01:002009-06-26T21:19:31.474+01:00Bye Bye Ronaldo<a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2009/4/3/1238784230958/Cristiano-Ronaldo-001.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 460px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2009/4/3/1238784230958/Cristiano-Ronaldo-001.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">C</span>ristiano Ronaldo</strong> has this evening put pen to paper on a<strong> six-year contract</strong> with <strong>Spanish</strong> giants <strong>Real Madrid</strong>. The announcement brings to an end Ronaldo's six year spell with <strong>Premier League Champions Manchester United</strong>.<br /><br />It's been over two weeks since the news broke that an <strong>£80 million</strong> fee between Real and United had been agreed and finally the news has broke that Ronaldo has agreed <strong>personal terms</strong> with the <strong>La Liga</strong> club.<br /><br />A statement released just a few minutes ago read : "Real Madrid and Manchester United have signed the<strong> final agreement</strong> for the transfer of the rights of the player Cristiano Ronaldo effective <strong>July 1</strong>. The player will remain at Real Madrid for the next six seasons and will be presented on <strong>July 6</strong> at the <strong>Bernabeu</strong> stadium."<br /><br />No matter what you think of Ronaldo, you will all have to agree that the Premier League won't be the same without him. He was an <strong>incredible character</strong> both on and off the field who I for one, will sorely miss. I really wish him the very best of luck with his move and let's hope one day he returns to <strong>England</strong> to play, even if it was just for a <strong>Champions League encounter</strong>.<br /><br />What are your thoughts on Ronaldo? <strong>Comments below please.</strong>Cathal Breathnachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15131159957778664090noreply@blogger.com1