Striker Carlo Costly netted a hat-trick as Honduras thrashed Grenada 7-1 in Group B of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Friday.Luis Fernando Suarez’s team conceded first but were 3-1 up at the break before hammering home their advantage in the second half at the FIU Stadium in Miami.
Grenada forward Clive Murray had given his side an unlikely 20th-minute lead, but it only lasted six minutes as Jeremy Bengtson equalised.
Costly put Honduras ahead and forward Bengtson completed his brace as they found the net three times in a 12-minute spell.
Grenada would have been hoping for a comeback as they began the second half, but Costly scored twice in the space of five minutes to effectively end the contest.
Walter Martinez and midfielder Alfredo Mejia also found the net in the dying minutes as Honduras romped to a huge win.
Earlier, a brace from midfielder Demar Phillips put Jamaica through to the quarter-finals thanks to a hard-fought 2-0 win over Guatemala.
Theodore Whitmore’s team struggled in the first half before Phillips swept home goals in the 66th and 76th minutes after good movement down the left hand side.
Jamaica are top of the group on six points with Honduras two points adrift, while Guatemala have one point and Grenada’s hopes of progressing to the next round suffered as they are bottom without a point.
While Sunderland and Newcastle United fans fiercely protest their bitter rivalry, there has been something of a similarity between the two developing over the past six months. They both had solid enough seasons, with Newcastle consolidating their position in the top flight after their return and Sunderland breaking into the top half of the table. However, a more worrying area in which they have previously found common ground is their tendency to sell their key players.
Over the course of the January transfer window Sunderland lost Darren Bent, only signed in Summer 2009, and Newcastle allowed Andy Carroll to leave. Then, come the summer, Sunderland’s Jordan Henderson joined Liverpool and Newcastle sold Captain and leading goalscorer Kevin Nolan to newly relegated West Ham. A lack of ambition or a case of player power pushing through unwanted deals?
Every year sees a huge turnaround in the squads, arguably to such an extent that fans find it hard to choose a name for the back of their replica shirt for fear of that player leaving and their £60 pound investment consequently prancing off with him. However compared to previous seasons, the flock of migrating birds heading to sunnier (or more financially appealing) climes is dramatically smaller this year. Henderson and David Healy, last seen on loan at Doncaster Rovers, are the only Sunderland exits this year so far, with only Nolan leaving Newcastle as yet. The Magpies’ former captain, it was revealed yesterday by manager Alan Pardew, was after a 5-year deal at the club, something that Pardew couldn’t offer as he didn’t see Nolan in his midfield in 4 years time, let alone 5.
This does raise an interesting question, being what is the difference this year? Perhaps it is the fact that most of the players can see the progress that is being made on the field after last term. Sunderland finishing higher than their arch-rivals was a massive boost for the Black Cats, and the players and fans know it. Steve Bruce now has to deal with greater expectancy this year, and he is very clearly looking to add experience to his squad in order to stave off a similar fall away as they saw at the end of last year. The potential signings of Wes Brown and John O’Shea will add renewed steel to the team, as well as an understanding and experience of what it takes to win big, although admittedly restrictedly at Manchester United. The actual signing of Connor Wickham, allegedly from under the nose of Liverpool, shows that Bruce is planning for the future. And if Wickham saw that he could fulfil his potential greater at Sunderland than on Merseyside, something must be going right for the Mackems.
Similarly Newcastle’s progress should be cause for celebration following last season. They put in the best (second half) performance of the season against Arsenal, survived losing one of their main men in January and the unjust sacking of Chris Hughton and all in all had a solid season. While some fans will have been hoping for a more miraculous return to the league, with Champion’s League qualification a formality, hopefully most supporters will see the positive signs from last season; that they can cut it among the big boys once more and the performances of players like Cheik Tiote, Joey Barton and Jose Enrique. Assuming that there are no more contractual disagreements, they should be able to keep the squad together. Further to this, Pardew has begun moulding the squad in his shape, bringing in the likes of Demba Ba from West Ham, Yohan Cabaye from French champions Lille and Sylvain Marveaux from Rennes. This influx of pace and creativity should enable the team to push on from last season, with a top-half finish definitely within their sights.
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It looks like Geordie Shore might have some competition for the ‘Pride of the North East’ award this year.
Real Madrid playmaker Kaka insists he will not leave the club after a heart-to-heart meeting with coach Jose Mourinho.The 29-year-old has been linked with a departure from the Spanish capital following two injury-plagued campaigns after his move in 2009 from AC Milan but he said Mourinho had convinced him that he will enjoy a bright future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Kaka was reportedly wanted by both his former club, and rivals Inter, but the Brazilian has once again made it clear there he has no intention of leaving.
“I always said I wanted to stay and I want to play for Real Madrid and convince,” he is quoted as saying by Marca.
“My friends have always helped me, the technical staff, the club. I always knew there would be much speculation, but I spoke to the club and with the coach and he was tranquil.”
“I do not want to leave and the coach told me he wants me here for next season and the club told me there is no need to sell me.”
The former Milan ace hopes it is third time lucky next season, as he looks to help Madrid overcome rivals Barcelona.
“It will be very special for me because after two difficult seasons it can be a very good term,” he said.
“I hope to enjoy playing for Madrid, Mourinho has asked me this – that I enjoy it and play with confidence.”
Kaka featured for Real Madrid as they beat Philadelphia Union 2-1 in the third match of their tour of the USA, with Jose Callejon and Mesut Ozil scoring the goals.
Romelu Lukaku’s transfer to one of the European elite seems almost inevitable this summer. The teenage superstar is touted to be one of the best young prospects in world football and whilst experience tells us that this potential doesn’t always materialise, Lukaku does look to have the talent to achieve great things. But where will he end up come the start of next season and which club would be best for the striker?
It was widely reported at the end of last week that Chelsea had made an £18million bid for the 18-year-old but the wealth of his talent means that it is unlikely Chelsea will get free reign to sign the teenager without some competition. Arsenal are the latest team linked with Lukaku and whilst both sets of fans can drool over the prospect of him joining them, which club would be the best destination for Lukaku?
Lukaku has been labeled the next Didier Drogba and it is easy to see why. Whilst still only being teenager, Lukaku is a massive physical presence in the box but has the skills and eye for goal to match. The comparisons with Drogba mean he would be an obvious fit in a Chelsea shirt. His style of play could fit easily well at Chelsea who have utilized Drogba with so much success over the years. Chelsea are also reported to be the only team that have made a firm offer so they look to have the lead on any potential deal.
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But what about Arsenal? The deal that saw Gervinho arrive at the Emirates may cast doubt over whether Wenger is in the market for another new striker but would Lukaku be a good match for the Gunners? Wenger always as an eye on the next young talent so Lukaku could not have gone unnoticed by the Arsenal manager. Arsenal have a fantastic record of developing youngsters and Lukaku would certainly fit into that model. He also has the skill to slot into Arsenal’s attacking game. By going to Arsenal over a team like Chelsea he would give himself more chance of playing first team football on a regular basis. Despite Gervinho’s arrival there is still a need for more goals at the Emirates but with Chelsea there is Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka, Daniel Sturridge and Drogba to compete with.
A move to Europe is also a possibility for Lukaku despite England looking the more likely destination. Real Madrid have been linked with him in the past and are in the market for a target man. But whilst Lukaku has the skill to cause Spanish defenses endless problems, I think his combination of power, presence and physique would be best utilized in the Premier League.
But what would the Premier League be getting if Lukaku did make the move to England? Well the stats are frighteningly good for a player who made his first team breakthrough at Anderlecht at only 16-years-old. He scored an amazing 121 goals in 88 games for Anderlecht’s youth sides and such form understandably saw him promoted to the first team. Despite only being 16 he was the top scorer in Belgium in the 2009/10 season where he scored 15 goals (he has scored a total of 31 league goals in 71 first team appearances) and has already made the breakthrough on the international stage with Belgium.
A move to Chelsea does look the more likely and whilst Lukaku would have to face more competition for places at Chelsea rather than Arsenal, the chance to work alongside Drogba and build on his game at Stamford Bridge would benefit him more in the long-term. But wherever Lukaku does end up, any of the Premier League’s top teams should do their upmost to sign a star of the future.
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With the English Premier League kicking off for the 2011/2012 season I thought it would be fitting to make a top ten list of players who will be making their debuts in the most and best competitive league in the world. There has been plenty of transfer activity this summer and will still be some more to arrive come deadline day, but there are also 3 new teams to the EPL this season with a handful of players set to play at the top flight for the first time.
That’s why I’ve left the likely lads out of this top ten, of course Sergio Aguero of Manchester City and Gervinho of Arsenal are the focus point for Premier League debut’s and I don’t like to comment on the hype and common talking points. I’ve also omitted the likes of Connor Wickham (Sunderland) and Adel Taarabt (QPR) because, despite their lack of Premier League experience the hype surrounding these youngsters is sometimes over bearing.
The following top ten is players that have not really made the headlines as much as the aforementioned and are set to make their Premier League debut’s this season. Some are new signings, or part of one of the newly promoted teams but this multitalented list is certainly one to take note of (it might give you some bargain ideas for your Fantasy Teams too).
>>>CLICK ON JAY BOTHROYD TO BEGIN THE TOP 10 PREMIER LEAGUE DEBUT BOYS <<<
A setback for Liverpool today in a controversial game at the Britannia. Mark Clattenburg awarded a harsh penalty against Jamie Carragher, which ultimately proved the decisive moment of the game.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of blogs that include Kenny’s words lost in translation; Henry thinking bigger, while Cole’s demise came before his Liverpool move.
We also look at the best Liverpool articles around the web this week.
Liverpool’s proposed deal could prove a good example to follow
‘Six of the Best’ – Merseyside derbies of recent memory
Kenny Dalglish’s words get lost in translation
Should Henry and LFC be thinking bigger?
Demise came well before his move to Liverpool
Is this really the limit for this Liverpool side?
A welcome headache for Kenny Dalglish?
Second time lucky at Anfield?
The ideal retirement place for former Liverpool stars
Jose looking to tempt Kenny with €40m bid
Best of WEB
IT’S NOT BOSMAN’S FAULT, IT IS PURE GREED.- Live4Liverpool
Dalglish – Top V Bottom | The Secret to Success – Anfield Index
KENNY DALGLISH: First 27 games analysis – Is he still the King…? – Liverpool Kop
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A Refreshing Change from the norm in our new signing – Live4Liverpool
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Bolton boss Owen Coyle looks set to fine striker Ivan Klasnic, after the forward was given a straight red card for an altercation with Marc Tierney in The Trotters 2-1 defeat against Norwich.
The Croatia international was given his marching orders in the first half on Saturday, whilst his team were 2-0 down, and Coyle is not happy with his player.
“The skipper [Kevin Davies] and Tuncay both had to be sacrificed because of Ivan’s folly in getting himself sent off. Will I fine him? He certainly knows my feelings on the subject,” the Scot told The Telegraph.
“Sometimes, you can understand it when a young boy gets caught up in the heat of the moment, but he is an experienced player. He is a seasoned international who has played at the very highest level all his career.
“That is when you have to use your experience, because going down to 10 men when you are already 2-0 behind is not exactly ideal,” he stated.
Coyle has revealed that Klasnic is repentant after the sending off, but this may not be enough to avoid the 31-year-old getting a fine.
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“He is full of remorse, but the bottom line is, you’ve got to keep your full personnel on the pitch. It is tough enough in this league as it is,” he concluded.
Chris Hughton ’s sacking seems like an awfully long time ago now. Newcastle fans were devastated and opposition fans were perplexed. It was a move that just didn’t appear to make any sense. During his brief reign at the club Hughton had done a stand-up job and deserved better treatment. When I ask if Ashley was right to sack Hughton, I don’t mean was he right in the moral sense, because Chris had done nothing to merit his dismissal. But surely it is worth considering that it may actually have been the best move for the club?
Many Newcastle fans were flabbergasted with Alan Pardew ’s appointment and saw him as something of a step-down in class. He has turned out to be anything but. Discounting the second-half of last season where he seemed to be biding his time until the summer, he’s had an excellent start to his Newcastle tenure.
I remember fans at the time claiming that Pardew couldn’t match Hughton in terms of man management, but it strikes me that Pardew’s getting the most he possibly can out of each and every one of his players right now. Furthermore, I can’t help but feel that Pardew is tactically more astute that Hughton too. Not such a step-down after all.
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Hughton had managed to obtain the backing of both players and fans, something of a rare occurrence on Tyneside and deserved more of a chance to show what he could do. Mike Ashley ’s decision to send him packing could well have triggered a mutiny in the dressing room and potentially another relegation for the club. It was simply awful timing.
Luckily Pardew proved to be a better manager than most people thought and over the course of his ten months in charge he has more than proven that he knows how to galvanise a dressing room. It’s not like Pardew has had an easy ride. He has overseen some high profile departures that led fans to question the future of the team.
Instead, Newcastle has only grown stronger and Pardew deserves a healthy share of the credit for how the club has improved. Given his professionalism and ability, is there anybody out there who really believes that Hughton is the better manager?
Still, that doesn’t make the decision to sack Chris any more right. Strange that what first appeared to be a moment of madness may end up being one of the best decisions of Ashley’s career.
Article courtesy of Harry Cloke from This is Futbol
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The PFA have certainly opened up a whole can of worms in vocalising their support of the Rooney Rule this week- a rule that dictates that each Football League club has to mandatorily interview a black candidate for each managerial position. While trying not to get too bogged down in the whole affirmative action issue, the thing that troubles me about this issue is the rather tricky position that it places clubs boards and Chairman in the future.
The statistic of the week – 25% of players in the Football League black, yet just 2% of it’s managers are from a black or from an ethnic minority background (Chris Hughton and Chris Powell). It’s abundantly clear that this is an issue that needs addressing.
The Rooney Rule (named after Steelers owner Dan Rooney, who is white but was the driving force behind getting more black coaches into the NFL at coaching level) certainly offers that. It isn’t a form of a positive discrimination, as some spectators have decried, it merely offers a person from an ethnic or minority background the chance of an interview. It doesn’t stipulate anywhere the need to employ a manager due to the nature of his colour or race. Nor does it impose any obligation on the clubs to do so. It is merely a tool to grant a fairer and broader process to try and go some way to addressing the disparities that our game has when compared with the rest of society. If no candidate from an ethnic minority applies for a position, as I understand it, the club in question are free to choose from whoever applies.
Some fans are troubled by this latest development though. Not because they are racist, but because they feel that it grants an unfair advantage to candidates that are less qualified than others. While understandable to an extent, it is complete folly to suggest that underqualified managers will get the job due to the nature of the colour of their skin. It simply opens more doors to people that may have had problems advancing their careers in the past.
The problematic position it places Chairman in the future though in is the only aspect of the rule that troubles me. To put it in another context, if you work in an office and are forced to interview a candidate rather than choose to interview a candidate, does that then make you more or less likely to hire them in the future? It’s human nature to approach something that you are forced to do with both a hint of suspicion and trepidation; this process would prove no different.
Also, what happens if five years further down the line, after the implementation of this policy, that the figures stay relatively the same? Does this then imply that football clubs are institutionally racist? At what point is the new rule adjudged to have been a success? There are many potential political potholes that may require negotiating further down the road with a policy like this.
In relation to the aforementioned statistic – is there actually any quantifiable evidence to suggest that Chairman aren’t already interviewing black candidates for available jobs? Because if there isn’t, then this rule change could prove quite controversial with some clubs. When Sir Alex Ferguson eventually retires at Man Utd, does that mean Paul Ince is granted an obligatory interview due to his past connection with the club on the account of his race? When does progression give way to tokenism? And at what point does it become both patronising and insulting towards the candidate?
Without trying to labour the point too much, how is the above statistic even relevant to todays game? Surely the 2% in management now is indicative of a time where the Football League didn’t comprise of 25% black players. As time goes on and the next generation of players begin to approach retirement, surely we are bound to see an increase in the number of black players considering entering both coaching and management. It could well turn out that the Rooney Rule may be entirely redundant in five to ten years time due to the process simply occuring more naturally as time goes by. While the overall aim may be admirable, is it one that really requires legislating on?
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The rule change may represent a foot in the door, an equal opportunity and a fairer system from the candidates point of view, but from the perspective of the employers, it does back them into more of a corner. It could have a negative effect on Chairman, or those in charge of hiring and firing in the future. Enforcing a change of proceedure on a group of people (Chairman) that may have been unwilling to embrace the solution in the first place could prove extremely problematic. Chairman very rarely accept the help of outside influences and the PFA may be venturing too far with this one.
Promoting change and instigating a rule are two very different things. The main problem is not the fans questioning the effect this rule may have. Nor is it the enforcement of a rule promoting a fairer system for black coaches, it is the reaction that may take place at board level at clubs all across the land and the repurcussions it could have on the game further down the line.
Increasing pressure and scrutiny on a Chairman’s selection policies with regards to hiring coaches and managers could have an adverse effect on the very problem that this rule is trying to address.
John Barnes didn’t get hired at Celtic because he was black. He didn’t get fired because he was black either. He was fired because it turns out that he’s not very good at this football management lark, great player though he was.
And that is the wider issue that needs addressing here; the opportunities afforded to players of prestige and the fact that their roles often far outweigh their expertise on the coaching front. Surely the issue that needs addressing is the amount of ex-pros that get jobs in management based entirely on their ability on the pitch and the subsequent lack of opportunity afforded to first-time coaches trying to break through intocoaching and management. Are Steve Bruce and Roy Keane (please forgive the Sunderland bias with this one) really better equipped to be successful football managers at Premier League level than John Coleman at Accrington Stanley or Dario Gradi at Crewe? A successful playing career does not always equate to a successful coaching career, but it does supply a helpful leg up in getting started out.
The two black managers currently operating in the Football League have both taken different routes to where they are now. Chris Powell gained his current position through recognition of his efforts as a player at Charlton. He acquired this position a lot sooner than what is normally deemed neccessary experience-wise due to his standing at the club.
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Whereas Chris Hughton worked his way around various clubs coaching staffs, admittedly after a successful playing career, and took the longer route. His success at Newcastle was the culmination of years of hard graft at coaching level, which is what made his baffling dismissal last term all the more difficult to comprehend.
The Rooney Rule could prove a step in the right direction. After all, it simply affords candidates the opportunity of an interview, nothing more. However, with concerns to football management and race, please forgive the pun, but things are rarely as clear as black and white. The myriad of issues with implementing a policy such as this may have yet to fully avail themselves and while the aim may be laudable, in practice, it may be something that simply requires a little more time and patience.
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Adel Taarabt is a transfer target for cash rich Paris Saint Germain, according to reports today. (Mirror Football)
The club from the French capital spent heavily in the summer and are now looking to QPR’s playmaker Taarabt to further strengthen their squad.
The club are lining up a bid of around £20 million for the Moroccan international, a fee they believe the West London club will find hard to resist.
In the summer QPR rejected a bid of around £15 million, however PSG now hope that a bid of around £14 million with incentives of up to around £6 million will be too good to refuse for a player that has failed to perform up to expectations thus far this season.
As well as PSG, Italian club Napoli are allegedly weighing up a bid for the player, however they are unlikely to be able to match PSG’s spending power.
PSG, now under ownership by Qatar Investment Authority, are looking to re-emerge as a force in both French and European football and alongside Taarabt the club are looking to sign David Beckham from LA Galaxy.
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It remains to be seen whether Taarabt himself wants to leave the club, with the player stating that it is entirely the clubs decision, ‘I am prepared for any event in January but the decision depends on QPR.’