Kenny Dalglish has admitted that players will have to moved on if he is to make any further additions to his Liverpool squad, reports Sky Sports.
The Anfield boss is keen to continue his summer recruitment drive but needs to move fringe players on if he is to bring in more new faces.
Dalglish has been busy in the transfer market with Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing brought in for big fees to bolster the midfield whilst goalkeeper Doni has signed to provide backup to Pepe Reina.
He told Sky Sports “We’re delighted with the work we’ve done. Whether there’s more remains to be seen and depends on players going out.”
Flops like Christian Poulsen and Alberto Aquilani are both high earners and surplus to requirements at Anfield.
The club are keen to move both them and other players on the periphery away from the club to allow Dalglish to strengthen the squad further.
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There is a gaping hole at left back that Dalglish is keen to fill with Paul Konchesky moving to Leicester and Emiliano Insua not in first team contention.
Newcastle United’s Jose Enrique and Lyon’s Aly Cissokho have been strongly linked with a switch to Anfield but a move for either will depend on who departs the club first.
According to our friends in Fleet Street, Liverpool are the latest in a string of clubs to be linked with signing ex world player of the year, Ronaldinho. The Brazilian, 30, has become a peripheral figure at the San Siro, with boss Massimiliano Allegri preferring Robinho. It is this lack of first team football this season that has driven speculation of a departure.
However, Liverpool would have to convince him to drop his £6.3m per annum wage demands for the man who has also been linked with moves to Los Angeles Galaxy and a host of Brazilian clubs.
There is no way that NESV would pay the Brazilian the wages that he is on at AC Milan but if he was willing to drop, there could be a deal to be done. Liverpool do need a player that can work with Fernando Torres and Ronaldinho fits the bill perfectly. A stumbling block would be whether Roy Hodgson is willing to move Steven Gerrard back into midfield to accommodate the Brazillian play maker.
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On 30th March this year, former Millwall defender Barry Kitchener died at the age of 64 after a short battle with cancer.
To followers of top-flight English football, he may not be well-known, but in the lower leagues, he was something of a legend. As centre back, he was the epitome of reliability, tenacity and composure. He was strong in the air and confident and assured with the ball on the ground. He even had the occasional eye for goal, scoring a 30-yard screamer against Sheffield United in only his second game for the club. He was the centre back that all managers dream of.
But his most endearing quality was his dedication to Millwall FC. He started and finished his playing career at the Den, amassing a club record 602 appearances between 1966 and 1982. This included an astonishing 244 consecutive appearances, a feat almost unheard of for an outfield player. Despite never playing in the top-flight, and suffering relegation to the third tier of English football on two separate occasions, Kitchener always stuck with Millwall.
For a player to represent only one club throughout their career is very rare these days, especially outside the Premiership. It is only down to playing for the powerful, wealthy clubs that the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Tony Adams and John Terry have been able to stick by the club that they love. But in the lower leagues, where financial insecurity is a constant burden, it is almost impossible for a player to stick with one club for more than two seasons, let alone an entire career, regardless of their love and devotion to that club.
So, as a tribute to players like Barry Kitchener, here are a just a handful of ‘one-club men’, who dedicated their careers to the team they love:
John Trollope – Swindon Town (1960-80, 886 appearances)
Wiltshire born and bred, left-back John Trollope currently holds the record for the most number of league appearances for one club, with 886 appearances in all competitions for Swindon, including 368 consecutive matches. Swindon spent the majority of this period in the second and third tier of English football and Trollope never experienced the joys of playing top-flight football. Despite this, he was part of the Swindon team that won the 1969 League Cup, their greatest achievement to date.
Colin Cowperthwaite – Barrow (1977-92, 704 appearances)
While Kitchener and Trollope never played in the top-flight, Cowperthwaite never even got to experience playing in the Football League. He started out with Barrow five years after they were relegated from the Football League. He helped them win two Northern Premier League titles, and the FA Trophy in 1990, scoring in the final at Wembley. He also holds the record for the fastest goal in English football, scoring after just 3.5 seconds against Kettering Town.
John Askey – Macclesfield Town (1984-2003, 698 appearances)
Like Cowperthwaite, Askey spent the majority of his career in Non-League football. But during his spell, he helped guide Macclesfield to the Northern League title in 1986 and the Conference title in 1994 and 1997. He was part of the side that won back-to-back promotions in 1997 and 1998, which saw the club reach the third tier of English football for the first time ever. Askey scored in his final match for the Silkmen in a 3-2 win over Rochdale. He is currently manager of Macclesfield’s youth team.
John McDermott – Grimsby Town (1987-2007, 754 appearances)
At the peak of his career, McDermott was regarded as one of the most respected defenders outside of the Premier League. He was linked with Premiership moves to Sunderland and Ipswich Town, but chose to stay with his beloved club. McDermott experienced promotion and relegation on nine separate occasions with Grimsby, with his biggest success coming in 1998, when he helped them win the Auto Windscreens Shield (now known as the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy). McDermott was once quoted as saying: “If someone would rather sit in the reserves at a big club and drive around in a Ferrari rather than going out on-loan and playing, then I think it’s a sad day.“
Alan Knight – Portsmouth (1978-2000, 801 appearances)
Alan Knight currently holds the record for the most appearances for one club by a goalkeeper, beating the previous record held by Peter Bonetti at Chelsea. Unlike the others on the list, Knight did play in the top-flight, when Portsmouth won promotion in 1987. However, they were relegated the following season. His greatest success with the club was winning the Third Division title (equivalent of League One today) and helping Pompey reach the semi finals of the FA Cup, losing on penalties to the eventual winners, Liverpool. He was awarded an MBE in 2001 for his services to football.
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It’s sad to say, but thanks to the strains of modern football, players like these are a dying breed. There must be thousands of professional footballers out there who would want nothing more than to play for the club that they love, and no-one else. But it is getting more and more difficult for clubs to justify holding on to their most dedicated players for this length of time. In this sense, players like Kitchener were privileged.
Kitchener played in an era when money was not the significant influence that it is today. Nowadays, the consensus is that if you play for a lower league club, play well for that club and show 100% dedication, you then look out for bigger and better things. With the opportunity to earn crazy amounts of money, it’s no wonder that players like this don’t exist anymore.
This did not influence Barry Kitchener. He played for his club through thick and thin. He never set his sights on playing for a ‘bigger’ club or vehemently pursuing titles and trophies. He simply played for the love of football and for the love of his club. It is because of this that he was and will always be a legend in the hearts of Millwall FC.
In April, Barry Kitchener’s daughter, Nikki, set up ‘The Big Kitch Appeal’ in a bid to raise money and awareness for local cancer charities. Nikki and other supporters will be taking part in a 134 mile bike ride from Gorleston in Norfolk to Millwall FC in memory of her father. For more information about this very worthwhile cause, or to make a donation, please visit www.bigkitchappeal.co.uk, or follow them on Twitter (@BigKitchAppeal).
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has stated that he is happy with the club’s business in the transfer market so far this summer, and has hailed the new players.
The Premier League champions have added Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea to their ranks in the last month, which the veteran feels are positive moves.
“It is just what the club needs. Three of our most experienced players have retired, so the manager has reinforced certain positions on the field. This club is always evolving. That is what has happened since I have been here,” the 32-year-old stated in a press conference in Boston.
“That is what you aim to do. It is not about your personal feelings. It is about the club becoming better and more stable and continuing the success we have had over the years.”
The fact that Sir Alex Ferguson has added youthful additions to the squad is also a decision backed by the England centre back.
“It is great to see young players. We have some very young players coming through the youth team already, so when the manager adds players of quality like Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea, it can only improve the squad, increase our longevity and continue our success,” he concluded.
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The Old Trafford side are currently in the United States to play five friendlies in the build up to the 2011/12 campaign.
Hugo Rodallega is hoping to make amends as he returns from suspension this weekend.
The Colombian marksman was handed a three-match ban after picking up a straight red card in the defeat at Manchester United last month.
The Latics have struggled in the striker’s absence and have picked up just one point while Rodallega was out of the side, as well as being dumped out of the Carling Cup by Arsenal.
However, Rodallega is available for the trip to Everton this weekend and boss Roberto Martinez feels the striker is keen to make amends following his suspension.
“It’s a massive boost to have Hugo available again,” Martinez told the Observer.
“From a mental point of view you couldn’t get anyone with more of a desire to get out there.
“It’s been so frustrating for him, and in many ways a learning process for him.
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“I’m sure he’s learned his lesson from what happened and he’s desperate to make amends on Saturday.”
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Manchester United have suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to relegation candidates Wigan at the DW Stadium on Wednesday night.
Shaun Maloney scored the only goal of the game in the second half to give Roberto Martinez’s men a historic win and lift them out of the relegation zone and up to 17th place.
Despite claims that United should have had a penalty, Sir Alex Ferguson believes that the Latics were good value for their win.
“It was a disappointing night for us, in the first half we were totally dominated by Wigan,” he confessed to Sky Sports.
“It was of those awful nights that you sometimes get in football and it’s unavoidable sometimes.
“I think Phil Dowd had a disappointing game tonight but doesn’t take away from the fact Wigan were the better team and deserved to win.
“They play terrific football, are underrated, in a false position and really deserved the win tonight.
“The kind of football they play considering their position is a credit to their manager.
“Some of the football they play is outstanding, so we weren’t under any illusions, but the thing is we just didn’t cope with it,” he concluded.
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The defeat sees United’s advantage at the top of the standings cut to five points; the Red Devils face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Yesterday saw the beginning of the 43rd Copa America in Argentina where a host of the world’s finest footballers will be on display and no doubt the eyes of Europe’s top clubs will be on them.
The tournament will include some the world’s most high profile players such as, Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez and will also be a platform for some of the most wanted men in football to show just why some of the biggest clubs in Europe are chasing their signatures.
Alexis Sanchez of Chile, Neymar of Brazil, and Javier Pastore of Argentina have all been linked with high profile moves to the likes of Chelsea , Barcelona , and Real Madrid . They will see this tournament as an ideal chance to attract more suitors and demonstrate the vast amount of talent they possess.
Sanchez for example has been told by Chile that he can leave their training camp in the build up to the Championship in order to complete his much anticipated move to Barcelona for around £35m. Neymars club Santos recently declared that five major European clubs have met the £40m buy-out clause in his contract and he too could soon be on the move.
Javier Pastores club Palermo have announced in the past few days a number of top clubs have shown an interest in him before club President Maurizio Zamparini declared one club in particular have tabled a £45m bid.
Between them these three players alone could cost a combined £130m for what is relatively unproven talent in the eyes of many fans, though the Copa America is the ideal platform for them to justify such high transfer fees and prove there is foundation to the hype.
Argentinean striker Sergio Aguero is another player being linked with a big money move on the eve of the competition, with Juventus reportedly ready to spend £32m in order secure his services in Serie A.
Aguero is part of an Argentinean squad that has finished as runners-up in the past two tournaments and will be looking to stop Brazil claiming the crown for a third time in row. Both have squads blessed with a number of superstars but both also have a lot to prove.
Though the Copa America isn’t all about the high profile players, it’s also a chance for some a South America’s lesser know players to show the world what they can do in the hope of attracting a lucrative transfer to a top European club.
Take for example Columbian defender Cristian Zapata , currently with Udinese, who declared he was a transfer target for Liverpool just a couple a weeks ago and this will be his chance to demonstrate why he is seen as one of the finest defenders in Italy.
Manchester United’s Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia was discovered by Wigan in this tournament a number of years ago and he has gone to not only establish himself as a Premier league player but also as a vital part of United’s Championship winning team.
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So as the competition evolves from here on in, there will not only be millions of fans watching with intrigue a number a Europe’s top scouts will be there and searching for the next South American Gem.
Article courtesy of Patrick Giffney from This Is Futbol
Liverpool owner John W Henry has leapt to the defence of under-pressure manager Roy Hodgson following last weekend's shocking 2-0 Premier League loss at Stoke City.
The Merseysiders appeared to be turning the corner after claiming ten points from a possible 12 prior to their aberration at the Britannia Stadium to help them into the top half of the table.
Many sceptics were calling for Hodgson to be removed in the Potteries, but the American supremo has now called for calm.
Henry, who fronts the New England Sports Ventures group that bought the Anfield giants from Tom Hicks George Gillett, has also hinted that a splurge in the January transfer market may not be the way to move forward.
"This club can be better and blaming the manager or any one particular player is simply wrong," Henry said.
"This club needs to play up to their potential every match. If they don't, they won't win.
"We have work to do and must invest in this club to improve it on the field. Can that be successfully done in January?
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"A number of people I've talked with doubt it. Most seem to think it will be the summer before we can really begin to improve. So all the players have to be on the same page and have to live up to the history and respect this club has engendered.
"The club has gone through a very difficult period and that period has not ended.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
It’s been one hell of a season for Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey, with the American enjoying, arguably, the finest campaign of his career. Naturally with good performances comes interest from other clubs, with Arsenal rumoured to be looking at the man who has been pulling the strings at Craven Cottage. However, would the Texan be able to replicate his performances in West London at the Emirates stadium?
Dempsey has become a part of the furniture in the Premier League since his journey across the pond in 2007, endearing himself to fans across the nation with his frequent versatile and committed displays. Such consistency does hint at an ability to move up the Premiership’s food chain, but the ex-New England Revolution man should maybe take note of Andy Carroll’s situation at Liverpool, before opting to leave his current surroundings.
Although Carroll is completely different style of player, both in a positional sense and in terms of on-field approach, he stepped up, at the time, from a mid-table side to one of the nation’s biggest names. Since then the weight of expectation, and the differing system employed at Anfield, has seen the powerful Geordie struggle to adapt causing him to become the centre of much criticism.
In his time at Newcastle, the forward was the focal point of the team, thriving on the club’s more direct approach and tendency to utilise crosses from wide areas and set-pieces. This played to his strengths, allowing him to execute the skills that made him a threat on a regular basis, but his move to Merseyside has seen a change in playing styles, of which he is struggling to adapt to.
Although Dempsey is a totally different prospect to Carroll, he currently finds himself in comfortable surroundings, playing in a system he understands, alongside players of whom he is used to. The styles of play employed by Arsenal and Fulham differ, and if the American were to be thrust into the Arsenal midfield, he would likely struggle to adapt immediately to the pace and expectation of his teammates. Carroll has time to adapt, and one poor season at his current age is not catastrophic, but for Dempsey it’s a different set of circumstances. Next season the midfielder will turn 30, marking the beginning of the end for the majority of professional footballers, so as a result every minute counts, and a season of adaptation would be detrimental.
Although he is unlikely to compete for major honours at Fulham, Dempsey is a key cog in a relatively successful Premier League unit. First-team football is a virtual guarantee, and with current captain Danny Murphy’s playing days ticking toward their close, becoming skipper of the club is not out of the question, especially with his status as a crowd favourite.
He may well fit at Arsenal, but any move in the world of football presents risks, and Dempsey should be aware of these. The current system at Fulham suits his style of play, allowing him to focus on what he does best, yet at Arsenal it may be a different story. Competition at the club would be fierce, with Arsene Wenger already struggling with the wealth of options at his disposal, and if the midfielder were to be a slow starter, his playing time would be limited. Some may say it would lack ambition to stay put, but Dempsey’s best option may well be to remain at Craven Cottage.
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What should Dempsey do? Comment or follow @Alex_Hams to have your say
There is little doubt that England put on a poor performance against Switzerland at the weekend and in the aftermath of this game there has been the suggestion that the players were tired after a long and hard Premier League season. But isn’t it time England came up with a new excuse? Bearing in mind that this seems to be the line that comes out whenever England put on a lacklustre performance.
Yes, there might be something in it because as we all know the Premier League is played at a high level at a very high pace. However, if it was 100% responsible for the performance then you would expect it to affect every player in the England squad and come to that every player that has played in the Premier League this season. But we don’t often hear of internationals that play their football in the Premier League putting on lacklustre performances for their countries. However, plenty of players have been outspoken about the need for a winter break if England are ever going to win the World Cup again – but that is really an argument for another day.
The real issue is why was it that Ashley Young, Jack Wilshere and Leighton Baines all seemed to be full of running? Let’s remember that Jack Wilshere is the player that had Arsene Wenger and others cry for him to be withdrawn from the England U21 squad over fears of burnout – so surely if anyone should be tired it should be him? But he wasn’t, he was full of energy and with some really quality on the ball. In fact he had a vital part to play to get England back in the game by winning the penalty to get the game back to 2-1. Ashley Young also looked full of energy when he came off the subs bench to score England’s equaliser and Leighton Baines was making some useful runs that were causing problems.
Fabio Capello felt the team looked tired and didn’t have the energy to press – but could the problems be more mental than physical. It seems like most of the England players were thinking about their holidays rather than a vital Euro 2012 qualifier. Then there is the issue of if the players really want to play for Capello – after all more and more players are announcing that they don’t want to be selected for England. Now surely that has to have something to do with the manager?
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John Terry did not agree with the manager and didn’t feel that the players were tired and wasn’t interested in making such mistakes. As the match showed the two goals that were scored were as result of mistakes that England must sort out. Different people will have different ideas about what the precise reasons are for the poor performance by England. However, I don’t think we can keep saying that it is all down to a long and hard Premier League season, because if that is the case then why doesn’t it affect all the players? Also it does seem to be funny that it only seems to have an impact on the established internationals.
When other players are given opportunities either from the bench or in friendly games these problems don’t seem to be so evident. Peter Crouch has never really let England down but in important games he rarely gets the opportunity to impress. But if the established England players can’t handle a Euro 2012 qualifier at the end of the season then maybe we should let the fringe players have a go.
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