Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has welcomed the positive effect new American owners George Gillett and Tim Hicks have had on the club.
Earlier this week the pair completed their takeover at Anfield, acquiring more than 98% of shares in just eight weeks to be able to take the club into private ownership.
The US duo have promised to back Benitez in the transfer market, as well as provide the funds for a new stadium in nearby Stanley Park, and the Spaniard has welcomed their input so far.
"I think it's very positive. I hope that they will try to do the best for the club because when you want to buy a club and you want to invest big money it means that you want to be successful and that you want to win everything," said Benitez.
A week ago the Liverpool boss underlined his commitment to the club by dismissing speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid and he re-iterated his desire to stay at Anfield and work with the American tycoons to make the Reds a genuine force in English football once again.
"I think that can be really good for us. If everything is going in the right direction I think it can be a very good time for all of the people involved," he told the League Managers' Association's website.
"I am really happy here and everything is okay and I think it can be a very good opportunity for doing something for the (Liverpool) history."
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Thursday, March 29, 2007
FA backs under-fire McClaren
The Football Association urged England fans Thursday to lay off beleaguered coach Steve McClaren.
FA chief executive Brian Barwick said fans had every right to be frustrated after England's unconvincing 3-0 European Championship qualifying win over Andorra on Wednesday, which came four days after a dour 0-0 draw against Israel.
"I do, however, feel that there is a line to draw between acceptable criticism and personal vilification and abuse," Barwick said in a statement. "One's fair, the other isn't."
Fans chanted "What a load of rubbish" and "You're not fit to wear the shirt" during Wednesday's game in Barcelona. They showered McClaren with abuse as he walked off the field after the scoreless first half. Even after the win, they shouted "Still want McClaren out."
"This past week has shown just how the fortunes of the England team get people's emotions fired up," Barwick said. "England matters and we wouldn't want - or expect - it any other way.
"Everyone has the right to give their opinion - that's the beauty of the game - and the England fans, the most dedicated group of supporters in the world, are entitled to air theirs."
McClaren stormed out of a news conference after the Andorra game after just two questions.
"Gentlemen, if you want to write whatever you want to write, you can write it because that is all I am going to say," he said. "Thank you."
The former Middlesbrough manager - who replaced Sven-Goran Eriksson after the World Cup - has been lampooned and mocked by Britain's media.
"I know how hard Steve and everyone connected to the team is working," Barwick said. "He's a strong man and I know from speaking with him just how determined he is to deliver success for England."
After England failed to score in the first half against a part-time side ranked 163rd in the world, Steven Gerrard scored twice and Kevin Nugent once to save McClaren's job - for the time being.
"The first half was one of the most difficult 45 minutes I've ever experienced in an England shirt," Gerrard said.
But the anti-McClaren campaign hasn't died down. British bookmakers on Thursday offered 11-8 odds that McClaren will no longer be coach by the end of the qualifying period for the 2008 championship.
His assistant, Terry Venables, and Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill are joint favorites to replace McClaren at 5-1.
"Nothing could dispel the memory of the most shapeless, dispiriting, depressing evening English football has endured for decades, a night of near-disaster that was utterly unacceptable," The Mirror newspaper said Thursday.
Captain John Terry pleaded with fans to support the team and McClaren.
"We take full responsibility and it's just not fair to hear some of those chants, especially during the game," Terry said. "Every single one of us took it in - and it wasn't nice."
Wayne Rooney hasn't scored in a competitive England match since the 2004 European Championship - 16 games ago. He will miss England's next match against Estonia on June 6 after picking up a yellow card against Andorra.
Attacking midfielder Frank Lampard missed the game with a wrist injury amid rumors he had been dropped because his style of play did not get the best out of Gerrard.
England is in danger of missing out on a major soccer tournament for the first time since 1994. Croatia leads Group E with 13 points, while England, Israel and Russia all have 11. Croatia and Russia have played a game less than England.
In its previous three games, England drew 0-0 at Israel, lost 2-0 to Croatia and drew 0-0 with Macedonia.
"McClaren's resources include a handful of top-class players, but there is something rotten in the national team, something that goes far deeper than the Gerrard versus Frank Lampard debate, or the age-old left-sided problem," The Times wrote. "Maybe it has more to do with the psyche of English footballers and an environment in which underachievement, for whatever reason, appears endemic."
FA chief executive Brian Barwick said fans had every right to be frustrated after England's unconvincing 3-0 European Championship qualifying win over Andorra on Wednesday, which came four days after a dour 0-0 draw against Israel.
"I do, however, feel that there is a line to draw between acceptable criticism and personal vilification and abuse," Barwick said in a statement. "One's fair, the other isn't."
Fans chanted "What a load of rubbish" and "You're not fit to wear the shirt" during Wednesday's game in Barcelona. They showered McClaren with abuse as he walked off the field after the scoreless first half. Even after the win, they shouted "Still want McClaren out."
"This past week has shown just how the fortunes of the England team get people's emotions fired up," Barwick said. "England matters and we wouldn't want - or expect - it any other way.
"Everyone has the right to give their opinion - that's the beauty of the game - and the England fans, the most dedicated group of supporters in the world, are entitled to air theirs."
McClaren stormed out of a news conference after the Andorra game after just two questions.
"Gentlemen, if you want to write whatever you want to write, you can write it because that is all I am going to say," he said. "Thank you."
The former Middlesbrough manager - who replaced Sven-Goran Eriksson after the World Cup - has been lampooned and mocked by Britain's media.
"I know how hard Steve and everyone connected to the team is working," Barwick said. "He's a strong man and I know from speaking with him just how determined he is to deliver success for England."
After England failed to score in the first half against a part-time side ranked 163rd in the world, Steven Gerrard scored twice and Kevin Nugent once to save McClaren's job - for the time being.
"The first half was one of the most difficult 45 minutes I've ever experienced in an England shirt," Gerrard said.
But the anti-McClaren campaign hasn't died down. British bookmakers on Thursday offered 11-8 odds that McClaren will no longer be coach by the end of the qualifying period for the 2008 championship.
His assistant, Terry Venables, and Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill are joint favorites to replace McClaren at 5-1.
"Nothing could dispel the memory of the most shapeless, dispiriting, depressing evening English football has endured for decades, a night of near-disaster that was utterly unacceptable," The Mirror newspaper said Thursday.
Captain John Terry pleaded with fans to support the team and McClaren.
"We take full responsibility and it's just not fair to hear some of those chants, especially during the game," Terry said. "Every single one of us took it in - and it wasn't nice."
Wayne Rooney hasn't scored in a competitive England match since the 2004 European Championship - 16 games ago. He will miss England's next match against Estonia on June 6 after picking up a yellow card against Andorra.
Attacking midfielder Frank Lampard missed the game with a wrist injury amid rumors he had been dropped because his style of play did not get the best out of Gerrard.
England is in danger of missing out on a major soccer tournament for the first time since 1994. Croatia leads Group E with 13 points, while England, Israel and Russia all have 11. Croatia and Russia have played a game less than England.
In its previous three games, England drew 0-0 at Israel, lost 2-0 to Croatia and drew 0-0 with Macedonia.
"McClaren's resources include a handful of top-class players, but there is something rotten in the national team, something that goes far deeper than the Gerrard versus Frank Lampard debate, or the age-old left-sided problem," The Times wrote. "Maybe it has more to do with the psyche of English footballers and an environment in which underachievement, for whatever reason, appears endemic."
Frank dropped by England - Reports
Frank Lampard was fit to play in England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Andorra but was dropped by coach Steve McClaren, according to reports.
Lampard suffered a hairline fracture to his wrist after being struck by a ball in training on Monday, but was passed fit to play with a protective cast by England physios.
However, according to a number of daily newspapers, McClaren decided not to play the Chelsea midfielder, and picked Owen Hagreaves and Steven Gerrard in central midfield.
Lampard tried to fly straight home after being omitted, but was told to stay and return to England with the rest of the squad.
Chelsea chiefs were keen to bring Lampard straight back to London to check on the injury, and offered to send a private jet, but he was made to stay with the England squad for the game in Barcelona.
However, McClaren claims that Lampard was not dropped from the side, and was merely left out as a precaution.
McClaren said: "It is not worth taking the risk with his injury. Of course he wants to play, but he understands the situation and is here to support the team."
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Lampard suffered a hairline fracture to his wrist after being struck by a ball in training on Monday, but was passed fit to play with a protective cast by England physios.
However, according to a number of daily newspapers, McClaren decided not to play the Chelsea midfielder, and picked Owen Hagreaves and Steven Gerrard in central midfield.
Lampard tried to fly straight home after being omitted, but was told to stay and return to England with the rest of the squad.
Chelsea chiefs were keen to bring Lampard straight back to London to check on the injury, and offered to send a private jet, but he was made to stay with the England squad for the game in Barcelona.
However, McClaren claims that Lampard was not dropped from the side, and was merely left out as a precaution.
McClaren said: "It is not worth taking the risk with his injury. Of course he wants to play, but he understands the situation and is here to support the team."
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Friday, March 16, 2007
Mark Hughes
Full Name : Leslie Mark Hughes
Date of Birth : 1st Nov 1963
Place of Birth :Wrexham, Wales
Position :Forward
Height :5ft 9
United debut :30/11/1983vs Oxford (A)
Hughes's United Record 1983-86 & 1988-95
League : 336 (9),120
FA Cup : 45(1),18
League Cup : 37(1),16
Europe : 30(3),9
Other games : 5,1
Total : 453 (14),164
Hughes's International Record 1983-2000
72 Caps for Wales - 16 Goals
Honours with United
1994 F.A. Cup
1994 F.A. Premier League
1993 F.A. Premier League
1992 League Cup
1991 European Cup Winners Cup
1990 F.A. Cup
1985 F.A. Cup
Biography
Mark Hughes must go down as one of the most exciting and talented forwards in the modern era of English football. A scorer of some truly spectacular goals, especially with his glorious bicycle kick, "Sparky" Hughes was the sort of player that ensured a game was never dull. One of his great talents was holding the ball up while waiting for his team mates to arrive as the oncoming reinforcements. In fact such was his strength and power it seemed he could hold onto that ball forever and his opponents still wouldn't get it off him.
This enabled United to create the fast-flowing counter attack that characterised the team in the early to mid 1990s. Chuck the ball at him and it would stick to his chest, head, thigh or arse. He loved the way that opponents would just bounce off him and if they got in to close he could turn quickly, leaving them for dead to fire in a lethal shot. He was also a great passer with an ability to drop off deep and act as a playmaker. And who could forget that fiery Welsh temper that would sometimes emerge in the heat of battle.
Born in Wrexham, he joined United as a Youth team player and quickly rose to the first team as a prolific goal-scorer in United's infamous 1984 season. The club roared off to a ten point lead at the start of the season but form deserted the team and Hughes with United finishing a disappointing 4th. Hughes' talents now made him one of the hottest talents in England. After winning an FA Cup medal in 1985 and PFA Young Player of the Year award he attracted the attention of Europe's big clubs.
He was sold to Barcelona in 1986 for £2 million, however the intense pressure of the giant Nou-Camp crowds and huge expectations made for unhappy times - Hughes would get his revenge on Barca's fans in 1991. He even went out on loan to Bayern Munich for a time but it was clear his future lay back in England.
Alex Ferguson was first in the queue when Barca put Hughes up for sale and brought him back to United in 1988 for £1.6 million. It was business as usual as Hughes returned to his best form again. His excellent form meant he won PFA Player of the Year in both 1989 and 1991. Hughes soon became an established International for Wales playing over 65 times. (After a year as their team captain, in 1999 he took over from Bobby Gould as Welsh Manager)
However, it was his wondrous goals that fans loved the most. They are too many to list, but his best include the amazing bicycle kick for Wales against Spain, a superb narrow-angled winner in the Cup Winners' Cup Final against Barcelona, the looping volley lashed home against Manchester City in 1989, a belter at home to Sheffield Wednesday in 1994 and the volley to equalise against Oldham in the desperate last seconds of the 1994 FA Cup semi-final, the goal that saved United's 1994 season during the peak of his career. Hughes also scored twice in the 1990 FA Cup Final and the 3rd goal against Chelsea in the 1994 Final.
In the mid and late 1980s when Manchester United were at a low ebb, Sparky was something to be proud of, a class act that any great team would love to have. When the glory years of Cantona arrived, Hughes deservedly got his starring role in the limelight and was an integral part of the two League title wins and Double of 1994. It was claimed on Cantona's arrival that the two would never work together, yet the Hughes-Cantona partnership worked brilliantly from the start.
Then, aged 32 Alex Ferguson unexpectedly sold him in the summer of 1995 to Chelsea, where he went on to win the FA Cup and become the only player to ever win four FA Cup winner's medals. At the time United fans were as angry with the manager as perhaps they have ever been, for selling the man who had been an Old Trafford icon for over a decade.
Seeing Mark Hughes in the blue of Chelsea and Everton or stripes of Southampton has never seemed quite right. While he has gone on to carve out a successful managerial career with Wales and Blackburn, he will always be remembered marauding through defences in the red of his beloved Manchester United. As Alex Ferguson once said, "A warrior you could trust with your life".
This enabled United to create the fast-flowing counter attack that characterised the team in the early to mid 1990s. Chuck the ball at him and it would stick to his chest, head, thigh or arse. He loved the way that opponents would just bounce off him and if they got in to close he could turn quickly, leaving them for dead to fire in a lethal shot. He was also a great passer with an ability to drop off deep and act as a playmaker. And who could forget that fiery Welsh temper that would sometimes emerge in the heat of battle.
Born in Wrexham, he joined United as a Youth team player and quickly rose to the first team as a prolific goal-scorer in United's infamous 1984 season. The club roared off to a ten point lead at the start of the season but form deserted the team and Hughes with United finishing a disappointing 4th. Hughes' talents now made him one of the hottest talents in England. After winning an FA Cup medal in 1985 and PFA Young Player of the Year award he attracted the attention of Europe's big clubs.
He was sold to Barcelona in 1986 for £2 million, however the intense pressure of the giant Nou-Camp crowds and huge expectations made for unhappy times - Hughes would get his revenge on Barca's fans in 1991. He even went out on loan to Bayern Munich for a time but it was clear his future lay back in England.
Alex Ferguson was first in the queue when Barca put Hughes up for sale and brought him back to United in 1988 for £1.6 million. It was business as usual as Hughes returned to his best form again. His excellent form meant he won PFA Player of the Year in both 1989 and 1991. Hughes soon became an established International for Wales playing over 65 times. (After a year as their team captain, in 1999 he took over from Bobby Gould as Welsh Manager)
However, it was his wondrous goals that fans loved the most. They are too many to list, but his best include the amazing bicycle kick for Wales against Spain, a superb narrow-angled winner in the Cup Winners' Cup Final against Barcelona, the looping volley lashed home against Manchester City in 1989, a belter at home to Sheffield Wednesday in 1994 and the volley to equalise against Oldham in the desperate last seconds of the 1994 FA Cup semi-final, the goal that saved United's 1994 season during the peak of his career. Hughes also scored twice in the 1990 FA Cup Final and the 3rd goal against Chelsea in the 1994 Final.
In the mid and late 1980s when Manchester United were at a low ebb, Sparky was something to be proud of, a class act that any great team would love to have. When the glory years of Cantona arrived, Hughes deservedly got his starring role in the limelight and was an integral part of the two League title wins and Double of 1994. It was claimed on Cantona's arrival that the two would never work together, yet the Hughes-Cantona partnership worked brilliantly from the start.
Then, aged 32 Alex Ferguson unexpectedly sold him in the summer of 1995 to Chelsea, where he went on to win the FA Cup and become the only player to ever win four FA Cup winner's medals. At the time United fans were as angry with the manager as perhaps they have ever been, for selling the man who had been an Old Trafford icon for over a decade.
Seeing Mark Hughes in the blue of Chelsea and Everton or stripes of Southampton has never seemed quite right. While he has gone on to carve out a successful managerial career with Wales and Blackburn, he will always be remembered marauding through defences in the red of his beloved Manchester United. As Alex Ferguson once said, "A warrior you could trust with your life".
Red Devils 'desperate' for title
Red Devils 'desperate' for title
Paul Scholes admits Manchester United are 'desperate' to recapture the Premiership title ahead of the visit of north-west neighbours Bolton on Saturday.
The Reds' lead was whittled down to six points by Chelsea's win at Manchester City on Wednesday, and the former England man knows how important a win will be against the Trotters.
He told Inside United: "After not doing so well in the Premiership over the last couple of years, we are more determined than ever to lift the trophy this year."
He added: "The league is the major trophy, your bread and butter. We have not had that trophy for four years now - that's too long. It is a trophy we desperately want to win back."
Paul Scholes admits Manchester United are 'desperate' to recapture the Premiership title ahead of the visit of north-west neighbours Bolton on Saturday.
The Reds' lead was whittled down to six points by Chelsea's win at Manchester City on Wednesday, and the former England man knows how important a win will be against the Trotters.
He told Inside United: "After not doing so well in the Premiership over the last couple of years, we are more determined than ever to lift the trophy this year."
He added: "The league is the major trophy, your bread and butter. We have not had that trophy for four years now - that's too long. It is a trophy we desperately want to win back."
Friday, March 9, 2007
Boss 'excited' by Roma tie
Sir Alex Ferguson is relishing United's Champions League last eight tie against AS Roma.
The Reds travel to the Stadio Olimpico on 3 or 4 April, with the return leg against the Giallorossi at Old Trafford a week later. And the United boss can't wait."We've never played Roma before so it'll be a new and exciting experience," he told ManUtd.com. "That's the great thing about Europe, you play teams you've never played before."We respect their last result [beating Lyon]. They have some great players like De Rossi and Mancini."Obviously it's pointless looking beyond this game. We must concentrate on this game only. We're really looking forward to it."United cannot face English opposition until the final, and if the Reds do reach the last four they will play the winner of AC Milan and Bayern Munich.United's chief executive David Gill, who was at the draw in Athens, is delighted to have avoided the British representatives in the draw."Yes, I'm relieved," Gill told Sky Sports. "I think playing in Europe is about playing other European teams. I haven’t discussed it with Alex (Ferguson) but I think that’s right. "Chelsea and Liverpool could meet in the semi and it could be an all English final. Who knows? "If we’re honest with ourselves we’ve underachieved in the past few seasons in Europe, so quite rightly, a club of our stature and with what we’ve achieved, should be right in there in the latter stages
The Reds travel to the Stadio Olimpico on 3 or 4 April, with the return leg against the Giallorossi at Old Trafford a week later. And the United boss can't wait."We've never played Roma before so it'll be a new and exciting experience," he told ManUtd.com. "That's the great thing about Europe, you play teams you've never played before."We respect their last result [beating Lyon]. They have some great players like De Rossi and Mancini."Obviously it's pointless looking beyond this game. We must concentrate on this game only. We're really looking forward to it."United cannot face English opposition until the final, and if the Reds do reach the last four they will play the winner of AC Milan and Bayern Munich.United's chief executive David Gill, who was at the draw in Athens, is delighted to have avoided the British representatives in the draw."Yes, I'm relieved," Gill told Sky Sports. "I think playing in Europe is about playing other European teams. I haven’t discussed it with Alex (Ferguson) but I think that’s right. "Chelsea and Liverpool could meet in the semi and it could be an all English final. Who knows? "If we’re honest with ourselves we’ve underachieved in the past few seasons in Europe, so quite rightly, a club of our stature and with what we’ve achieved, should be right in there in the latter stages
Rooney wants United for life!
Wayne Rooney sees no reason why he would ever want to leave Manchester United.
The striker joined The Red Devils as a teenager from Everton two years ago in a deal which could eventually cost £30 million.He has quickly established himself as the driving force in the United side and is hoping to remain an integral figure for years to come."People say I could now have my pick of clubs, but this is where I want to be," Rooney told The Sunday Mirror."In fact, I want to extend my contract at Manchester United. I don't want to go anywhere else."I look at people like Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville and I want to be here as long as they have."This is a big club and no one I know ever wants to leave."I don't have any regrets whatsoever about joining Manchester United."I came here because when I was growing up they were the team that won everything and I believe I can achieve what I want to achieve here."There is something that is very special about Manchester United and I want to be part of it for as long as I can."After winning the Carling Cup with United last season, Rooney admits his target is to now lift major honours with the club.He added: "I want to win everything - The Premiership, the Champions League and, yes, also the World Cup."It might not happen, but that's what my aim is. That's the reason why I'm in football."Winning the Carling Cup last season was fantastic. It was great to win my first ever medal."But the medals that really matter at United are The Premiership and the Champions League. That's how it is at a club this size and hopefully we can achieve those things in the next few years."
Source: Sky Sports
Sir Alex confirms contract talks with Ronaldo
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United have opened contract negotiations with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portugal winger's future has been the subject of intense speculation over the past few months, with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona among the 22-year-old's suitors.
However, United are determined to keep their prize asset and are ready to offer Ronaldo a big-money contract extension following assurances the former Sporting Lisbon player wishes to remain at Old Trafford.
'Cristiano is at the right club,' said Ferguson. 'He wants to stay. Why should he want to go anywhere else?
'We have been negotiating for a few weeks now and hopefully we can come to an agreement where he will stay with us for the next few years.'
Although it has been reported in some quarters United are offering Ronaldo a mind-boggling £120,000-a-week, Ferguson has warned a compromise needs to be found.
Ronaldo's agent Pedro Mendes is in a powerful position, with Ronaldo now confirmed as one of the best players in the world.
Mendes will demand a salary in keeping with the youngster's present status but United, mindful of the likelihood that other top earners may want parity, will want to keep a lid on the cash being offered.
'When you are negotiating, you hope eventually a compromise situation will be reached somewhere along the line,' said Ferguson. 'We want to reach an agreement because the boy has been a fantastic player for us.'
Ronaldo will be part of an injury-hit United squad for tomorrow's FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough, when Henrik Larsson will make his final appearance for the Red Devils.
China international Dong Fangzhuo has been called into the travelling party as Ferguson looks to cover the absences of Paul Scholes through suspension, plus Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (knee), Louis Saha (hamstring), Darren Fletcher (ankle) and Mikael Silvestre (dislocated shoulder).
There has been some good news over the past 24 hours for Ferguson though, with the absences of Saha and Fletcher not now expected to be as lengthy as had originally been feared.
'For a couple of days it looked as though everything was falling on top of us,' admitted Ferguson.
'But we have now discovered Darren will only be out for a few weeks rather than a couple of months and Louis should be back with us for the Blackburn game on March 31, when Ole will also be fit.'
Sunday, March 4, 2007
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