New South Wales all-rounder Shane Lee has been ruled out of Australia A’s two matches against the New Zealanders and South Africans next week, due to on-going soreness in his right knee.He will be replaced in the squad by young Tasmanian all-rounder Shane Watson.Lee’s injury, which prevents him from bowling, forced him to withdraw from the Blues’ four-day match against South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground in December 2001.He will receive on-going treatment and his progress will be closely monitored by Cricket New South Wales physiotherapist Patrick Farhart.Despite the injury, Lee may still be selected as a batsman in the Blues’ ING Cup clash with the Victorian Bushrangers this Sunday 6 January in Melbourne.20 year-old Watson has made 548 runs and taken 18 wickets in 10 matches for the Tasmanian Tigers since making his first-class debut midway through the 2000-01 season.Upon learning of his selection Watson said: “I really am thrilled.”David Johnston (Tasmanian Cricket Association Chief Executive Officer) told me the news while I was coaching at a junior clinic.”I didn’t expect this opportunity to arise for at least another couple of seasons, but I am looking forward to being part of a team that has so many top players in it.”Tuesday’s day-night match at The Gabba won’t be the first time Watson has faced the Black Caps this summer. The former Queenslander was part of the Prime Minister’s XI that was defeated by the New Zealanders at Canberra’s Mauka Oval in December.Watson will face new Australia A team-mates Darren Lehmann and Greg Blewett in the Tasmanian Tigers’ ING Cup match against the Southern Redbacks this Sunday 6 January at the NTCA Ground in Launceston.
The Bath festival County Championship match between Somerset and Kent looks set for an exciting finish on the fourth day.Somerset were left to chase 190 for their second championship success of the summer after they bowled Kent out for 223 in their second innings.But Kent hit back well in the last hour to take the wickets of Marcus Trescothick, Piran Holloway and nightwatchman Steffan Jones.Somerset closed on 50-3 and their hopes of a second championship success of the summer could depend largely on skipper Jamie Cox, unbeaten on 27, and former captain Peter Bowler, who has four to his name.Kent’s main victory hopes are likely to rest with the left-arm spin of Min Patel. With the festival wicket offering some assistance to the slow bowlers, Patel bowled five tight overs for ten runs and snapped up the wicket of Holloway, stumped by wickekeeper Paul Nixon.Martin McCague had claimed Trescothick’s wicket with the first ball of the innings. The in-form left-hander attempted a legside glance and Nixon snapped up the catch.Jones, who came in with seven overs remaining, departed in unusual fashion. He pushed forward defensively at a Patel delivery, but lifted his foot from the crease as he did so and Mark Ealham’s sharp return to Nixon from silly mid off brought the run out.Earlier, Kent had been indebted to Matthew Walker and Ealham for holding their innings together.They shared a fifth wicket stand of 99 to frustrate Somerset after three wickets from Andrew Caddick had reduced the visitors to 60-4.Ealham took 16 deliveries to get off the mark, but he became increasingly fluent after lunch and had struck seven boundaries before he was caught down the legside by wickekeeper Rob Turner off Caddick.Walker has a habit of making substantial scores against Somerset and he had moved confidently to 61, with nine fours, when he gloved a catch to Trescothick at backward short leg off Ian Blackwell’s left-arm spin.Nixon dug in for a gritty 28 not out, and skipper Matthew Fleming made 23, but Kent will have been disappointed that their last four wickets tumbled for eight runs in 25 balls.Blackwell began the collapse by having Fleming caught loaw at slip by Keith Parsons.Min Patel was then run out by Jones, who produced a sharp piece of fielding off his own bowling, after Nixon had called for an unrealistic single.Jones then wrapped up the innings by uprooting McCague’s middle stump and having David Masters lbw.He finished with 3-74, while Caddick again took top honours for Somerset with 4-40. That left Caddick with a match analysis of 10-97 and the England pace star has now claimed 25 wickets for Somerset this season in only five innings.
It is sometimes difficult to keep up, but it does appear that the majority of Arsenal fans are still ‘Wenger out’ despite the Frenchman seemingly turning things around in recent weeks.
Arsenal have actually won each of their last six matches in all competitions, and the Gunners are on the verge of reaching the Europa League semi-finals.
Arsenal are not going to finish in the top four in the Premier League this season, but the capital outfit will be in the Champions League next term if they manage to win the Europa League.
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Arsene Wenger remains under serious pressure at the Emirates Stadium, and it will be very interesting to see what he chooses to do at the end of the season.
Arsenal’s record goalscorer Thierry Henry has previously been linked with the managerial role at the London club, and the Gunners supporters have urged the Frenchman to take control for the 2018-19 campaign.
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Henry is, without question, one of the greatest players to ever play for Arsenal, but is he ready to take on such a big role? The Arsenal fans seem to think so.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has pleaded his innocence, despite choosing not to appeal the FA decision to ban him for four matches.
The Italy international initially escaped punishment after it appeared that he kicked Scott Parker in the head in the Etihad Stadium team’s 3-2 win over Tottenham on Sunday.
However the game’s governing body in England retrospectively handed down a four-match punishment, and despite not challenging the decision, Balotelli has stated that he is innocent.
“I am not a villain or a violent player,” the attacker told The Independent.
“I have accepted the ban because I couldn’t prove my innocence.
“I didn’t try to heel Parker,” he concluded.
Roberto Mancini is also very upset with the forward’s suspension, and feels his side have been hard done by.
“The referee was there, 10 metres from the tackle. He could have sent Mario off at that moment, not after the game because he watched the video,” Mancini stated.
“That is easy. I can be a referee in the next game. He (Howard Webb) can’t say he didn’t see it. He saw everything.
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“Now it is finished and Mario can do nothing. We lost Vinny (Kompany) for four games for nothing and now we are without Mario,” the trainer moaned.
Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has backed midfielder Sergio Busquets, who has denied racially abusing Real Madrid full-back Marcelo.Busquets could miss the Champions League final against Manchester United on May 28 after UEFA started disciplinary proceedings against him.
A decision is expected on Sunday with the Spain international potentially facing a five-match ban if found guilty.
But Guardiola has thrown his support behind the 22-year-old after he denied the claims.
“I totally agree with Sergio Ramos in that only Busquets and Marcelo know what happened. I totally agree with him. Only they know,” he said.
“I wait on UEFA who have been presented with the allegations and on Sunday they will make their decision.”
“All I will say is that I have known Sergio for a long time and if he tells me something I believe him because I know him.”
The alleged incident occurred during Barcelona’s fiery 2-0 win over Real in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg on April 27.
Barcelona will be presented with the La Liga trophy on Sunday when they welcome Deportivo La Coruna.
Guardiola said his team was aiming for victory, even if the title was wrapped up.
“They should know that Barcelona will go out to win the game whoever is playing on the pitch. I have no doubt about that,” he said.
“We don’t want to be responsible for circumstances that arise in this competition for other teams. Don’t think that we won’t go out to win the game tomorrow. We will go and fight until the end.”
His team comes up against a side still in a relegation fight, only three points clear of the bottom three with two games remaining.
Guardiola urged Barcelona fans to come and celebrate with the players, who he said deserved the recognition they would get on Sunday.
“It’s true that when you spend so long working towards something, you forget about it when you achieve it. We will continue training, and we will continue to celebrate after tomorrow’s game,” he said.
“We are going to play a good game and hope that the fans come. You can’t celebrate alone, you need other people too.”
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has angrily hit out at suggestions that Bebe has failed to make a positive impression in his first days at Old Trafford.
Ferguson broke with tradition to sign a player without first seeing him in action when he paid £7million to land the 20-year-old striker from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes last month.
Bebe's absence from a reserve team fixture in midweek led to reports that the youngster had disappointed the United coaching staff.
However, Ferguson has dismissed suggestions that he has made a mistake in the transfer market with a staunch defence of the player.
"Bebe is on a programme doing endurance work because his fitness levels are not near the ones we are at," said the veteran Scot.
"Other than that he has done well. I know he has had a couple of vicious attacks on him for why he wasn't playing in the reserve game but he was never going to be playing on Tuesday.
"The boy did not deserve that.
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"He is a young man trying to make his way in football. They didn't need to do that. It was a really bitter attack. Ability-wise he is excellent. He is a terrific finisher.
"We have been very impressed with that. It is just the fitness levels he needs to get to."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Gary Neville’s frank admission last year that playing for England was ‘a massive waste of time’, is hardly a surprising revelation and may simply confirm what a lot of this country’s supporters already suspect; that playing and performing well for England is just not a high priority for many of today’s Premier League superstars. It also backs up the claim that this has been the problem with England’s national team for years.
We’ve all grown accustomed to it. Every time an international tournament comes along the press is quick to build up England’s hopes, promoting them to one of the favourites on the evidence of…’inventing’ football? 1966? Whilst I may be (only slightly) exaggerating, the main cause for England optimism is of course the English Premier League and its vast array of stars. However, it seems lost on many in this country that perhaps boasting the self proclaimed ‘best league in the world’ doesn’t equate to the best players in the league being English. For all the grandeur, splendour and quality of the Premier League, a lot of that quality has been provided by the non-English. But, that’s not to say there hasn’t been a plethora of English Premier League stars over the years, as quite clearly there has. It just ensures the success of the Premier League and the teams in it helps build the great expectations of the English national team, which always ends in ‘catastrophic’ failure. But I digress a little. But not much…
You see the success of our Premier League teams and the failings of the National team can be intrinsically linked by Neville’s comments. As a member of the most successful team in Premier League history he was used to winning at club level. Whilst he counts himself as ‘patriotic’, he also states that playing for England was just a ‘bonus’. Winning for Manchester United was always the most important thing to him. These comments have been echoed by many others in the past – Jamie Carragher is another with similar sentiments – but obviously with Liverpool winning rather than United! As a supporter, I put my club first so can take comfort from my players doing the same – but can see how other fans take issue with such comments.
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You see the Premier League era and the success, glory and obscene amounts of money it has brought, has given today’s top player everything they could possibly ever want. They are rich, they are famous – world renowned in fact, and they are successful with their club teams. When the inevitable happens and the great expectations are not reached with the English national team, they are slaughtered by the press and public. Many England players, past and present, have stated on occasions they have been barracked by the home support. It was particularly prevalent in the old Wembley days. Some supporters club allegiances are not put to one side and abuse will be given to a ‘domestic’ opposite player, rather than channelling support for their country.
It has become a vicious circle; the more England fail, the more abuse the players receive – and today’s Premier League star just isn’t used to receiving such criticism – be it too harsh or not. The fear of failure is so much so that players, such as Neville, see representing their country as something they could do without – rather than it being the pinnacle of their career. Now too many players spend too much time fearing the consequences of failure when they pull on an England shirt, scared of what will be written or said of them if a mistake is made.
The modern Premier League English international has much to occupy his mind, other than the failing of the national team. Discipline has always been a key issue when talking about England, and again Neville brought to light that players would rather be gambling on the horses or playing card games, rather than focusing on the job in hand. Other stories regarding mobile phones in training and the infamous WAGS issue have all dogged fairly recent campaigns, but that seemingly came to a close with the appointment of the strict Fabio Capello as England manager. However, on the pitch, when it come to tournament time, not much changed with England’s ‘golden generation’ coming to a humiliating end in South Africa.
It’s hard to know who to blame for all the failings; the previous/current managers and their lack of man management or flexible tactics? Or is it the press, the media and the fans for the unrealistic expectations, then the incessant abuse that follows the failures? Or is it simply down to the players, who in today’s game are too pampered and precious, put their country second, and have simply achieved too much too soon, without achieving the heights of the legends of yesteryear?
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Liverpool are arguably still the most famous team in England, despite what them down the road say (the last time I checked, Liverpool still had a few more European Cups anyway). However, this season, whilst United have already added a League Cup to their cabinet, Liverpool have been languishing in the Premier League, and got knocked out of the Champions League. However, do not fret Liverpool fans, as you do not walk alone. It appears that whilst you may not be top of the Premier League, you are well represented with REAL fans in celebrity circles. Here are Liverpool’s top ten celebrity fans…
Click on Billy Bob Thornton to see Liverpool’s TOP 10 Celebrity Fans
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Well there you have it. Liverpool have some rather blooming huge Hollywood stars supporting the Reds, as well as locals like Tarbuck, Charles and Peel. However, if you think you know of more celebrity supporters, feel obliged to add to the list at your own discretion.
To say the transfer window (so far) has been uneventful is tantamount to saying the Arctic is a bit nippy, as the majority of Premier League clubs are seemingly being careful with their finances. In some cases clubs simply have to sell before they can buy, much to the frustrations, no doubt, of many managers and supporters.
The lack of spending at the top of the Premier League has surprised many, especially given the open nature of last season’s title race. You would have thought the likes of United and Chelsea would have looked at a big outlay this summer, to ensure the also-rans remain at an arm’s length in their pursuits of the title. Only City have made substantial moves this summer, although you do feel that they may well struggle to strike a balance. This means this season’s race for the title, Champions League and Europa League places are very much as they were last year, unless we witness a major change in the transfer wind in the coming fortnight.
The media is predicting that a transfer storm is set to erupt, but it begs the question as to whether West Ham really need to partake in some last minute shopping, or has the clubs five new additions ensured that the Hammers side is adequately equipped this season?
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Does Avram Grant need to bring any players in before the transfer window shuts in 16 days time and if so who would you like to see him bring in?
Gonzalo Higuain’s father and agent has stated that the striker has no intention in leaving Real Madrid, and has distanced his son from a move to Chelsea.
The Argentina international competes with Karim Benzema for a place in Jose Mourinho’s starting XI, and reports in both the Spanish and British press have linked the South American attacker with a move to Stamford Bridge come January.
Despite this, Jorge Higuain has stated that the 24-year-old will not be leaving the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Nobody at Real Madrid has said anything about wanting to sell Gonzalo and he doesn’t have any intention of leaving,” the representative told La Stampa.
“In fact, he wants to continue with Real Madrid until his contract expires in June 2016.
“If somebody told us we weren’t welcome (at Real) I’m sure we would receive very good proposals,” he stated.
Serie A giants Juventus have also been speculated as a potential suitor, but Higuain senior has said that there has been no contact from the Turin club or Andre Villas Boas’ men.
“Regarding the rumours that say Chelsea and Juventus are interested in my son, the only thing I can say is that they are both two great teams.
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“They would be two important opportunities, but nobody has gotten in touch with me,” he concluded.