║║║║║ Barclays Premier League Season 2012-13 ║║║║║

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Walcott wants to avoid Arsenal 'tragedy'
The 24-year-old has called on his team-mates to repeat their display from the midweek win at the Allianz Arena, and also for some further 'home truths' to be discussed

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

How quiet man Dembele has filled the Modric void at Tottenham
The 25-year-old, who has played a starring role in north London this season, is preparing to face his former club and the manager who realised his potential in midfield

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Dembele is better than Tottenham team-mate Bale, says Fulham boss Jol
The Dutch boss has managed both players at Craven Cottage and White Hart Lane, respectively, and believes the Belgian is more talented despite recent praise for the Wales winger

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Pardew lauds Cisse and new-look Newcastle team after Ba sale
The Magpies' manager was effusive in his praise of the Senegalese striker as he stated his belief that his side have improved since his former strike-partner's departure

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo]

Only I can stop Bale, says Tottenham team-mate Walker
The Spurs right-back says he has found the way to prevent the Wales winger from getting past, but will not reveal his secrets

 

[General Veers]

Moyes hails 'best ever' Everton squad
The Toffees manager has praised his players following their 2-0 win over championsManchester City at Goodison Park, just a week after the FA Cup quarter-final exit against Wigan

Mancini has the backing of Manchester City owners, claims Platt
The first-team coach at the Etihad Stadium believes there is "an appreciation" of the Italian manager within the club despite their fading Premier League title challenge

Sensitive Gervinho needs support, insists Wenger
The Arsenal manager hopes the Cote d'Ivoire international's goal in the 2-0 win over Swansea will boost the forward's confidence going into the remainder of their season

Rodgers: Liverpool missed Carragher in Southampton defeat
The 35-year-old defender was ruled out by a shin injury on Saturday and watched his team-mates struggle at the back and slump to a 3-1 loss against Mauricio Pochettino's team

Tottenham defeat was a defensive wake-up call, says Mertesacker
The Arsenal centre-back says a dressing room inquest followed the defeat in the north London derby which has inspired the side's recent solidity away at Bayern Munich and Swansea

Villas-Boas must avert another textbook Tottenham slump
Two consecutive league defeats have opened the door for Arsenal in the race for the top four, and Spurs' Portuguese boss must fight to arrest another end-of-season slump

'McManaman is not a malicious player' - Martinez defends Wigan youngster after Haidara horror tackle
The Latics boss believes that the midfielder was guilty of over-exuberance rather than malice after his poorly-timed challenge resulted in injury for the Newcastle full-back

Lampard: 200th Chelsea goal felt special
The 34-year-old midfielder met a new milestone for the club he has served for 12 years, as he scored a well-placed header against West Ham in the 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge

Fulham manager Jol happy with Bale's 'quietest game'
The Cottagers boss believes his side could have made their win against Tottenham slightly more comfortable by finishing their chances, but is pleased to take the three points

Newcastle boss Pardew condemns 'awful' McManaman challenge
The Magpies manager was infuriated by the Wigan midfielder's challenge on left-back Massadio Haidara, who was taken to hospital as a result of his knee injury in their 2-1 defeat

Villas-Boas: Arsenal back in top-four running
The 35-year-old admitted that his side's recent poor form is a real cause for concern and has let the Gunners sneak up on them

Lescott called up to England squad as injury rules out Tottenham duo Dawson & Lennon
The Manchester City defender brought in to replace the Spurs centre-back despite being initially overlooked, as the Three Lions prepare for two crucial World Cup qualifiers

Benitez hails Lampard's 'fantastic achievement' after midfielder reaches 200 Chelsea goals
The 34-year-old reached the landmark in the Blues' 2-0 home win over West Ham on Saturday that moves them above Tottenham and into third place in the Premier League table

Odemwingie: West Brom are trying to ruin my career
The Baggies striker lambasts his club for leaving him on the bench after being forced to back down from his attempts to force through a move to QPR on transfer deadline day

McManaman horror challenge sparks half-time brawl at Wigan v Newcastle
The Latics forward's crunching tackle caught Magpies left-back Massadio Haidara high on the leg, forcing his immediate substitution for treatment and incensing John Carver

Wilshere fitness not a concern for England, says Hodgson
The Three Lions boss is not worried by the Arsenal midfielder's ankle problem and is fully aware of the need to carefully manage the 21-year-old's long-term international career

Tottenham midfielder Parker keen on management after retirement
The Spurs veteran believes that the experience he has gained working under various different bosses will leave him in good stead to work up the coaching ladder himself

Oxlade-Chamberlain: Arsenal can't look back after Swansea victory
The 19-year-old England winger impressed for the Gunners against the Swans on Saturday as his side cruised to a 2-0 victory to keep their Champions League qualifying hopes alive

The Premier League title is in our hands, says Manchester United captain Vidic
The 31-year-old centre-back played in Saturday's 1-0 win over Reading that sent the Red Devils 15 points clear of champions Manchester City, but has warned against complacency

Hodgson wary of maintaining healthy relationship with Ferguson
The national coach says he is fortunate Manchester United have so many talented Englishmen from which he can pick his Three Lions squad, but realises it is a "burden" for the club

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Tottenham target Eriksen hints at Ajax summer exit
The young Denmark international has added to speculation that he could be leaving the Eredivise giants soon, insisting his has not been offered a contract extension yet

Newcastle slam FA & Wigan owner Whelan over McManaman challenge
Managing director Derek Llambias has outlined the club's desire to present "a fair and even-handed disciplinary process" to prevent future incidents going unpunished

Celtic boss Lennon ponders summer move for Wolves striker Doyle
The Parkhead manager has confirmed that he attempted to sign the forward in January and revealed he will consider approaching the Championship club again at the end of the season

McManaman to face no FA action over Haidara challenge
The Wigan forward's knee-high tackle on the Newcastle full-back will go unpunished because referee Mark Halsey saw the incident during the match

'I see a free player' - Odemwingie hints at West Brom contract buy-out in fresh Twitter outburst
The striker has barely featured for the Baggies since attempting to force a move to QPR in January, and has hit out at the club again following a similar incident on Monday

Giroud deserves his chance with France, says Arsenal team-mate Koscielny
The Gunners defender says the former Montpellier striker warrants a place in Didier Deschamps's side on the back of impressive displays in his debut season for the north Londoners

Manchester United defender Vidic: International break is good for me
The former Serbia man is among a small number of players who will train at Carrington this week after retiring from his national team, which he says will benefit him

England don't care once you're injured, says Jamie Redknapp
The former Three Lions player believes Rio Ferdinand has done the right thing in pulling out of Roy Hodgson's squad, insisting he would have done the same in hindsight

England defender Gary Cahill out of San Marino game
The Chelsea centre-back will be reassessed ahead of Tuesday's clash with Montenegro but Newcastle's Steven Taylor is summoned as cover after a medical examination on Monday

West Ham fans arrested for racist behaviour against Chelsea
Frank Lampard's goal against his former side in the 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday was met with missiles being thrown onto the pitch from the visiting supporters

Lampard: I am always available for England
The Chelsea midfielder insists he will never turn his back on the Three Lions, is happy to report for international duty and wants to reach 100 caps for his country

Tottenham just never got going against Fulham, admits Sigurdsson
The Iceland international believes the club's exertions against Inter on Thursday have had a detrimental effect on the team, causing them to tire against the Cottagers

Injuries have held me back, says Manchester United winger Valencia
The Ecuador international believes injuries have stunted his season, having not scored in 30 appearances, but he insists he will continue working hard for the Red Devils

England have quality strikers, insists Gary Neville
The Three Lions coach has stressed that the national side has a range of striking options, and is confident of victory over San Marino in the World Cup qualifier on March 22

Arsenal winger Oxlade-Chamberlain vows to improve
The young midfielder knows that he must get his head down and work hard if he is to earn himself a place in a possible England squad for World Cup 2014 in Brazil

Hazard has the world at his feet, says Lampard
The veteran Chelsea midfielder believes his Belgian team-mate can grow to become one of the best players in the world, comparing his style to Blues legend Gianfranco Zola

Everton can still qualify for Europe, says Heitinga
After bouncing back from defeat to Wigan in the FA Cup, the Toffees defender insists his side can finish the season in the European places if they play to their potential

Arsenal's Rosicky eager for more first team opportunities
The Czech Republic international insists he would like to play more first-team football, and is keen to impress manager Arsene Wenger in training to gain more opportunities

Liverpool goalkeeper Reina plays down move to 'great club' Barcelona
The Spanish shot-stopper has been linked with a move to the Liga outfit as a replacement for Victor Valdes, but insists he is happy at Anfield despite an indifferent season

Villas-Boas: Tottenham must carry on fighting for top four finish
The Spurs manager is confident that his side can turn around their poor run of form and continue their push for Champions League qualification with a trip to Swansea next up

Everton defender Baines hails Mucha's goalkeeping performance
The left-back applauded the Slovakian's display in goal, with the shot stopper making several key saves to keep a clean sheet in the 2-0 victory over Manchester City

'Extraordinary' Balotelli showing great focus, says Prandelli
The Azzurri head coach also gave his reasons for choosing Alessio Cerci, while explaining that he wants his players to forget about the Malta match for now and focus on Brazil

Improvement in defence is key, says Manchester United's Smalling
The 23-year-old defender believes the return to full strength for the Red Devils' defence has been key to their form as they increased the gap at the top of the table to 15 points

Mertesacker dismisses reports of move away from Arsenal
The towering centre-back has denied reports linking him with a move back to Germany and insists he intends to stay in north London with the Gunners for a while longer

Szczesny vows to save Arsenal career: I am too happy to leave
The Gunners goalkeeper insists that he will stay at the Emirates Stadium for as long as he is wanted, backing the club's philosophy, despite recently being left out

Oxlade-Chamberlain learning from Wilshere history to keep fit for Arsenal and England
The Arsenal winger is well aware of the demands of the Premier League and the national team and acknowledges that conditioning is crucial as the end of the season approaches

Newcastle await scan results on Haidara injury
Alan Pardew claimed that the recently signed left-back had suffered knee ligament damage following an ugly challenge from Wigan forward Callum McManaman on Sunday

Fulham are more than just Berbatov, insists Ruiz
The Cottagers' top scorer took them into the top 10 with the only goal at Tottenham but his strike partner credits the whole team following a resolute defensive performance

Parker disappointed with 'flat' Tottenham display
The tenacious midfielder admits that Spurs had a "bad day" as Dimitar Berbatov's goalscoring return to White Hart Lane saw them lose more ground in the race for the top four

Liverpool's Champions League hopes still alive, insists Henderson
Despite a disappointing 3-1 defeat away at Southampton on Saturday leaving them nine points adrift of fourth spot, the midfielder says the Reds' end-of-season aim remains in sight

Rio Ferdinand withdraws from England squad
Roy Hodgson claims that it is "not possible" for the defender to follow his specific training schedule while on international duty, with Steven Caulker brought into the squad

Wigan owner Dave Whelan claims McManaman horror tackle on Haidara was not reckless
The 21-year-old utility forward caused controversy with his challenge on the Magpies left-back during the game at the DW Stadium on Sunday, which saw him avoid any form of caution

Rio Ferdinand 'deserves' England recall, says Vidic
The centre-back's defensive partner for Manchester United is happy for his team-mate, but is concerned at what effect the heavy fixture schedule could have on the 34-year-old

Poll: Halsey should quit after Wigan game
The retired Premier League official believes his former colleague must seriously consider his ability to keep up with play after the tackle on Massadio Haidara went unpunished

Arsenal rocked as Wilshere ruled out for six more weeks with ankle injury
England star faces uphill battle to play again this season after the latest medical check revealed he has suffered a re-occurrence of same injury that kept him out for 16 months

Jenkinson hails Monreal following Arsenal's 'huge win' over Swansea
The Gunners full-back has singled out his Spanish team-mate after his first goal helped the team close the gap on rivals Tottenham and Chelsea in the race for a top-four finish

Ancelotti: Beckham showed he can still play 90 minutes
The Italian coach believes the midfielder is still in superb condition, and was pleased with the draw against Saint-Etienne

'I would like to answer that question but I can't' - Watford boss Zola cryptic on Chelsea links
The former Blues striker says "it would be unfair to other people" to comment on reports suggesting he could be a candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge in the summer

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Moyes' Everton future will hinge on squad investment, says Stubbs

By Jack Johnson
Mar 19, 2013 4:25:00 PM

The Toffees boss will base his decision to stay at the club on assurances from the board over player sales and budgets, and not on-field success, according to the coach

Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs believes David Moyes' decision to stay at the club will hinge on squad investment rather than on-field success.

The 41-year-old, who is currently on the coaching staff at Goodison Park, claims an impressive Premier League finish is irrelevant to whether or not the manager pens new terms - with ever-decreasing transfer funds likely to concern the Scot instead.

Moyes, who recently celebrated 11 years in charge at Everton, has managed to maintain a consistently high league finish for the club despite working with a budget dwarfed by many of their rivals – but Stubbs feels his assurances over future investment is now required.

"It’s irrelevant where Everton finish in terms of whether David Moyes stays," Stubbs told the Sports Bar. "The manager would love to finish in fourth place because that would get them into the Champions League.

"But the decision is more off the pitch rather than on the pitch. It will be about his budget. He’ll want assurances about what players get sold and the amount of money that he’ll get to spend from those transfers.

"He wants to see the direction that the club is taking before he commits his future to it. It’s a crossroads for the board as well, not just the manager."

Moyes has insisted that he will not discuss an extension on his expiring contract until the end of the season to announce his future plans.

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Michael Owen announces retirement at end of season

By Husmukh Kerai
Mar 19, 2013 9:36:00 AM

The 33-year-old former England international says that he will end his playing career at Stoke in the summer after spells at Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle and Manchester United

Stoke City striker Michael Owen has declared that he will end his playing career when the season finishes.

The former England striker has struggled to make an impact for Tony Pulis's side in the Premier League this campaign, scoring one goal during just seven first-team appearances.

The 32-year-old had previously played for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle before joinig the Potters on a one-year deal after leaving Manchester United last summer.

"It is with an immense amount of pride that I am announcing my intention to retire from professional football at the end of this season," he wrote in a statement on his official website.

"I have been very fortunate in that my career has taken me on a journey I could only have dreamed of.

"None of this would have been possible without the tremendous support I have received from managers, coaches, fellow players, backroom staff, the supporters and my own personal sponsors. I would like to thank each and every one for the huge role they have played in helping me reach the top of my profession.

"Most of all though, I would like to thank my family. To my beautiful wife Louise, for her continued love and support through the many ups and downs in my career and for affording me the most precious gift of all, our children.

"To my Mum who has always taken the brunt of my frustrations yet continues to keep our family so tight-knit, a trait that has formed the foundations of my own success.

"Her dedication to me and my brothers and sisters is immeasurable. I'd like to thank Terry, Andy, Karen and Lesley for being so understanding and creating the perfect environment to grow up in.

"Last but not least, my Dad. We did it my old mate! From those freezing local parks to terrorising the best defenders in the world on the biggest stages of all. I couldn't have done it without you."

An 18-year-old Owen burst on to the world stage with a memorable goal against Argentina for England at World Cup 1998 in France and has since gone on to win the Premier League, the FA Cup, three League Cups and the Uefa Cup.

The Stoke striker is also the most recent Englishman to win the European Footballer of the Year award in 2001, when he became the first Three Lions player since Kevin Keegan to recieve the prestigious accolade.

Owen is England's fourth-highest goalscorer of all time and has totaled 220 goals in his club career to date.

 

[Danube]

What a farce! As McManaman ESCAPES charge for horror tackle, it's Newcastle's coach who is put in the dock for over-reacting

By RIK SHARMA PUBLISHED: 15:43 GMT, 19 March 2013 | UPDATED: 18:06 GMT, 19 March 2013

​

Newcastle are outraged by the Football Association's decision not to charge Callum McManaman for his horror tackle on Massadio Haidara - as their coach John Carver faces punishment. Because one of the match officials saw the incident, the FA say they can not take retrospective action against the Wigan youngster.

Newcastle reacted to the decision not to punish McManaman with an incendiary statement that claims FA disciplinary procedures are 'not fit for purpose'. And their anger will not be aided by the FA's decision to charge Carver. He and Wigan coach Graham Barrow were sent to the stands after an altercation as Callum McManaman left the pitch. Barrow has also been charged. It comes on a day when the FA also banned Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha for one match - plus a £3,000 fine - for aiming his middle finger at Leeds fans.

No ban: Because one of the match officials saw the challenge, the FA will not take retrospective action

Banned: Wilfried Zaha shows the Leeds fans the middle finger

The Newcastle statement read: 'It is our strongly held opinion that the tackle on Massadio was extremely dangerous and is the type of challenge that has the potential to cause serious harm and such was the force, and reckless and dangerous nature of the challenge, even end a player's career.'It was not a fair challenge. This view is shared by countless former players, referees and well-respected media commentators. Indeed it appears to be only Dave Whelan who takes a contrary view.

'We are disappointed to learn that the FA is not going to charge the Wigan player. We were first notified of this decision by a national media outlet who received notification from the FA confirming the decision.

'This was prior to anyone from the FA having the courtesy to contact the club to let us know. It is clear from this decision that the current disciplinary procedures are not fit for purpose.' It is likely that linesman Matthew Wilkes has admitted to seeing the incident because referee Mark Halsey told Newcastle manager Alan Pardew that his view had been blocked.

The pictures above show the linesman's view of the incident.

Grim: McManaman's challenge on Haidara was inexcusable

THATCHER INCIDENT

It would not be unprecdented for The FA to circumvent their own rules.

In September 2006 they banned Manchester City's Ben Thatcher for eight games after he knocked out Portmouth's Pedro Mendes.

Thatcher was booked at the time by Dermot Gallagher but the FA lodged a charge of 'serious foul play' against the defender having viewed the atrocious elbow again.

LAURIE WHITWELL

The statement continued to say that Haidara will undergo a further scan next week to determine the extent of the damage caused. Carver has until 4pm on Friday, 22nd March, to respond to the FA charge.Newcastle also intend to make further representations before the FA in a bid to install a fairer and more appropriate disciplinary system. Managing director Derek Llambias wrote the statement and criticised Wigan owner Dave Whelan for validating the challenge as 'clean as a whistle'.

Whelan had said: ‘We have asked about him and the word back is he should be fit in seven to 14 days. I initially feared he may have broken a bone but it is just bruising. ‘The second thing is our lad went for the ball and took it clean as you like. He won it clean as a whistle.

‘After that, his momentum took him forward and he collided with the Newcastle player. It looked bad to begin with, admittedly. Looking on from the stands, I thought he’d broken his leg.’The FA explained their decision not to take action, with this statement: 'The FA can confirm that no action can be taken against Wigan Athletic's Callum McManaman retrospectively following his side's game against Newcastle United on Sunday 17 March 2013.

Scroll down for the full statement


McManaman horror tackle sparks half-time brawl as Newcastle's...
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Not a foul: Haidara left on a stretcher but referee Mark Halsey (second left) didn't even give a free kick

FA INCONSISTENCIES

Swearing into a TV Camera

Wayne Rooney was left furious in 2011 after being hit with a two-match ban when he swore into a TV camera. He did it while celebrating the third goal of a hat-trick in a crucial win for Man United against West Ham. Rooney missed an FA Cup semi-final with Man City at Wembley, which United lost.

Suso has banter with a team-mate

Liverpool’s young winger Suso was fined £10,000 for calling his team-mate Jose Enrique 'gay' on Twitter. The 19-year-old last month posted a photo of Enrique having his teeth whitened with the comment: 'What f*** is he doing? This guy is gay... he does everything except play football'. Homophobia is wrong, but if the FA are prepared to act on internet banter between footballers, they should surely take control when a player's career is endangered by a disgraceful tackle.

Broken Laws

A player can be dismissed from the field of play and be suspended for one game for acts as simple as removing his shirt and then committing handball on the halfway line later on. Harmless offences, which the FA seemingly deem to be more serious than McManaman’s horrific lunge.

Retrieving the ball from a ball boy

Eden Hazard was sent off against Swansea for recovering a ball by kicking it from beneath ball-boy Charlie Morgan, who was lying on top to waste time during Swansea’s League Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea in January. Hazard received a three game ban, and the police were called in, for an offence that seems considerably less serious than McManaman’s.

ADAM CRAFTON

'Following consultation with the game's stakeholders (the Premier League, the Football League, the Professional Footballers’ Association, the League Managers’ Association, Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the National Game) in the summer, it was agreed that retrospective action should only be taken in respect of incidents which have not been seen by the match officials.

'Where one of the officials has seen a coming together of players, no retrospective action should be taken, regardless of whether he or she witnessed the full or particular nature of the challenge. This is to avoid the re-refereeing of incidents.

'In the case of McManaman, it has been confirmed that at least one of the match officials saw the coming together, though not the full extent of the challenge. In these circumstances retrospective action cannot be taken.

'The principal objective behind the not seen policy is to address off the ball incidents where match officials are unlikely to be in a position to witness misconduct.' Newcastle coach John Carver was sent off at half-time for trying to get to the Wigan player as the teams left the field and will still face punishment from the FA.

Wigan coach Graham Barrow was also dismissed by Halsey for his part in a melee at half-time as tempers flared. After the game Pardew hit out at McManaman for the dreadful tackle, saying: ‘It’s an awful challenge. The pictures speak for themselves.

‘I thought it was a bad challenge and I was 60 yards away from the incident. I’m disappointed for our team and Wigan for the way it was conducted. ‘I’ve lost a game in the last minute to what I think is a handball and also got a boy going to hospital.

He's off: Newcastle No 2 John Carver (white top) was sent to the stands for confronting McManaman

HISTORY

Callum McManaman has commited a 'wild' challenge before. Click here to find out more.

'The diagnosis will not be good because the tackle was so bad. That is the truth of it. Bad bruising is the best we can hope for. ‘I don’t know what happened at half-time. I was in the dressing room. ‘My job was to calm the players at half-time and not look for retribution and try to go and win the second half.’ Pardew continued: ‘He apologised at half-time because he missed it. He didn’t explain why.’

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, however, had a different view of the incident. Martinez said: ‘The referee saw it clearly and they are big decisions in split seconds. When you get the ball and then the follow-up, it’s very difficult for a panel to punish that.

Having a look: Newcastle boss Alan Pardew (centre) fires a look at McManaman after he was substituted

Defence: Wigan manager Roberto Martinez (right) believes the challenge was 'nothing malicious'

'Remember, it was Callum’s full debut in the Premier League. I believe he touches the ball and then it’s a bad challenge. But it’s nothing malicious. 'He’s not that sort of boy. It’s the normal enthusiasm that you get on your debut. I think he wants to contact the player to apologise. He will do that.‘He is in a football club where those values are very important and he will definitely apologise.’'What you need to look at in those incidents is if there is intention, a nastiness about the tackle. We are not a nasty team,' he said. 'He (McManaman) has not a nasty bone and is not bad-intentioned.

Blocked: Pardew said referee Mark Halsey told him he didn't see the incident

'The referee was in a perfect position, he is looking at the incident, where the ball is and where the ball is hitting. 'When you get the ball and then there is a follow-up it is very difficult for a panel to punish that.'

Haidara was already on his way back to Newcastle for further assessment on potential knee ligament damage by the time the second half kicked off but Martinez stressed they would be contacting the player.

'Callum and Wigan will make sure we contact the player and wish him a speedy recovery,' added the Latics boss.

Confrontation: Newcastle assistant manager John Carver (left) confronted McManaman at half-time

'You don't want to see it (injuries) on the football pitch but unfortunately it happens. 'We have been on the back end of a broken leg with Ben Watson, James McCarthy has needed an operation on his ankle and Ryo Miyaichi is needing an operation now. 'Callum is just a young striker - unfortunately it was a poor tackle and enthusiasm probably threw him into that position. 'He needs to learn as a striker not to go into those situations.'

FULL NEWCASTLE STATEMENT - by managing director Derek Llambias

There has been significant public reaction from media, industry figures and supporters to the tackle made by Wigan Athletic's Callum McManaman on Massadio Haidara during the first-half of our Premier League fixture on Sunday, 17th March, in particular comments made by Wigan's owner Dave Whelan.

I have the greatest respect for Dave, who has been in the game for a long time as a professional footballer and now owner. I am also aware that Dave's career was cut short due to injury.

I am therefore disappointed and surprised by the comments he made yesterday, in particular his assertion that the tackle by Callum McManaman "was a fair challenge".

It is our strongly held opinion that the tackle on Massadio was extremely dangerous and is the type of challenge that has the potential to cause serious harm and such was the force, and reckless and dangerous nature of the challenge, even end a player's career.

It was not a fair challenge. This view is shared by countless former players, referees and well-respected media commentators. Indeed it appears to be only Dave Whelan who takes a contrary view.

We are disappointed to learn that the FA is not going to charge the Wigan player. We were first notified of this decision by a national media outlet who received notification from the FA confirming the decision.

This was prior to anyone from the FA having the courtesy to contact the Club to let us know.
It is clear from this decision that the current disciplinary procedures are not fit for purpose.

Newcastle United, along with other clubs, have had players suspended for incidents reviewed after the game. Whilst not trivialising these incidents, they were not, in our opinion, of the seriousness of Callum McManaman's tackle on Haidara.

Whilst we understand that the current procedures give the FA limited options, it cannot be correct that the most serious offences - those which have the potential to cause another player serious harm - can go unpunished, even if the original incident was seen by match officials.

We will now be making a strong representation to the FA and the Premier League to see how a more appropriate, fair and even-handed disciplinary process can be introduced at the earliest opportunity to prevent incidents of this nature going unpunished in the future.

Our attentions at this time are firmly with Massadio. He only joined us in January, but in that short time he has impressed us immensely both on and off the field. Massadio was scanned yesterday and will continue to be assessed for the remainder of the week.

He will undergo a further scan next week in order to determine the extent of the damage caused.

Contrary to comments in the media, there is currently no timescale for his recovery.

We would like to thank our fans for their heart-felt messages of support for Massadio. We are passing these messages on to him and we are sure they will help keep his spirits up.


​

 

[Gestapo]

Footy Hill : Man Yoo on the cheap again wrapping up their easy, unchallenged premier league title.

 

[Gestapo]

Retiring Owen in talks to become FA ambassador - Bevington
The Club England managing director has revealed the governing body are keen to continue to work with the striker, who announced his intention to retire on Tuesday

 

[Danube]

Decade of hit and miss: Rooney remains an England enigma, 10 years after his spectacular start

By MATT BARLOW PUBLISHED: 23:00 GMT, 20 March 2013 | UPDATED: 08:11 GMT, 21 March 2013

Wayne Rooney was the first on to the training pitch for Roy Hodgson’s opening session of the week, fooling about with Leon Osman, giddy at the prospect of kicking a ball around a damp field in Staffordshire. This boyish appetite for the game has survived it all. ‘Rooney’s talent was shaped on the streets of Croxteth,’ said Steven Gerrard. ‘Out of the front door, bang, into a game. No warming up, no tension, let’s get cracking lads.’

Enigmatic: Wayne Rooney has not quite hit the predicted heights in an England shirt

Gerrard wrote this in his autobiography as a reflection on Rooney’s first start for his country, a European qualifier against Turkey in Sunderland 10 years ago next week. England won 2-0 with goals by Darius Vassell and David Beckham but it was the teenager unleashed up front by Sven Goran Eriksson who convinced those at the Stadium of Light that they had witnessed something special, the arrival of a young English footballer destined for greatness.

Gary Lineker said it had taken his breath away. Eriksson said: ‘I can’t see any reason why I should leave him out if he plays like that.’ Since then, no England manager has. Only injury, suspension and pleasing Sir Alex Ferguson by giving him the odd rest have interfered with a collection of 79 caps.

Starting young: Rooney made his England debut as a teenager

Seeing red: Rooney was sent off in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final against Portugal

Shouting match: Rooney criticised England's fans at the 2010 World Cup as the team struggled

Yet Hodgson’s squad will board a plane at Birmingham bound for San Marino with Rooney still an enigmatic presence. It is as if he has been burdened by a decade of being our best and the weight of expectation produced during Euro 2004, which ended when he broke a metatarsal at Lisbon’s Stadium of Light.Up front with Rooney on his full debut against Turkey was Michael Owen, who announced this week he plans to retire from football at the end of the season.

Spine tingling: Rooney's former strike partner Michael Owen had more stand-out international moments

Owen’s decision met with fond reflection upon an England career of 40 goals: the firecracker against Argentina, a hat-trick in Germany, the opener against Brazil in a World Cup quarter-final. Where are the spine-tingling moments from Rooney, England’s youngest ever scorer? A brace in Bulgaria and a fierce strike in Russia do not have the same impact. The close-range header against Ukraine in Donetsk was vital for England’s progress at Euro 2012 but was his first goal at a major international tournament for eight years.

Red mist: Rooney was sent off last time he played in Montenegro

Heads we win: Rooney returned to the team after suspension to score against Ukraine

Samba beaten: Rooney also scored in last month's friendly victory over Brazil

Unfortunately, the red cards against Portugal and Montenegro spring more readily to mind. He compares well with Owen, another teenage prodigy. Rooney has seven fewer goals in 10 fewer games, a ratio he should be confident of boosting tomorrow against San Marino, ranked the world’s worst international team by FIFA.

Beyond this, Rooney’s contribution cannot simply be calculated by goals. He has been up front alone, in a pair, in the hole off the front man and, occasionally, wide. You can even throw in the odd cameo in midfield. He craves involvement, ever willing to do a job in a different system. It is still the way at Manchester United. Picked against Real Madrid away, he was dropped at home. Is this evidence of his slow conversion from playmaker to workhorse?

Workhorse? Are Rooney's talents being wasted?

Superstar: Rooney was the sensation of the tournament at Euro 2004

New hero: Rooney's emergence suggested England possessed a world beater

International awakening: Rooney also excelled a year before that, on his competitive debut against Turkey

Time to celebrate: Rooney has been a regular for England since that star turn against Turkey

Fabio Capello perhaps came closer than others to unlocking the secret for England. Rooney scored half of his 24 competitive England goals for Capello. Nine of them came in nine qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, playing up front with Emile Heskey. But he travelled to South Africa with questions surrounding his fitness and, it would later emerge, his head in a spin from personal issues.

Under the pressure of comparisons to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he cut an angry figure, swearing at a female linesman in a practice match, scrawling abusive messages on his golf shoes and sounding off into a TV camera about England fans who booed the team after a goalless draw against Algeria. Rooney went a year without a goal for England while strike partners came and went: Bobby Zamora, Peter Crouch, Darren Bent, Kevin Davies, Ashley Young, Andy Carroll and Danny Welbeck have all had a go since the last World Cup.

Out of form: Ashley Young

Good foil? Danny Welbeck

Forgotten man: Darren Bent

When Hodgson took the job last year, he was unequivocal about his star man. ‘We all know Rooney is best as a No 10,’ he said. ‘The fact he’s such a good player and can play in other positions, that’s another matter. From my conversations with him, from all the games I’ve watched him play, he’s extremely dangerous as a second striker.’

Last month, in a friendly against Brazil, Rooney was the spearhead in a 4-3-3 shape designed to accommodate Jack Wilshere. The experiment worked well and the most encouraging aspect of the 2-1 victory was the way that Wilshere, Rooney and Tom Cleverley combined. Will Hodgson stick to this shape with Wilshere injured or take a step back? In two qualifiers with Rooney available in this World Cup campaign, he played in tandem with Welbeck against San Marino and Jermain Defoe in Poland.

Missing link: England are to be without Jack Wilshere

Again, his flexibility does not help Rooney stamp his identity on an England team. Gerrard may sympathise — it has happened to him too — and will have his own views on why the 17-year-old who made such an impact on his full England debut did not break into the world elite where Messi and Ronaldo reside. At 27, Rooney can still leave his mark on international football and paste new images over those red-mist moments with some unforgettable goals. Where better to start than San Marino? Where better to prove a point on Tuesday than Montenegro, scene of his last England meltdown? Where better to make an impression than a World Cup in Brazil?
​

 

[Dzeko]

Aguero to return to Manchester City after failing to recover from injury with Argentina
The striker left for international duty despite not featuring since February 24, and will now make his way back to the Etihad Stadium after being assessed by medical staff

 

[PetrCech]

Richards approaching Manchester City return
The defender suffered cartilage damage in October, but is nearing a comeback thanks to a gruelling rehabilitation routine

 

[PetrCech]

Lampard: Rio Ferdinand still has an England future
The 34-year-old believes the Manchester United veteran will feature for the national side again, despite withdrawing from the current squad due to a conflict of fitness schedules

 

[PetrCech]

Michu praises Swansea's growing international contingent
The Spaniard has made an excellent start to life in the Premier League and feels that the atmosphere at the Liberty Stadium is ideal for players moving from abroad

 

[PetrCech]

Di Santo eager to extend Wigan contract
The Argentine striker has revealed that he is looking to extend his deal at the DW Stadium, as long as he is guaranteed first-team football by manager Roberto Martinez

 

[General Veers]

Moyes delighted at Osman England call-up
The veteran Everton manager shares his happiness at the inclusion of the player to whom he gave a first-team debut in 2003, believing that the midfielder has "carried" his club

'It will happen for us very soon' - Frimpong urges Arsenal fans to stick by Wenger
The Gunners midfielder is uncertain of his future at the club but insists that everyone is doing the work needed to turn things around after eight trophyless years

Liverpool declare Joe Allen's shoulder surgery a success
The former Swansea City midfielder underwent an operation on Thursday to correct a long-standing shoulder problem and his club confirm that the procedure went smoothly

Owen: Goal against Argentina at France '98 changed my life
The 33-year-old forward, who announced his retirement on Tuesday, claimed his strike in Saint-Etienne was the best goal of his career

Szczesny apologises for father's attack on Wenger
The Poland international has released a statement apologising for his father's recent comments, in which he blamed the Gunners boss for his son's downturn in form

Rio Ferdinand defends Qatar trip after pulling out of England squad
The 34-year-old defender cited his need to follow a strict training regime after withdrawing, but has travelled to commentate on the Three Lions' clash with San Marino

Sturridge dreaming of established England role
The 23-year-old Liverpool striker has earned a call-up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and is eager to become a regular fixture in future Three Lions squads

'He could have smashed my career' - Haidara on McManaman tackle
The Frenchman has questioned the FA's decision not to take further action against the Wigan youngster for Sunday's horror challenge

Azpilicueta blames goalkeepers for Torres' poor Chelsea form
The 23-year-old has praised his team-mate despite his omission from the Spain squad and also revealed that Blues fans still possess "tremendous affection" for Jose Mourinho

Soriano keen for Manchester City to prioritise youth development
The 45-year-old chief executive wants the reigning Premier League champions to curb their heavy spending and emulate the transfer policy of his former club Barcelona

Manchester City defender Richards eyeing derby return
The reigning Premier League champions could face two meetings with Manchester United in April and the right-back is keen to prove his fitness in time to be involved

FA board approves Greg Dyke as new chairman
The former director general of the BBC, who has also previously held positions with Manchester United and Brentford, is set to take over from David Bernstein in July

King backs Tottenham as future title contenders
The retired defender believes his former club can threaten the Premier League's elite should they continue their current progress under manager Andre Villas-Boas

Rodgers will bring trophies back to Liverpool, insists Agger
The centre-back believes that adapting to a new playing style under the 40-year-old has temporarily hindered the Reds' chances of success but is confident of a turnaround

Hazard: Chelsea must win a trophy to make the season a success
The 22-year-old attacker has expressed disappointment with certain aspects of his debut year in the Premier League, but is keen to end the campaign on a high note

Manchester United have been a 'killing machine' this season, says Hart
The 25-year-old shot-stopper has admitted Roberto Mancini's side have been unable to match their rivals' consistency this term, but says he is unable to understand why

Chelsea goalkeeper Cech dismisses Arsenal link
The Czech Republic international insists he has not been contacted by the Gunners, and says he would not welcome the prospect of a move away from Stamford Bridge

Gerrard admits to having 'underachieved' in an England shirt
The 32-year-old skipper believes his time playing for the Three Lions will ultimately be unfulfilled unless they go beyond the quarter-final stage at the next World Cup in 2014

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre quashes Luis Suarez exit talk
The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club in the summer, with the Anfield outfit likely to miss out on a Champions League qualification spot this term

Corchia and Rangel top Arsenal shortlist as Wenger targets Sagna replacement
The Swansea and Sochaux defenders are being targeted by the Gunners to challenge Carl Jenkinson for the right-back slot next season

Wilshere unavailable for England Under-21s at Euro 2013, Pearce confirms
The Young Lions coach admits the Arsenal starlet is too important to the senior side to be considered at youth level, but hopes the tournament can boost Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Newcastle defender Haidara set for further scan after McManaman horror tackle
The French defender only arrived in the Premier League from Nancy in January but is set for a spell on the sidelines, though the club are unsure about the extent of his situation

Hart will not give up England No.1 jersey without a fight
The Manchester City shot-stopper has praised the competition for places between the sticks, but is adamant that he wants to hang onto his starting spot in Roy Hodgson’s side

Capello thought I was a midfielder - Newcastle defender Taylor
The 27-year-old has been called up for the Three Lions’ upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers and has recalled how the Italian dented his hopes of playing for his country

My season with Manchester City has not been brilliant, admits Hart
With the reigning Premier League champions trailing Manchester United by 15 points, the goalkeeper is keen for him and the squad to improve during the end-of-season run-in

Reading close in on Brighton boss Poyet
The 45-year-old is set to hold talks with the Premier League club as they prepare to make him a lucrative offer to succeed Brian McDermott

Suarez open to Liverpool exit
The Uruguayan confessed that he would talk to rivals with greater prospects of competing in European competition than the Reds

Walcott: Assurances over playing up front key to new Arsenal deal
The 24-year-old also backs under-fire boss Arsene Wenger to prove his doubters wrong after another season without silverware

Liverpool midfielder Allen sidelined for rest of season
The Wales international will undergo surgery on his problematic shoulder after suffering a recurrence of the injury in October

'I'm very happy in Manchester' - De Gea dismisses United exit rumours
The 22-year-old has ruled out leaving Old Trafford, but admits that he could return "home" to Madrid in the future

Villas-Boas can replace Mourinho at Real Madrid, says Mata
The Spaniard feels his former boss at Chelsea has all the quality to coach at the Santiago Bernabeu as speculation over the 50-year-old's future grows

'We will see what will happen' - Lukaku coy on Chelsea future
The forward is refusing to discuss his own future, but hopes Christian Benteke leaves Aston Villa for a "big club" soon and that Frank Lampard stays at Stamford Bridge

Wenger to blame for Szczesny's Arsenal slump, insists father
The young Pole has endured a torrid few months and been usurped by countryman Lukasz Fabianski in the Gunners goal, and his father is adamant his manager is responsible

'He was a supreme goalscorer' - Carragher pays tribute to retiring Owen
The 35-year-old admits he is dismayed at the way his former team-mate's career has fizzled out, insisting his formidable talent in the penalty area is too easily forgotten

Yaya Toure's agent issues contract ultimatum to Manchester City
The Ivorian's representative has set the Premier League champions a deadline for a new contract to be offered, but the club are determined not to open discussions until the summer

Arsenal would be 'ideal' for Alexis Sanchez, claims former Udinese sporting director
The Chilean has struggled for form and fitness since arriving at Camp Nou in July 2011, and Fabrizio Larini believes his style would suit the Gunners down to the ground

Bale will not go part-time for Wales, insists Ledley
The Tottenham star's blistering campaign has led to speculation he will prioritise his club career, but the Celtic man cannot see his team-mate picking and choosing his games

England Under-21 duty will be good for Sterling, says Liverpool boss Rodgers
The Northern Irishman has removed the youngster from Premier League duty in recent weeks amid fears of burnout, but insists a summer tournament could aid his development

Lucas: I am close to my best level for Liverpool
The Brazilian has been ever-present for the Reds in 2013 after recovering from a thigh injury, and now believes he is nearing the performances which made him an Anfield hero

Retiring Owen in talks to become FA ambassador - Bevington
The Club England managing director has revealed the governing body are keen to continue to work with the striker, who announced his intention to retire on Tuesday

 

[Modric]

MLS move would not end my England career, insists Lampard
The 34-year-old is adamant a summer move to the United States would not preclude him from reaching 100 international caps, though he plans to speak with Roy Hodgson