Mancini Insists He's Not Afraid of Attacking, United, or the Sack

LONDON (DF) -- With all eyes on today's historic FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against crosstown foes Manchester United, under-fire Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has vowed to take the game to rivals United, defiantly proclaiming he's not afraid of being sacked at the end of the season.

A series of sub-par performances have left Mancini's side desperately clinging onto the fourth and final UEFA Champions League spot, only three points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, having played a game more. Regardless of the result, today's Manchester derby stands poised to set the tone for City's remaining league fixtures.

"We must play our normal game," said Mancini at his pre-match press conference. "I am not afraid of Manchester United. I am not afraid of losing my job. As a manager, you don't think of these things. I am only afraid of losing."

Liam Murphy, a former City trainee who now follows the club with the Manchester Evening News, believes today's match could prove to be the defining moment of Mancini's tenure as City boss.

"I'm afraid it's make or break time for Roberto," alleged Murphy. "Our form has been simply spastic this season. Fantastic attacking flair mixed in with dreadfully dire defensive dross. A Champions League place is a must for us this season, without a doubt, but if we blow it today, against United of all clubs, I think he's already gone."

"It's really entirely up to him," Murphy continued. "Should he beat United, go on to win the FA Cup and finally bring a trophy back to this club, all the criticism, all the negativity regarding his tactics, all the discussion of his terrible transfer dealings, all the media stories claiming he's an inept manager and in way over his head, it'll all disappear."

"You know how they always say 'beware the wounded animal'? Maybe Mancini will surprise everyone and come out fighting."

The Mill: Tuesday Transfer Rumours - Nani Righty Aggrieved?

Manchester United's wing sensation Nani has declared his disappointment after being excluded from the PFA Players' Player of the Year shortlist. The young Portuguese was baffled by the snub, and said his petulance, diving, and feigning injury should have had absolutely no effect on his fellow professionals including him in the shortlist. -- (Daily Mail)

Former Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has claimed the club would not be in a relegation fight had he not been sacked by owners Venky's in December. Sources at Blackburn agreed, saying they believe Allardyce was referring to the fact he would have already had the club relegated by now. -- (Daily Mail)

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti insists he isn't afraid of dropping £50m flop Fernando Torress and risking the wrath of Roman Abramovich. The former AC Milan boss revealed that even though Abramovich picks the team, he's the one who hands in the final lineup to Premier League officials before the game. -- (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal supporters have reacted angrily to the news that American tycoon Stan Kroenke will launch a takeover of the club after purchasing a further 32% of the club's shares. The Arsenal Supporters Trust has urged its members to resist any potential offers to prevent Kroenke from single-handedly making the club competitive by injecting cash for high profile, quality signings in the summer. -- (Telegraph)

Under-pressure Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will allow striker Emmanuel Adebayor to make his loan move to Real Madrid permanent in the summer. The defensive-minded Italian tactician insists City don't need a commanding striker who has the ability to score goals and win games. -- (The Sun)

Newcastle United are preparing an ambitious £19.2m bid for Anderlecht's 17-year-old wonderkid Romelu Lukaku, with first team boss Alan Pardew admitting the club's scouting network had unearthed the gem on Football Manager. Pardew said: "They signed him last week, and so far he looks good." -- (Metro)

Sunderland have revealed they are being sued by one of their own fans who was knocked unconscious by a wayward strike from former player Djibril Cisse during a 2008 training session. The Sunderland legal team will claim the fan was negligent and knew he was taking his life into his own hands by standing 30 yards to the left of the goal when Cisse was practicing shooting. -- (Metro)

Barton Bemused by Snub Given Lack of English Midfield Talent

NEWCASTLE (DF) -- Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has hit-out at England manager Fabio Capello and his coaching staff for overlooking him in March's international squad selection, claiming he's the best English central midfielder in the game today and twice the player of England regular Gareth Barry.

The tough-tackling former Manchester City player, who received his one an only England cap in February 2007, was critical of the defensive tactics used during the recent fixtures against Wales and Ghana and charged that Capello picks his squads based purely on reputation and Italian mentality.

"Honestly, I think I'm the best English midfielder," alleged Barton in an interview with a French magazine. "In terms of English players, well, Jack Wilshere isn't bad, but Frank Lampard's on the way down and Steven Gerrard's been injured a lot. Scott Parker is one dimensional. Gareth Barry is absolute tosh."

"The only reason Barry is picked is because he's used to playing that slow Italian stuff at City," Barton continued. "Did you see the game against Germany at the World Cup? Barry's got a very good agent. He's also discreet and always agrees with the manager. He's like the guy who sits in the front row and listens to the teacher. I certainly don't lose any sleep when I play against him."

Despite his stinging criticism of those in charge, the industrious midfielder confirmed he will continue to make himself available for selection. Those who know him best in Newcastle seem to share Barton's rigid point of view, with many United supporters believing him to be the cure to England's international malaise.

"I think Joey is spot on," suggested one Newcastle supporter outside St. James' Park. "He always has been. He deserves another cap. So does Kevin Nolan, come to that, but that's another punch-up entirely. The England team needs some fresh blood and Joey is the perfect person to provide fresh blood."

"England was best when they had Newcastle players in the squad. Peter Beardsley, Alan Shearer, quality, quality players from the Northeast. Now who do we have representing the Northeast? Sunderland players. I'm amazed England haven't been relegated yet."

Redknapp Thinks Spurs Well Positioned After 4-0 Madrid Defeat

MADRID (DF) -- Despite conceding four goals and scoring none at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes his Spurs side are still in a winning position heading into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid at White Hart Lane.

Spurs will be without targetman Peter Crouch for the return leg in London after the lanky striker was sent off in the fifteenth minute by German referee Felix Brych for two bookable offences. In spite of Crouch's enforced absence, Redknapp is sure his side have the firepower to progress.

"Yeah, we'll give it a go," said Redknapp when questioned by reporters outside the team hotel. "Obviously, the lads are gutted by tonight's result, but we're confident enough to know we can turn it around."

"Their defense has more holes than Crouchy's head, at the moment," continued Redknapp. "We didn't test them tonight because of the early sending off, but we'll score six or seven at the Lane for sure. I can't imagine a reason why we wouldn't."

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho claimed in the pre-match build up he would have taken a 0-0 result at the Bernabeu, but on loan Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor's early goal combined with Crouch's red card inside fifteen minutes turned the tide of the tie heavily in favor of Mourinho's free-flowing Galacticos. Even with the four goal cushion, the Portuguese insists their job isn't done.

"Yes, we are in a good position, but anything can happen in football," professed a pragmatic Mourinho after the match. "There are still 90 minutes left to play and Spurs are capable of scoring four goals themselves. I'm comfortable in England, I'll be back there next season, but for now I won't be comfortable until the final whistle."

Mourinho added: "Hopefully we will get a neutral referee in the return leg who won't be influenced when Harry flashes his checkbook."

The Mill: Monday Transfer Rumours - Rooney to Escape Ban?

The FA will severely reprimand Manchester United's Wayne Rooney after the striker was caught swearing into a television camera against West Ham on Saturday. FA bosses insist Rooney's behavior was completely unacceptable, but plan to stop short of a ban due to the importance of United's upcoming fixtures. -- (Daily Telegraph)

Gareth Bale has insisted he would have "no qualms" about moving abroad in the future, should interest from top European clubs persist. Bale thinks his growth as a player could be aided if he played for a club with a real history of success. -- (Press Association)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has blamed fixture congestion for his side's slumping form in recent weeks, despite being knocked out early of both domestic cups and the Champions League. The Frenchman believes his players are still overworked and shouldn't be forced to play every week. -- (Daily Mirror)

AC Milan supremo Silvio Berlusconi has claimed Mario Balotelli's off-field antics will prevent him from pulling on the Rossoneri shirt in the future. The fiery Italian Prime Minister, under investigation for questionable ethics in his own right, said Milan fan Balotelli should use him as an example of how those at AC Milan behave off the field. -- (Press Association)

Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed he cut all ties with Manchester City because fans refused to show him enough love. Adebayor insists the relationship is over, despite his being forced to return to Manchester in the summer. -- (The Sun)

Sven-Goran Eriksson's Leicester City will make a summer move for injured Manchester United striker Michael Owen should they gain promotion to the Premier League. Former England manager Eriksson believes Owen would be the perfect addition to his overrated, aging squad of players. -- (Daily Mirror)

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has contended the midweek Champions League trip to Madrid was not weighing on his players' minds as they played out an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Wigan. Redknapp reportedly told reporters that an away match at Wigan holds relatively the same importance as any old Champions League quarterfinal with Real Madrid. -- (Daily Mirror)

Houllier Claims Villa Are United, Will Dig Deeper to Stay Up

BIRMINGHAM (DF) -- Aston Villa's under-pressure manager Gerard Houllier has hit back at critics who have suggested there is a sense of disharmony emanating from his squad by declaring the club are a united front, despite allegations of training ground bust-ups, player rebellions, and binge drinking.

The Villa boss has been under the gun since taking over from Martin O'Neill at the start of the season, due in part to his inability to replicate the Northern Irishman's success. Frenchman Houllier has struggled to retain control of his players and appears to have lost the support of Villa supporters, with many in the terraces during the 1-0 home defeat to local rivals Wolves calling for him to be sacked.

"Everyone is entitled to think what they want but I took the job because it was a challenge," said the former Lyon manager. "The challenge is bigger now because of what happened but sometimes you battle to get in Europe or a cup. Sometimes you dig yourself a hole and you have to dig deeper to find a way out."

In spite of a tsumani of negative press suggesting rampant player discontent, several senior Villa players have taken to the media in recent days to lend support to their besieged manager. American goalkeeper Brad Friedel claimed the Villa squad are fully behind Houllier and remain committed to the task at hand.

"We're all professionals," said stalwart Friedel. "The players are only thinking about keeping the club in the Premier League. We don't have time to worry about our odd tactics, who's going to be manager next week, why we're taking trips to spas during the middle of the season, or why, with such a talented squad, we're not pushing for Europe. Right now, staying up is our one and only concern."

"We just have to hang in there for eight more games," lamented the experienced American. "Whatever happens after that will happen. It's not in our hands. Until we're told to say otherwise, everyone here is behind the manager 100%."

Wolves Buoyed by Jarvis Cap, Now Certain to Avoid Relegation

BIRMINGHAM (DF) -- Deep in the midst of an all-out battle for Premier League survival, Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy now believes his Wolves side have the upper hand and that a first England cap for Matt Jarvis will be enough to save his club from Premier League relegation this season.

Jarvis was given his full England debut by Fabio Capello on Tuesday evening, replacing Jack Wilshere in the 69th minute of the 1-1 draw against Ghana at Wembley Stadium. Despite spending most of his time on the pitch defending without the ball, the exciting young winger showed glimpses of his fine club form and gave reason for Capello to consider him in future England squads.

"How many clubs have gone down with a regular England international in their side?" asked Wolves' Irish boss McCarthy after the game. "I don't know the number exactly, but I don't think it's ever happened. I've been begging for it all season, and now that Matty has his first full cap, we're not going to go down."

"You don't see sides like Chelsea and Manchester City going down and they're chock-full of England internationals," continued the former Republic of Ireland manager. "Now that we have one at our club, we're going to stay in the Premier League. It's a lift for everyone involved because results won't matter. Come the end of the season, we'll be where we deserve to be."

Dr. Jack Cavendish, a Professor of Football Statistical Analysis at the University of Birmingham, and Wolverhampton supporter, took issue with the Wolves manager's frame of reference. Cavendish claimed, rightly or wrongly, that the number of regular England internationals at a club has absolutely no bearing on the club's relegation chances.

"I don't quite understand his logic or his reading of history," said the renowned Dr. Cavendish. "Portsmouth were relegated just last season with David James in their side and he was a regular England squad member at the time of their relegation. He even played at the World Cup as part of a relegated side."

"To me, Kevin Doyle being ruled out for the rest of the season will have a greater impact on Wolves' survival chances than Matt Jarvis's first cap, but I am just a scholar and I do only study the game for a living. I guess anything is possible through Irish eyes."

The Mill: Monday Transfer Rumours - England B vs. Ghana?

England manager Fabio Capello plans to risk the wrath of the Wembley faithful by sending out a team of reserves to face Ghana on Tuesday. Capello insists he will keep the regulars on the bench in reserve for when the regular reserves flounder against the World Cup quarterfinalists. -- (Daily Mail)

Arsenal wonderkid Aaaron Ramsey will resign as Wales captain as early as next week, citing a consensus in the press that his lack of experience, and not the inept tactical gameplan laid out by Welsh manager Gary Speed, caused the team to lose 2-0 against England on Saturday. -- (Daily Mirror)

Wayne Rooney has hit out at the England coaching staff for not reminding him he was on a yellow card before Saturday's game in Wales. Rooney claimed he had "no idea" he had picked up a yellow card earlier in the campaign, and that he "shouldn't have to care" about being booked for petulant challenges. -- (Daily Star)

Disgruntled Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has ruled out future move to manage Manchester United by saying he would require at least a £20 million salary and a transfer budget in excess of £150 million if he were to return to England. United would only be able to offer a transfer budget of that size by selling their entire first team squad and Old Trafford. -- (Daily Express)

Blackburn manager Steve Kean is keen on bringing Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy back to the Premier League, but the move could be scuppered by Hamburg's asking price for the player. The former PSV hitman has been shopped around on a free transfer, a price much too low to meet Blackburn owners Venky's demands for a headline-grabbing, big money signing. -- (The Guardian)

Manchester United's glass midfielder Owen Hargreaves fears he will be out for the remainder of the season after suffering a shoulder injury in training. The club's medical staff hopes the former England international will be fit in time for the start of the 2013-2014 Premier League season. -- (Daily Mail)

Aston Villa's American goalkeeper Brad Friedel has denied media claims of a player revolt against under-fire manager Gerard Houllier by insisting the Villa players will stand by their manager until he's sacked at the end of the season. -- (Telegraph)

Best, Ireland Apologize to Newcastle Squad for Getting Caught

NEWCASTLE (DF) -- Newcastle United's Irish duo Leon Best and Stephen Ireland have apologized to teammates after being pictured at a Newcastle nightclub last Friday, the night before their side were lumped 4-0 at the Brittania Stadium by a rampant Stoke City.

The pair had been ruled out of last Saturday's trip to Stoke due to injury and Magpies boss Alan Pardew insisted they both stay at home to continue their recovery. After unflattering pictures of Best and Ireland appeared in several local tabloids, the two were forced to issue an apology to teammates and supporters.

A statement released through the club read: "Because we had both been ruled out of the game at Stoke and didn't travel with the team, we thought that going out to a bar was appropriate ahead of Saturday's game and we fully regret being caught."

"We were asked to have our photograph taken and we removed our shirts because we are good friends, but of course the resulting coverage in the press suggests a far different night out. Whilst our actions were not wrong, we feel inclined to mention neither of us had consumed much alcohol and we were out for only a very short period of time, several hours at the most."

Local journalist and Newcastle United supporter Andy McLean said he believed the statement to be an empty gesture from both players. "I hope the club investigates this further and punishes these kids for their behavior. I'm sure by now they've both seen the first Goal film. They should know this sort of clubbing doesn't fly in Newcastle."

Speaking to the Evening Chronicle, United manager Pardew confirmed discipline would be forthcoming and that he was waiting for everyone to return to the club before taking action. 

"All I want to say on that is that as Leon Best has travelled with Ireland, we've not faced each other yet," said Pardew. "There will be discipline involved, for sure, they broke club rules, but I want to see them together in my office before I say anything more."

"Dropping them won't be a difficult decision for me, should it come to that," he continued. "They're both short on form and I think their attitude and level of talent would fit in well with the reserves."

Van der Vaart Signals Intent to Leave Tottenham After Sub Row

LONDON (DF) -- Tottenham playmaker Rafael Van der Vaart will leave Spurs in the summer following a heated argument with manager Harry Redknapp, set off by the Dutchman's decision to storm straight down the tunnel after being substituted in the 71st minute of Spurs' 0-0 draw against West Ham at White Hart Lane.

Redknapp took to the press immediately after the game to make it clear he was unimpressed with Van der Vaart's actions. He told a group of gathered reporters that he believes players should be respectful and watch the game with their teammates after they're substituted, regardless of circumstances or ego.

Van der Vaart, currently away on international duty with the Netherlands, later claimed his petulant act wasn't meant to be disrespectful, but those who know the Spurs midfield maestro well believe it's just the tip of the iceberg.

"He finds his position within the squad completely untenable," said a source close to the former Real Madrid man. "I think the relationship between him and the manager has gone beyond repair. Rafael has been in this situation before. He came to Tottenham to play full games and that's not happening. If he wanted to play 20 minutes, he could have stayed in Madrid. This stuff doesn't just blow over."

"It will blow over," claimed a Spurs spokesman regarding the row. "Rafael is away with Holland and Harry is in Bermuda, vacationing with his son and several agents. When they come back, I'm sure it will no longer be an issue. Time heals all wounds and ten days is well long enough to heal anything in football."

With Spurs on the outside looking in for next season's fourth and final Champions League spot, the source close to Van der Vaart believes any argument with Redknapp over playing time could prove to be a moot point in deciding the Dutchman's future.

"Rafael needs to play in the Champions League and Tottenham won't be there next year. He's already planning on leaving, the club knows this, so, at this point, anything the English manager says is really only meant to attract attention to himself."

The Mill: Monday Transfer Rumours - Capello Prefers Terry?

England manager Fabio Capello insisits his decision to restore John Terry to the England captaincy, just over a year after he took it away, was made for purely footballing reasons, as the Italian didn't want to be forced into selecting misfit defender Rio Ferdinand to start every match. -- (The Sun)

Jose Mourinho is Sheikh Mansour's first and only choice to replace ineffectual Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini at the end of the season, with the Portuguese boss finally ready to leave Madrid for Manchester and United kingpin Alex Ferguson unwilling to open up a job at Old Trafford. -- (Daily Mail)

Arsene Wenger has labeled the lumpy pitch at the Hawthorns "scandalous" and "unfit for rugby," after Saturday's 2-2 draw with West Brom. The Frenchman believes his Arsenal side could win the title if they were allowed to play all of their remaining games on the pristine pitch at the Emirates Stadium. -- (Daily Mail)

Chelsea's wonderkid defender David Luiz has described his goal against Manchester City on Sunday as the "best moment of his life." Luiz was desperate to prove City wrong after the Blues mysteriously rejected the opportunity to sign him in 2009 in favor of Everton's world-class centerback Joleon Lescott. -- (Telegraph)

Manchester United supremo Alex Ferguson has shrugged off suggestions he was laughing at bench-ridden striker Dimitar Berbatov during Tuesday's Champions League victory over Marseille at Old Trafford, claiming he's not the only person who laughs at Berbatov on a regular basis. -- (The Metro)

Barcelona's Brazilian right-wing back Dani Alves is ready to reject a move to Manchester City in the summer, after revealing he'll only play for a manager willing to allow his fullbacks to enter the opposition's half. -- (News of the World)

Aston Villa stand poised to renew their interest in Manchester United's Michael Owen following suggestions United could cancel his contract at the end of the season. Villa manager Gerard Houllier believes he can bring the former England international back to his Liverpool best, even if he's out injured. -- (Daily Mirror)

Lehmann's Return Inspires Almunia to a Howler at West Brom

BIRMINGHAM (DF) -- On a day where Arsenal had hoped to celebrate the return of Jens Lehmann by going level on points with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League, it was Anglo-Spanish keeper Manuel Almunia who stole the next morning's headlines during the 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns with a world-class demonstration of bush-league goalkeeping.

Newly-restored number one Almunia, starting in goal due to long term injuries to accident-prone Polish duo Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny, was at fault for both West Brom goals, staying on his line to give Steven Reid a free header two minutes in, and later tripping over Sebastien Squillaci to gift a goal to Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie. 

"I don't know why, but Arsene now seems to prefer eccentric keepers," said former Arsenal and England goalkeeping legend David Seaman in a television interview after the match. "Maybe they enjoy mirroring their manager's personality, maybe they just get bored with their side having so much possession, I don't know, but they all seem to have a screw loose."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been roundly criticized by supporters for his refusal to sign an experienced replacement for stalwart Lehmann, who left the club after the 2008 season. Seaman believes Wenger's stubborn belief in his own innate ability to develop talent has left the club without a leader at the back.

"When I left the club 2003, Arsene made a smart move by bringing in Jens Lehmann. He was a rock and provided the experience in goal that the team needed. When he left, his backup Almunia was thrust into the spotlight and he wasn't capable. When Almunia failed, young Fabianski came in and did the same, and, obviously, Szczesny played his part at Wembley last month. Now we're back to Almunia. I really think he wants to be a backup again."

Seaman held nothing back when describing the state of his former club. "They attack like men and defend like schoolgirls. This inept defending, starting in goal, has cost us the League Cup, a shot at the Champions League, and now it might cost us the Premier League."

"I'm glad Arsene brought Jens back. He might be old, German, and a little off his head, but you won't see him doing stuff like what Almunia, Fabianski, and Szczesny did without getting away with it."

Ferguson to Start Ignoring Press After Receiving Touchline Ban

MANCHESTER (DF) -- In the wake of his five game touchline ban for improper conduct by the FA, Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has vowed not to appeal the decision, instead deciding to shift his focus onto a new policy towards the media-- one which will see him ignore the press and refuse interviews at every opportunity.

The FA's disciplinary panel charged Ferguson with improper conduct on March 3rd after the Scot criticized match official Martin Atkinson for his poor performance during United's recent Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge. Ferguson's comments received widespread condemnation in the English press, which many feel may have contributed to the FA's swift action.

"He's going to take a step back from the mainstream media," confirmed a United press officer early Friday morning. "We've never understood why, but there is a clear bias against Manchester United in the press and that bias directly contributed to the disproportionate ban he received this week."

Ferguson's incendiary remarks regarding Martin Atkinson were made in a post-match interview with MUTV, Manchester United's internal television channel. After the interview aired, the United manager reportedly cut off all contact with the channel, refusing an opportunity to defend himself and his comments in another taped interview.

Jack Wick, a senior producer for MUTV, refuted claims the channel has a bias against Manchester United and insisted they take an open and honest approach to their reporting. "Even though we're funded directly by Manchester United and BSkyB, we like to provide balanced coverage to our viewers."

"We've been broadcasting for nearly 15 years and we feel as if we've always given him a fair opportunity to make his case to our subscribers. If someone finds our coverage to be biased, then we have a simple solution-- don't watch. We love United and we have a deep respect for Alex Ferguson. It's our job to keep people honest."

"Sometimes you just have to poke them with a stick," Wick continued. "That's how you show love."

Balotelli's Grass Allergy Could Rule Him Out for Rest of Season

MANCHESTER (DF) -- Volatile Manchester City wonderkid Mario Balotelli could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, possibly for the rest of the season, after it was discovered the young Italian international is allergic to certain types of grass.

Balotelli was forced off early in the second half during last Thursday's UEFA Europa League tie against Dynamo Kiev. His manager Roberto Mancini confirmed the freak injury during the post-match press conference. "Mario had an allergy, I don't know what, his face was swollen, I don't know why. Maybe he was cold."

A Manchester City physio, speaking in a condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the allergy and Balotelli himself, revealed the young Italian suffered the same reaction after coming on as a substitute in the 1-0 FA Cup victory over Reading.

"He's allergic to certain types of grass. I'm told, mostly the green kind," said the City physio. "It's really quite extraordinary. He's perfectly fine on our artificial indoor training pitches, but as soon as he gets outside onto the grass, something goes horribly wrong."

Respected sports kinesiologist and allergy expert Dr. Steven K. Daniels feels Balotelli may have to take radical steps if he hopes to have a future in the game, given the recent revelations regarding his health.

"Mario is obviously a fantastic talent and I'm sure everyone would love to see how he develops," Daniels said. "He should really take a step back and consider his options. The only way for him to further his career might be to move somewhere where artificial pitches are the norm, avoiding grass altogether. Russia, Scandinavia, the United States-- he has options."

"I know those aren't the top leagues, but given the choice, which would you prefer: stability and good health in Tromso, or fame, fortune and a puffy face in Manchester?"

Pardew Sets Sights on New Number 9, Eyes Alan Shearer

NEWCASTLE (DF) -- Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has begun his search for a new striker following the £35 million January departure of Andy Carroll to Liverpool by setting his sights on a sensational swoop for Newcastle legend, retired centre forward and former United manager Alan Shearer.

Sources inside St. James' Park have confirmed Pardew's intent to contact Shearer about coming out of retirement, but, as of yet, refuse to speculate if the former England international's return is a possibility. The sources believe disgraced Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will allow Pardew to spend most of Carroll's £35 million fee in order to tempt the former captain back to the club.

"Alan is completely serious about trying to bring Alan back to Newcastle," revealed one of the club sources. "He feels the club have been lacking someone of his ilk since he retired, and who better to replace the man than the man himself?"

Tyneside media first began reporting the story on Friday evening when Pardew announced his desire for a new striker to bring goals back to the Newcastle front line. United supporters, desperate for a new hero since the departure of Kevin Keegan in 2008 and Shearer in 2009, have been buoyed by the news.

"They thought they had found one in Carroll," said regional journalist Andy McLean. "A local lad, powerful striker scoring loads of goals, but [Mike] Ashley sold him in January to help balance the books. They were gutted again. First Kevin, then Alan, and now Andy Carroll? We've had a tumultuous few years."

"I think bringing Alan back to the club would be an absolute masterstroke for Pardew and Ashley," continued McLean. "It would give instant credibility to the regime-- something which they both have been lacking since day one. It might take most of that £35 million to get Alan to come back, but I think he'd be open to it."

"I'm sure he's still fit as a fiddle. If Teddy Sheringham can play until he's 55, why can't the great Alan Shearer make a comeback at 40 and save Newcastle United?"

Kevin Davies Thanks Namesake Curtis for Trip to Wembley

BIRMINGHAM (DF) -- Bolton forward Kevin Davies took time out of celebrating his team's 3-2 FA Cup quarterfinal victory at St. Andrews on Saturday to thank Birmingham central defender Curtis Davies for his part in all three Bolton goals-- an effort which assured the Wanderers a trip to Wembley in April.

"We couldn't have done it without him," said the elder Davies of the younger Davies. "His dreadful defending gave us the opportunities we needed and we took full advantage. Should we win the FA Cup, I'll be sure to send him a bottle of whatever he drinks before games."

Thrust into the spotlight following an injury to Roger Johnson, Curtis Davies, making only his second appearance for the Blues, looked out of place in a ragged, hastily assembled back four and was caught out badly for Bolton's first goal. Davies then bundled over Kevin Davies for a penalty and Bolton's second, and was caught out of position again for Bolton's eventual winner.

Sources close to Birmingham manager Alex McLeish feel Davies could already be on his way out of St. Andrews, despite having only joined the club in January. Once Johnson and his first choice partner Scott Dann return to full fitness, Davies, they say, will be surplus to requirements, if he's not already. 

"Yeah, Alex doesn't really rate him at all," claimed one of the sources. "He was only playing because we're in crisis mode with all the injuries. Had Nikola [Zigic] been fit, I'm sure he would have been picked ahead of Curtis in central defense."

"I don't know why he played the way he did today. Maybe he felt bad that we've been hogging all the trips to Wembley lately, maybe he felt it was his duty to give Bolton and their supporters a chance to experience the Wembley atmosphere."

"Honestly, I think we're just a stepping stone," continued the source. "I think he has a dream of playing poorly for all the big clubs in Birmingham. He's been at West Brom, Aston Villa, and us. I'm sure he'll move on to Wolves in the summer and help them fall even further down the ladder."

Mancini Thinks His Negative City Tactics Would Win Serie A

KIEV (DF) -- Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has launched a stringent defense of his negative tactics following an uninspiring 2-0 Europa League defeat to Dynamo Kiev on Thursday night, claiming that his City side would be fully capable of winning the Italian Serie A.

"This is how we play in Italy," alleged Mancini after City's ineffectual performance in Kiev. "I won three titles with Inter this way. You play slow, don't move, pass it sideways, and the ball goes in."

A first half goal from former Chelsea and Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko coupled with Oleg Gusev's second half strike ensured the Blues have it all to do next Thursday at Eastlands. Many in the media have been left scratching their heads over the Italian's refusal to allow his crop of world-class players the freedom to express themselves.

"It's hard to believe a player with such fantastic flair could turn out to be such a defensive manager," said former City trainee Liam Murphy, who now follows the club with the Manchester Evening News. "We couldn't win Serie A. We can't even beat Dynamo Kiev. If Edin Dzeko winds-up playing on the left wing and Pablo Zabaleta turns out to be the most attacking midfielder, we're in deep trouble."

Criticism of Mancini's pessimistic tactics wasn't limited to experts in the media, as a plurality of City supporters took to the airwaves and internet last night to express their displeasure. Several who had made the long trip to Kiev felt especially aggrieved.

"I traveled 2,500 miles and spent over 1,000 quid to watch this rubbish?" asked one disgruntled City supporter outside the Valeriy Lobanovskiy Stadium. "What a joke. If I wanted to watch this sort of football, I could just drive down from Blackley on Sunday and see it when we play Reading."

Tottenham Hotspur Hope West Ham Will Consider Groundshare

LONDON (DF) -- After losing out in a high-stakes bidding war to become the Olympic Stadium's primary post-Games tenant, Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is now planning crisis talks with rivals West Ham to discuss sharing the stadium after 2012. 

Tottenham abandoned their plans to redevelop White Hart Lane in favor of their Olympic Stadium bid and have been left in limbo as their current home can no longer support their lofty ambitions. Despite a long history in North London, many on the club's board of directors feel as if they have outgrown the area.

"It simply isn't an option anymore," said a Spurs spokesman of the club remaining at White Hart Lane. "When the board decided we were going to push on with moving the club to Stratford in favor Tottenham, we made a commitment to leave. As a club, we remain fully committed. The fact that we're still forced to play our home games here makes us extremely uncomfortable."

West Ham were awarded the future Olympic Stadium tenancy in a unanimous decision by the Olympic Park Legacy Committee in February. Their bid, which promised to maintain the athletic track around the football pitch, was met with enthusiasm by the local council and UK Athletics.

"Obviously, we're excited to have the opportunity to work with West Ham now and in the future," declared UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner. "I firmly believe the athletics track will only add to the atmosphere. Fans will have to yell louder to be heard. It's a good thing. Maybe West Ham games will be more like track meets. They can be very exciting."

Spurs are hopeful West Ham and the Olympic Park Legacy Committee will consider the possibility of a future groundshare, especially if the Hammers find themselves relegated at the end of the season.

"West Ham's financial position is precarious," added the Spurs spokesman. "If they go down, we'd be willing to offer financial incentives for a groundshare. Ideally, they're down long enough and we buy them out entirely."

The Mill: Monday Transfer Rumours - Venky's Not Keen on Kean?

Blackburn owners and poultry magnates Venky's have cried fowl and started looking for a way to demote manager Steve Kean to his old role as first team coach. They claim the vegetarian Scotsman doesn't have the game to move the club forward in the pressure-cooker of the Premier League. -- (News of the World) 

New York Red Bulls playmaker Thierry Henry is itching to return to Arsenal sooner rather than later. The 33-year-old former talisman says that even though he's French, he's still capable of outworking Danish flop Nicklas Bendtner. -- (The Sun)

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted that despite wild child Mario Balotelli not listening to him, he'll keep playing the Italian wonderkid as long as he keeps contributing nothing to the team apart from the odd spectacular goal. -- (The Telegraph)

Injury-ravaged England and Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves is set to be offered a new contract in the summer by manager Alex Ferguson after the United boss confirmed he only wants aging, overrated England players patrolling the center of his midfield for the foreseeable future. -- (Daily Mirror)

Ivory Coast star Yaya Toure has leapt to the defence of his brother Kolo after the elder Toure tested positive during a recent drugs test. The Manchester City powerhouse insisted Kolo was sane, and only under the influence of Roberto Mancini's positive tactics. -- (The Sun)

Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has defended fielding a reserve team against Manchester City in the FA Cup, claiming his reserves stood a better chance of winning at a near empty Eastlands because they have drubbed the first eleven in several recent games played behind closed doors. -- (Daily Express)

Birmingham's makeshift left back Liam Ridgewell has stressed the value of inspirational DVDs and motivational speakers, claiming the Goal! football film series and a half time pep talk from international lecturer Bear Grylls helped the Blues beat Arsenal in the League Cup final at Wembley. -- (Daily Mirror)

Ferguson to Appeal, Ask to Referee United Games Himself

MANCHESTER (DF) -- Outspoken Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will appeal his recent improper conduct charge to the Football Association, levied against him after he criticized match official Martin Atkinson, and ask that he be allowed to officiate all future United league and cup games himself.

The charges against Ferguson were announced on Thursday by the FA after the Scot's stinging assessment of referee Martin Atkinson's performance during Manchester United's 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Atkinson failed to send off Chelsea defender David Luiz for a second bookable offence, gave the Blues a decisive penalty, and issued marching orders to United defender Nemanja Vidic.

"You want a fair referee, or a strong referee anyway, one who will call things our way, and we didn't get that," said a disgruntled Ferguson to club TV after the loss. "I must say, when I saw who the referee was I feared it. I feared the worst."

The 39-year-old Atkinson has a history involving high profile Manchester United games, with the Bradford-born official taking charge of the controversial 2009 Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Atkinson added on six minutes of injury time, more than the time announced by the fourth official, allowing United to score a last minute winner. The event was roundly ridiculed by then City manager Mark Hughes, but lauded by United boss Ferguson.

"Martin Atkinson has consistently shown a bias against Manchester United," claimed a Red Devils spokesperson at a Friday press conference. "Time and time again, obvious decisions have gone against us, and results have been affected. We don't know what we've done to Mr. Atkinson, apart from treating him with the upmost hospitality whenever he's at Old Trafford. Fine dining, expensive wines; all the things visiting officials should expect from a side like United."

"Unfortunately, this red vendetta appears to be a trend emerging in match officials up and down the country. The only simple solution to correct this clear bias is to allow the United manager to officiate games himself, from the sidelines. We believe this to be fair and we will be making this point to the FA at the hearing."

Should he be found guilty by his friends at the FA, Ferguson would immediately activate a suspended two game touchline ban, picked up last season after comments he made regarding the lung capacity of referee Alan Wiley.

Ashley Cole to Face Charges for Training Ground Misfire

LONDON (DF) -- Ashley Cole could soon face criminal charges stemming from a training ground incident where the Chelsea and England left back shot unsuspecting 21-year-old sports sciences student and Chelsea intern Tom Cowan with an air rifle.

Police in Surrey visited Chelsea's training ground in Cobham Tuesday morning to gather information, but did not interview the perpetrator or his victim. First hand reports from the training ground describe chaotic scenes after the shooting.

"It was pretty gruesome," recounted one Chelsea staffer who was present during the incident. "We're all just sitting around shooting the breeze, right, then Ashley pulls out a gun and points it at Tom. All I really remember is a loud 'pop' and Tom screaming in pain. There was a lot of blood. I think it broke the skin."

Chelsea have refused official comment on the matter, but manager Carlo Ancelotti reportedly disciplined Cole internally by revoking his conceal and carry privileges and banning his interaction with student interns. He did not suspend Cole from first team activities.

Cole's publicist also had no comment on the incident with the investigation still ongoing, but sources close to the former Arsenal man claim he has long been considering a career in the armed forces after his football playing days are over.

"Ash has always been into guns," said a Cole family friend. "We used to go to carnivals and take trips to Blackpool, anywhere there was a festival, really, just to shoot air rifles. You know that scene in Hot Fuzz where that cop shoots all the little targets with an air rifle? That was Ashley. He always loved showing off."

"I definitely think he'll consider the army after he gets done with football," continued the friend. "He feels like he has a lot to contribute to the country beyond sport. Clearly, he's a great shot with a rifle, so I'm sure he'll fit right in."

Hughes Laments, Says He Would Have Beaten Fulham 6-0

LONDON (DF) -- After snatching a vital point from a disappointing Manchester City side, Fulham boss Mark Hughes went on the offensive against the club which replaced him as manager nearly 15 months ago, suggesting that if he were still in charge, City would have cruised to a 6-0 victory.

In a game where clear cut chances were at a premium, Damien Duff's second half goal canceled out Mario Balotelli's excellent strike from distance to give Fulham a deserved draw at Eastlands. Balotelli's moment of brilliance proved to be City's lone attacking highlight, with the home side often struggling for cohesion up front.

"There was no inspiration," said Liam Murphy, a former City trainee who now follows City with the Manchester Evening News. "It's something fans have been criticizing Mancini for since he took the job. The build up play is slow and predictable. No one was criticizing Hughes for that when he was in charge. Games were exciting-- play was pacey and quick. Now we're watching Serie A."

In his post-match interview, Hughes admitted he was disappointed with a draw, feeling Fulham were the better team on the day. He also turned up the heat in his rivalry with Roberto Mancini by taking a swipe at the Italian's languid tactics.

"We played really well today and I'm a bit disappointed to be perfectly honest because I thought we looked the more likely team to score. Tactically, I'm light years ahead of the Man City manager. If I had had that sort of talent at my disposal when I was in charge, I'm sure City would have won 6-0 today."

A Fulham spokesperson later clarified the Welshman's fiery comments, insisting Hughes has every right to defend his tenure as City boss. "It's not out of the ordinary for former managers to discuss what they would have done in a match involving their old clubs-- especially when they have the attention of the television cameras."

"Obviously, there's a bit of acrimoniousness still leftover from 15 months ago, but that's to be expected," continued the spokesperson. "Mark wanted to be part of City's rebuilding project and he had the rug taken out from under him. He still feels he's the best man for the job."

"If his verbal volley hits Roberto upside the head on the way to the Eastlands directors' box, then so be it."

Wenger Claims Zigic Height Made for Unfair Cup Final

LONDON (DF) -- Defeated Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has cried foul to the Football League over Birmingham's team selection in the Carling Cup Final, believing the 6'8" frame of Serbian-born striker Nikola Zigic gave the West Midlands club an unfair advantage in their 2-1 triumph at Wembley Stadium.

Despite dominating possession throughout the match, Arsenal were undone in the dying embers of the tie after Zigic, Laurent Koscielny, and Wojciech Szczesny combined brilliantly to hand on loan striker Obafemi Martins his second, and arguably biggest, goal for the Blues. The last minute defeat means Arsenal will be forced to continue their agonizing five-and-a-half year search for a major trophy.

"It's hard to swallow," admitted Billy Simon of the Arsenal Football Supporters Club. "We've gone this long believing in Arsene's plan, and we've come up with nothing, again. All the talking heads on television told us the trophy was ours. How can we not feel duped? I thought these guys were supposed to be experts."

A spokesman for the Football League confirmed they had taken a call late Tuesday evening from Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood, on behalf of Arsene Wenger.

"Arsene has asked us for a replay," said the spokesman. "After spending the past couple of days considering it from all angles, he believes Birmingham should have to replay the game without Nikola Zigic in the squad. We will of course consider his grievance, but as with all things Wenger, we're going to take it with a grain of salt."

Arsenal's calamitous defending for Birmingham's second goal has been roundly lampooned in the media, but one member of the second place side was steadfast in his defense of his side's lack of defense.

"How are we supposed to compete with someone that tall?" asked the unnamed Arsenal defender. "We're not used to having to jump or concentrate, or even defend at all, really. It's not like we can just turn on at the flick of a switch."

"Sure, we've had to play against Peter Crouch before, but that's completely different. He's English and obviously not a real footballer."

The Mill: Monday Transfer Rumours - Sturridge in City Return?

Daniel Sturridge has issued an emphatic "please come and re-sign me" plea to Manchester City's owners after the promising young forward's big money move to West London only took him ten miles away to Bolton City Centre. -- (Daily Star)

Troubled Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has ruled out a future move to Manchester City, as long as even-tempered Italian Roberto Mancini is in charge, insisting he would only play for managers like Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce who favor hard-hitting long balls and flying elbows. -- (The Independent)

Barcelona will make a move for Gareth Bale this summer after closing the door on a deal for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas. The Catalan giants claim to have initially been put off by Bale "because he's Welsh," but changed their mind when they discovered he "plays like he's Spanish." -- (Daily Mirror)

John Terry still believes fifth place Chelsea can catch Manchester United for the Premier League title, even if they lose both of the upcoming meetings between the sides. Terry thinks Chelsea's greater experience will trump United's points total. -- (Daily Mirror)

French midfield maestro Charles N'Zogbia has claimed he still plans to leave Wigan Athletic for Ligue 1, despite a continuing lack of interest from French top division clubs. -- (Daily Mail)

Aston Villa are keen to bring in West Ham flop Robert Green to replace stalwart American Brad Friedel in goal, continuing manager Gerard Houllier's recent transfer policy of signing nothing but England B internationals. -- (Daily Mirror)

Russian left back Yuri Zhirkov has dismissed recent press reports suggesting he plans to quit Chelsea in the summer should he not break into the first team, declaring he could never play for anyone other than Roman Abramovich. -- (The Sun)

Glazers Keen to Emulate Saudi Royal Family at United

MANCHESTER (DF) -- Having once again ruled out a sale of the club he purchased in 2005, American billionaire Malcolm Glazer and his clan of Glazer directors are ready to implement a hierarchy at Manchester United that mirrors another high profile, billionaire family-- the one currently in charge of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

News outlets in the Middle East had reported the Qatar royal family were preparing a formal bid for the Premier League leaders, but the current Manchester United owners came out quickly to dismiss the reports as pure speculation.

"The club is not for sale at any price," declared a Glazer spokesman to media in Tampa, Florida. "Obviously, a top club like United would interest many potential buyers, but we're financially stable and not looking to sell. We're going to keep it in the family."

The Glazers, led by their patriarch Malcolm, took control of Manchester United six years ago in a deal worth nearly $1.5 billion. The transfer of power was met with extreme hostility by United supporters, who raised grave concerns over Glazer's seemingly irrational use of borrowed money to fund his takeover of the club.

"It made very little fiscal sense," claimed financial expert and United fan Avery Alexander. "His actions saddled the club with over £500 million in debt. That would be enough to buy most of the clubs in the Premier League, all at once."

"I think [the Glazers] like the idea of absolute, unquestioned control," continued Dr. Alexander. "They see the way the players respond to [Alex] Ferguson's control and they want that for themselves."

"When the 'green and gold' gangs started showing up last season, they looked at how other controlling family groups had handled uprisings and they liked what they saw coming out of the Middle East. These days, it's like looking in the mirror."

"This series of protests against oppressive regimes didn't start last month in Tunisia-- it started last year in Trafford."

Manchester City Not Europa Favorites, Admits Mancini

MANCHESTER (DF) -- Despite a vast majority of bookmakers across Europe insisting otherwise, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has claimed his side aren't favorites to lift the Europa League trophy in Dublin on May 18th.

After turning on the style to collect a cool 3-0 win against Aris Thessaloniki, a scoreline which flattered the Greek giants, many European bookmakers stopped taking bets on Manchester City, with most believing it to be a forgone conclusion that City captain Carlos Tevez will wind-up lifting the cup at the Aviva Stadium.

"We're seeing the same thing all across Europe," said Ingo Metzger, a renowned betting patterns expert based out of Zurich. "Now that they're through to the round of 16, everyone is jumping on the Manchester City bandwagon. There isn't a club left in the competition that can compete. UEFA should simply award them the trophy now to save everyone the hassle of having to show up."

Mancini refused to be drawn into speculation after the match on Thursday, but did admit he viewed the competition as wide open. "We are not favorites. There are sixteen great clubs left and I'm sure one of them will win it."

"We don't like to get ahead of ourselves," declared a City spokesperson after Mancini's press conference. "We have a lot of fixtures between then and now, and there are plenty of fantastic teams left in the draw. We're just excited to be in the mix. As a club, we're taking things one game at a time."

The spokesperson revealed that the City hierarchy have taken steps to ensure seats will be available for their supporters, regardless of the cost. "So far, Sheikh Mansour has only reserved half of the publicly available tickets for the final, but that could change should we make it all the way there."

"We have the money to buy the whole stadium."

Tony Pulis Believes Stoke City Don't Play Rugby

STOKE-ON-TRENT (DF) -- On the back of recent criticism for their heavy-handed tactics in Wednesday's 1-0 loss at the Emirates Stadium, Tony Pulis has hit back at the media for portraying his players in an openly negative light, assuring them Stoke City is a football, not rugby, club.

Arsenal gave Stoke the run around during the first half of their Premier League encounter and were unlucky to go into the break ahead by only a solitary goal. Stoke turned up the heat immediately after the interval, with Arsenal manager branding their second half tactics as "thuggish" and "Welsh." Referee Peter Walton had his hands full as Stoke went about looking for anything but an equaliser.

"We don't play rugby," said an agitated Pulis after the game. "We're not anti-football as some have unfairly branded us. We don't play the game any differently than Arsenal, Manchester City, or Barcelona."

A recent comprehensive study of English league games conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University found that over the past season and a half, Stoke City games had, by far, the highest percentage of time spent with the ball off of the ground-- more than games for any other club in the Football League.

Alan Donovan-Woods, Assistant Professor of Sporting Statistics and Analysis at MMU, said the results were conclusive. "If there were a club in English football that played rugby, it would certainly be Stoke City. Most of their ball possession seems to be off the pitch, when it's in the hands of Rory Delap."

A Stoke City spokesman disagreed with the study, citing the club's depth of talent. "Technically, Glenn Whelan is world-class. He's a world-class player. We have at least a dozen players on our books who could walk into any passing side in the world."

Despite the pitch at the Brittania Stadium often looking like it's home to a rugby league side, Pulis maintains his side are proponents of the beautiful game. "Bring Barcelona to the Brittania in the dead of winter and we'll see who plays attractive, winning football."