Alan Pardew has stressed that he did not agree to become manager at Newcastle before Chris Hughton lost his job.
Hughton was sacked by the club on Monday whilst Pardew was unveiled as his replacement on Thursday.
However, this three day delay has done little to douse rumours that Pardew had been lined up before Hughton had got the boot.
Speaking after the Magpies' 3-1 success against Liverpool on Saturday, Pardew insisted that this was not the case.
"That was never true," he explained.
"In terms of myself, I never really had any contact about this job or any other job. It's a weird situation."
In the wake of owner Mike Ashley's shock decision to replace Hughton, Joey Barton admitted that the managerial upheaval was a 'shame'.
This is something which Pardew admits he understands.
He said:"One hundred per cent, and we talked about it afterwards. I have worked with Chris and he can feel very, very unfortunate that he is not sitting here now.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"But we all know this game is not easy and can be cruel at times. I had a very similar issue at Southampton."
Pardew got off to a perfect start by beating Liverpool but this will do little to stop critics from scrutinising his performance at the club.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Didier Drogba has announced that he is set to leave Chelsea this summer after 8 years at the club. Drogba has won three Premier League titles, four FA Cup trophies and has scored 157 goals for Chelsea, so is Fernando Torres ready to step up to the mark?
Didier Drogba confirmed his faith in Fernando Torres to fill the void and help Chelsea continue their success. Having only scored 7 times for Chelsea since his £50m transfer last January from Liverpool, many critics have slated Torres for his lack of achievement of the Blues.
Drogba was a significant ingredient to the Chelsea first team against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on Saturday. He assisted in Chelsea’s lifting of the title by scoring an equaliser in the 88th minute and scoring the deciding penalty to win Chelsea the title. Whereas Torres was left to watch from the bench and revealed his disappointment in not given the opportunity.
With Drogba’s news of leaving the club, it gives Torres the opportunity to step out of Drogba’s shadow and become the foremost strike force for Chelsea. Evidence of his capabilities to fill Drogba’s boots was proven during his period at Liverpool scoring over 20 goals every season in all competitions for the Reds. This was furthermore apparent during 2008 Euros when Torres displayed his scoring ability scoring the winning goal for Spain against Germany in the final servicing his country to victory.
‘When you talk about the Premier League you talk about a lot of players with quality so it’s not easy to pick one, by the is amongst the best’’ – Rafael Benitez 2009
Three years later and many people would read this quote and laugh due to his lack of success at Chelsea even though he was previously considered one of the top players of the Premier League. Although only scoring 7 goals so far for the Blues, the goals have been coming more regularly recently scoring a hat-trick against Queens Park Rangers in April which is a promising sign that he is prepared to step up to the mark.
However, now there will be a lot of expectation from the club, the fans and the critics for his performance to improve and to be demanded into scoring on a regular basis for Chelsea. This therefore places a lot of pressure on the Spaniard which could determine his performance to come.
Torres has shown in previous years that his capability to score goals in inevitable. Whilst at Chelsea he has always been over shadowed by the dominant strike force that is Didier Drogba, yet upon his exit of the club reveals the oppourtunity for Fernando Torres to step up into the limelight.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
If you think Torres has got it in him, Tweet me @gmileham.
Sir Alex Ferguson believes that the MLS is growing at a dramatic rate that he believes that a four league set-up could well be offing. The Manchester United boss was speaking at the Northern leg of their American tour, which has become an annual event in the Red Devils pre-season calendar.
In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that include Stuart Pearce signs new England contract; Adebayor has gone AWOL at Manchester City, while Aston Villa agree a compensation package for Alex McLeish.
*
Pearce signs new Under-21s contract – Guardian
Soccer is making a Major impact – Sun
Wenger: Big clubs do not sell their stars – Guardian
Villa agree £3m McLeish compensation deal – Daily Telegraph
Adebayor goes missing again – Sun
Spurs to reject improved bid for Modric – Guardian
Liverpool ready to make another offer for Downing – Mirror
Corinthians in Tevez offer – Sky Sports
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Last night England were taught a lesson by an intelligent and well drilled France team. The French for the majority of the game were the better side, and if England had equalised in the final moments it would have been harsh. The French played with fluidity, constantly moving and always looking for space. England again played with little nerve or imagination, but this had to be expected considering the age of the England team and the quality of the French.
However, lets not get over dramatic about last night. Kieran Gibbs, Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll all started a senior international for the first time. This was great to see. Fabio Capello picked a big game to play these players in, something we all called for after the World Cup. It is unfair to look at the score in too much detail. It was an experiment from Capello, to see what players could cope with senior international football. In the main the three in question as well as other fringe players all had decent games, though need more time to settle. If England had played woeful opposition, like Scotland’s game on Tuesday, what would we have discovered. The youngsters would have been comfortable and the press would have raved about them for the next few days. In a game against a top quality side, they did well, and Capello should be applauded for giving them a chance on the top stage.
Last night seemed so bad because of the way the media portrayed France in the build up to the game. They underestimated France and it came back to bite them. Instead of the press accepting that France were terrific in parts, they have rounded on Capello and his selection. What can the manager do? Where is the media’s integrity? Three months ago they were calling for such a shake up, now they have got it, they round on Fabio Capello. Last night France were the better team but without a doubt England have the better youngsters coming through. This can’t be ignored.
The question has to be can these players provide competition for the senior players. If we look at the England goalkeeping situation, not many people can question the quality England have. Both Hart and Foster are gaining experience and have played well so far this season. Hart is undeniably number one, but Foster will provide excellent competition – something that will benefit the players and the England team.
England do need to look at the centre back issue. Realistically, how many times will Rio Ferdinand and John Terry play together before the European Championships. For the rest of this season, the signs are not good. John Terry could be out for a couple of months and Rio Ferdinand can’t shake of niggling injuries. Fabio Capello should not be looking at Michael Dawson, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Michael Turner to replace both Ferdinand and Terry. It is time for a shake up defensively and such a shake up will provide greater competition in the domestic and international game.
Continuing on in the hypothetical shake up, Andy Carroll did himself proud last night. The England man’s confidence was there for all too see, and if he had been provided with better service, instead of Joleon Lescott believing himself to be a quarter back, he would have caused greater problems. His build up play was excellent – fashioning a chance for Gerrard after a superb knock down. The service to him was pitiful – Sunday league standard at times. Just because Carroll is big it doesn’t mean to say he can deal with punts up fie.ld. England will need to learn to play with Carroll as they have with Peter Crouch. It is a process that will take time no doubt, but and England squad featuring Andy Carroll. Wayne Rooney, Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch has quality all around it.
We should be supporting Capello’s selection last night, not rounding on him. It is too easy to be blinded by a defeat to France. Some sections of the media have used lines like, England loose to the only team worse than themselves at the World Cup. France are in transition, and no one can seriously believe had Laurent Blanc taken that exact team to the World Cup they would have performed as bad. England are in transition, and had big injuries last night.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Lets put things into perspective. England need to clear out dead wood from the squad, but it will take time. As well as this, the senior players need competition, Capello is providing them with this. It is very easy to look at the result last night and be downhearted about England. Hey, its what we do. We need to back the youngsters, because they have the quality to do play for England. The transition from dead wood to talented youngsters will take time but we are on the right road.
It’s been conceived as a minor blip on the road back to the promised land but Arsenal know they’re not quite there yet. Monday’s home defeat at the hands of struggling Wigan was a tiny hiccup in their pursuit of third spot and an all important place in next seasons Champions League group stage. A win would have moved them eight points clear of their North London rivals and effectively secured automatic passage to Europe’s premier club competition. Arsene Wenger knows his side need to win their remaining games to do so and was hoping to have Jack Wilshere back to provide a boost during the run in. Mikel Arteta’s season ending injury will leave the Gunners boss short in midfield which could prove damaging to their objectives.
This week on FFC the future captain and leading scorer Robin Van Persie is discussed, Wenger’s transfer talk is put under the microscope and Arsenal’s young guns are tipped for future success.
[divider]
Best of FFC
The 20 ‘Positives And Negatives’ To Take From Arsenal this season
Have we been here before with Wenger’s transfer talk?
Top TEN – Arsenal should have ‘never’ let them go
The one question Robin van Persie needs to ask himself
Does Arsenal’s ‘next generation’ actually have the potential to become a force?
The Curse Of The Loan Move
Fergie and Wenger rebuffed In attempts to land starlet
[divider]
Best of WEB
[divider]
Power, Corruption And Lies Invade The Arsenal Brotherhood – A Cultured Left Foot
Why participating in next season’s ‘NextGen Series’ can only be beneficial – Gunnersphere
Spoilt brat approach is costing points – Online Gooner
More fat cloggers please – Arseblog
The Arsenal centre midfield conundrum | Robin goes to negotiate Barca deal at London hotel – Le Grove
Wenger in for Afellay? Robin decides to leave, will it really spell the end?- Highbury House
£7M Is An Absolute Snip And We Say Why… – Transfer Tavern
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
[divider]
Quote of the Week
[divider]
“We want more, but where we are at the moment we will be happy with third place because there are great teams who would be very happy if they got there.
“You always want more, but you see that the competition in England is difficult – Chelsea are now in the Champions League [semi-final] against Barcelona,
but they are sixth at the moment, that means it is not easy.
“We want to win our next game and that is the only way we can secure our [Champions League] qualification. We have done remarkably well in the last two months and we want to take advantage of that run we have created and show that (on Saturday).” Arsene Wenger admits he is happy with third after Arsenal’s poor start to the season
Sao Paulo moved five points clear atop the Brazil Serie A with a 3-1 home win over Gremio on Saturday.At the Estadio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo, the home fans were celebrating early as Casimiro scored a 13th minute opener for Sao Paulo.
But he soon turned from hero to villain, as he found the back of the net again, this time with an own goal early in the second half to level proceedings.
The hosts hit the lead 10 minutes later, when midfielder Marlos scored after 62 minutes and the three points were wrapped up when Jean scored late.
Gremio defender Rafael Marques was sent off in first-half stoppage time to add insult to injury as Sao Paulo made it four victories from as many attempts.
In other matches, third-placed Figueirense claimed a last-minute draw thanks to Aloisio’s 89th minute goal, which earned them a point in a 1-1 draw at Vasco Da Gama.
There was more late drama between Cruzeiro and Santos, with the latter also snaring a point away from home in a 1-1 draw.
Walter Montillo’s 55th minute spotkick looked to have given Cruziero all three points but Santos – who played more than 40 minutes with 10 men – salvaged a draw through Borges’ injury-time goal.
Avai claimed their first points of the season in a 2-2 home draw with America Mineiro.
Having lost all three matches of the season so far, Avai seemed destined for another loss until defender Cassio struck in injury time.
Manager Tony Pulis remains confident that his Stoke City side will be able to recover from a poor recent run of form which has seen them lose their last four games in all competitions.
A 1-0 reverse at Everton left the Potters just a point outside the relegation places, but Pulis is not too concerned, believing that his side just need to be more clinical in front of goal.
He told his club's official website:"We are under no illusion about how difficult this season is going to be, but we have to battle through and keep our heads – because we need some points from our next few games.
"You have runs in football. We went five without losing before this run, when we had things going for us that are not going for us now. You just have to take it on the chin.
"We've got to dig in, but we've got a good group of players who will work very hard.
"We played fantastically well. When you think that we have had three unbelievably tough games in six days, so to come here and put on a performance like this against a quality team like Everton made it hugely frustrating that we have ended up losing.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"We have got to keep doing the right things and then make the most of the opportunities when we are on top in matches and creating clear-cut chances."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that Manchester United will use all their experience to ensure they win the Premier League this season.
The Red Devils moved back to the top of the division on Sunday by beating West Brom 2-0, after Manchester City had been beaten 1-0 by Swansea.
The Scottish coach has admitted that his team have the ability to deal with pressure, and that they won’t crack going into the final games of the season.
“We have that experience and it does help,” he stated in a press conference, published by Sky Sports.
“We won’t get nervous. Against West Brom we kept playing our football even at 1-0 when the fans were thinking ‘just get us a second.’
“It didn’t concern the players one bit. It is good to see that kind of temperament,” he stated.
Ferguson went on to praise Ashley Young, who has returned to fitness to boost the current English champions.
“It takes time to get your rhythm back and Ashley showed that in his two performances against Ajax last month.
“But he did well against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday and he was excellent again against West Brom,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports are suggesting that Paul Pogba has signed a new contract with the Old Trafford club, amid rumours that he was ready to leave the English champions.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The talented French youngster is out of contract at the end of the season, and has dragged his heels over agreeing a new deal with United, with Juventus reportedly interested.
However, it is now believed that he will stay with United, however the player or club have not confirmed this as yet.
Wolverhampton Wanderers host relegation rivals Blackburn Rovers on Sunday in a gripping finale to the English Premier League season.Blackburn and Wolves, 15th and 16th on the table respectively and level on 40 points, are just two of five teams in danger of relegation on what promises to be a tense last day of the season.
Three teams are one point worse off than Blackburn and Wolves.
Wigan are second bottom, with Blackpool 18th and Birmingham 17th, all on 39 points.
But despite their slim advantage, neither side in the match at Molineux can afford to settle for just a draw for fear of being overtaken by the teams beneath them.
Blackburn, who beat Wolves 3-0 in their first meeting back in December, have taken five points from their last three matches, including a 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United and a potentially invaluable 1-0 win over Bolton.
But that victory was just their second in 14 league matches, a miserable run that has seen the team slide perilously close to relegation after 10 years in the top division.
If Blackburn drop into the Championship, it will raise further questions about the wisdom of club owners Venkys’ decision to dismiss Sam Allardyce as manager in December.
Wolves finished 15th in their first season back in the Premier League last year, a relatively comfortable eight points clear of the relegation zone.
But they have been battling at the wrong end of the table for much of the current campaign.
Only two victories in the last two outings, both 3-1 over West Brom and Sunderland respectively, have kept Mick McCarthy’s team in with a chance of beating the drop.
Wolves’ survival hopes were not helped by a knee injury to Kevin Doyle.
The centre-forward was a vital part of the team that stayed up last year, but he has missed six of the past seven matches, only returning for 20 minutes off the bench last weekend.
Defender Pascal Zubar and midfielder David Edwards are two more who have been missed in the run-in and are yet to recover fitness.
Blackburn’s biggest concern is the tight hamstring that forced captain and centre-back Christopher Samba out of Saturday’s home draw against United.
“Chris Samba first of all felt his groin but wanted to stay on and then his hamstring tightened up,” manager Steve Kean said.
“We know what that big fella is all about and if there is any chance he can play he will play, he will be dying to get out there.”
“You take the risks in games like this and, of course, if we can take a risk on him then we will.”
United veterans, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville are the target of a megabucks deal to play out their careers in the Middle East. Should they cash in?
The last couple of weeks fans and writers alike have lambasted footballers for the vast sums of money that they earn. Wayne Rooney and Yaya Toure have born the brunt of this. However, at the risk of contradicting myself, would fans really have an issue if Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville had one last final pay day and went to Dubai for their last season.
Top teams in the United Arab Emirates league are said to be keen to snap up fellow team mates Giggs, Scholes and Neville (who owns property in Dubai) whose contracts also expire next summer. Giggs, who at 36 isn’t getting any younger,has made a record 847 appearances for the club. Gary Neville, despite struggling with injuries over the last couple of years celebrated his 600th appearance for Manchester United last week against Stoke.
They have been loyal servants to Manchester United for two decades, Giggs himself turned down a huge money move to Inter Milan some years ago. Paul Scholes retired from international football to prolong his Manchester United career and Gary Neville has shown great commitment to Manchester United, even after injuries and losing the captaincy.
Do Manchester United’s title hopes rest on these three players any more. If they do, that has to be a worrying situation for Manchester United fans. The three will not be around for ever, and it is looking increasingly likely that they could retire in the next 18 months. They could all earn around £10 million for one season, is it too much for them to turn down.
However. Both Scholes and Giggs are very much key members of the Manchester United set up, and Sir Alex Ferguson would want to retain their services right up to their retirement date. Personally, I feel it would ruin their reputations if they were to leave in this way. They have maintained top standards throughout their carrer, playing at the top of one of the best leagues in the world, as well as the Champions League. Why would they put their legacy on the line to earn extra money. These three are the epitome of Manchester United. A world where these three legends of the game were tempted by money and not standards, is a horrific thought.
The problem is, they have earned the right to be selfish. My personal opinion is they should not even give this deal a second thought. The trio will always be United legends even if they were to move, but it would tarnish their reputation. Giggs, Scholes and Neville are what is good about football and Manchester United. For the sake of the game they shouldn’t go. They should retire where it started. Where their careers have flourished and where the fans adore them. Imagine the day they retire. They are walking around the pitch, waving at fans with David O’Leary and not Sir Alex Ferguson. It is not the way it should end. They should end by shedding a tear at the Stretford end with their families, that is what they have worked so hard for – not mountains of wealth.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Maybe they will leave and settle for one last pay day. The word respect is often thrown about too loosely in football, but fans across the world respect what these three have done. Why throw that all away for money, is it really worth it. The answer is no, but sometimes money can make even the best people act foolishly.
What do Manchester United fans as well as other fans think of these rumours. Leave your comments below on whether their reputations will be damaged if they were to move to Dubai.
Like what you read? Subscribe to my RSS feed or contact me on twitter