Tuesday 31 May 2011

Scholes Calls It Quits

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has decided to end his football playing career by retiring from the game at the age of 36.

Not another one
Paul has made 676 appearances for the red devils since making his debut in 1994. He has now decided the champions league final will have been his last game and he will now follow Gary Neville's path and join the coaching team at Old Trafford.

His retirement comes after helping United win their 19th title, which was a very proud moment for Paul Scholes as it was the 10th Premier league title of his career, a remarkable acheivement.

At the end of last year Scholes was offered a place in the England international squad for the South Africa world cup but he felt he wasn't given long enough to think about it so he turned it down, a decision he now says he regrets. However he does not feel he will regret the decision to retire from the game now.

"I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.
"To have been part of the team that helped the club reach that 19th title is a great privilege."

Monday 30 May 2011

Half Term Holidays Delay Search For New Boss

The Decision making on Lewes's next manager has been put on hold for the fourth time today as Lewes announce that due to people being away during half term, they have been unable to complete the process of hiring the next manager.

The decision is now expected to be made by the end of the week. Steve King, John Maggs, Danny Cullip and Simon Colbran are all names who are believed to be in the running for the job. A stement on the clubs website read:


The Community Board along with Chairman Steve Ibbitson have been working daily towards appointing a new Manager for Lewes FC.
However, half-term holiday availability has led to a small delay in completing the selection process.
An appointment is now expected before next weekend.
The Board fully understands just how keen everyone is to complete the appointment of the new Rooks boss and is doing everything possible towards this end.

Sunday 29 May 2011

Barcalona Bash United

Barcalona repeated their victory over Man.Utd in Rome two years ago in front of a brilliant atmosphere at Webley stadium. With Messi on fine form, Barcalona showed United how they game is played and ran out 3-1 winners against the champions of England.
Abidal lifts the prestigious trophy after battling with cancer for most of the season.

Manchester started as the better team, the enthusiastic Park winning the ball on several occassions and creating chances for Utd.  However no clear cut chances were made and Barcalona soon settled in to their usual ellegant play. After ten minuets Barcalona should have been ahead when a low ball in to the box was perfect for Pedro but he just managed to flash the ball wide of the post.

Davis Villa came close next when a mazy run from Messi attracted the attention of two United players leaving Villa free to cut in to the box and send a hard low ball into the corner, bravely being blocked by Van Der Sar making his final appearance for any football team.

A goal looked omnious for Barcalona, however you can never forget about the threat United pose and a lobbed ball from Giggs sent Rooney chasing and nearly got to the high ball before Valdes who bravely punched the ball away in super man style before Rooney could get his head on to the ball.

Barcalona had given Xavi the captain role for the night and he showed the rest of the players how to pass when he slotted Pedro through on goal, squeezing the bal through two United players before Pedro simply passed the ball into the net past Van Der Sar, typifying the way Barcalona play the beautiful game.

The goal lead to United becoming scared that they may suffer the same fait as they did two years ago and for a while left their brains scrambled, Fabio gave the ball away leaving David Villa wih more room but sent a shot from inside the D just wide past the post but had the United retiring goalkeeper scrambling.

Sir Alex Ferguson looked  troubled man, not only because he could not find a way to get through the barriers in to his techinical area, but also because his team were being taken apart, weeks of training and tactics thrown out the window.

However , one laps in concentration from Barcalona lead to Rooney exchanging passes with a possibly offside Giggs who aquared the ball back to Rooney who managed to sweep the ball, curling it beautifully in to the top left hand corner leaving Valdes no chance a queing a joyous celebration from the whole United squad giving them hope with ten minuets left before half time.

However this moment of pure inspiration did not set Barcalona back and they were nearly back on top just moments from the re-start when Messi delightfully darted past two United players and sending the ball out wide to Villa who sent a ball almost to perfection back in to the box where Messi had made the run but an otherwise perfect performance, failed to make contact with the ball.

During the second half Barcalona carried on their fine display of passing and finishing as Alves was the next player to be denied when he stormed forward in his usual style for the first time and struck a ball, but the on rushing Van Der Sar saved well but the ball fell down to Messi just outside to box who had to lob the ball over the United defenders but Evra just managed to stick out his foot to stop the genius putting Barcalona ahead.

Messi only needs a few seconds to produce a moment of genius, so when Patrice Evra made the strange decision to back away rather than close him down, Messi took full advantage. We are used to seeing his wonderful runs, but this time Messi pulled a powerful, curling shot out the bag like no other we have seen the young Argentinian do before. The ball curled away from the United keeper and straiht in to the back of the net. With Messi celebrating wildly it is clear he is playing for the club he loves and probably will do for many years, however the camerman may not be too pleases he broke the microphone as he ran away to celebrate.

Messi carried on threatning and Van Der Sar was certainly kept busy on his last day at work having to make another save from Messi, being rather fortunate as he dived the wrong way but the ball cannoned off his legs to make the save. He then had to rely on Fabio to keep United in the game when Messi did all the work before sneakily playing Alves through who was more free to go forward now Barcalona had the lead, but Fabio managed to block his shot off the line. Th eball fell abck out to Busquets who suprisingly lest in for Xavi who's rocket of a shot left Van Der Sars hands stinging and they probably still are now.

In an attacking move Fabio was taken off for winger Nani in an attempt for United to get back level, however just secinds after arriving on the field Barcalona struck again when the ball fell to Villa's feet just outside the box and he conrolled it perfectly and he seemed to have all the time in the world as he sent a world class finish, curling in to the top corner past the United keepers outstretched arm, unable to keep the ball out of the net and ultimatly giving Barcalona the win and a unflattering scoreline.

Suprisingly United just gave up after this and even sent Paul Scholes on for the last 15 minuets, probably his last ever game of football ever as well as he makes up his mind as to whether he will continue playing or not.

Eric Abidal deserves a special mention as he was given the captains armband and the right to lift the trophy as Barcalona collected their prize. Abidal had a deadly cancer in his liver, which he bravely survived and remarkably managed to play again this season and play the whole champions league final in what has been a very dramatic season for him particularly.

Away from the football last night, Berbatov was reportedly very un happy about not even being on the bench and rightfully so considering he was this years top scorer and the rumours are that he has already left United as he didnt tun up last night. there is reason to believe that Tottenham have offered him a dramatic return to White Hart Lane.


Saturday, 28 May 2011
Champions League
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Barcelona 3-1 Man Utd FT
(HT 1-1)
  • Pedrito 27
  • Messi 54
  • Villa 69

  • Rooney 34

Barcelona

  • 01 Valdesyellow card
  • 02 Danielyellow card (Puyol 88)
  • 03 Pique
  • 22 Abidal
  • 06 Xavi
  • 08 Iniesta
  • 14 Mascherano
  • 16 Busquets
  • 07 Villa (Keita 86)
  • 10 Messi
  • 17 Pedrito (Afellay 90+2)

Substitutes

  • 38 Olazabal,
  • 05 Puyol,
  • 21 Adriano Correia,
  • 15 Keita,
  • 20 Afellay,
  • 30 Thiago,
  • 09 Bojan

Man Utd

Substitutes

Ref: V KassaiAtt: 87,695
BARCELONA
MAN UTD

Possession

  • Barcelona 68%
  • Man Utd 32%

Attempts on target

  • Barcelona 13
  • Man Utd 1

Attempts off target

  • Barcelona 3
  • Man Utd 2

Corners

  • Barcelona 6
  • Man Utd 0

Fouls

  • Barcelona 5
  • Man Utd 16

Was King Be-headed?

Yesterday it was announced that Farnborough manager Steve King had resigned from the club with immediate effect. However Steve King claims that infact him and his assistant Justin Skinner were sacked following a fall out with the chairman over money issues and full time problems.

It is widely known that Farnborough fans are not too happy with their chairman for not being able to control the budget properly and it has now come about that he ould not give King the same budget as last year and he wanted Steve King to become a part time manager, King disagreed with this which lead to his sacking.

King has been accused of putting the future of a club in danger before by over spending. When at Lewes, under previous owner Martin Elliot, Steve King lead Lewes to a conference South title in 2008, however just a week after winning the trophy he was sacked in similiar fashion to being sacked after coming 2nd in the same competition with Farnborough.

Worth the risk? Not for Farnborough...
This has lead to worry amongst Lewes fans that if King were to come back to the club, would he put the future of the club at risk once again? It has also put doubts in people's minds as to whether he has actually applied as if he has been sacked he would not have been aware of this until after applying for the Lewes job. However it is being reported that he knew of the sacking straight after the play off final defeat to Ebbsfleet.

Either way Lewes should find out the widely awaited decision on the next manager tommorow, ending days of speculation.

John Maggs Unwanted Candidate

More rumours are going round about who the next Lewes boss will be and a suprise name has been called up in the form of John Maggs. Maggs was manager of Horesham YMCA for a long period but recently leaving them having had yet another season in the ryman premier, the league Lewes are moving in to.

The idea of Maggs moving to the Pan has been generally met with a bad response from Lewes fans on the unnoficial forum who feel that it would be a very bad decision to give Maggs the reigns. However it is known that Maggs in currently negotiating a deal with an unnamed Sussex club who "want to get out of the division" which fits the bill of Lewes. However Ibbo remains adamant that no decision has been made on the manager which puts a doubt on Maggs.

Saturday 28 May 2011

Ibbo Won't Confirm or Deny King Rumours

When asked about the manager situation at Lewes, Ibbo would not confirm or deny as to whether Steve King is in the running or not, and also told Lewes fans that they would have to wait longer than expected to find out who the final manager is as they have not yet made a decision yet.

It is thought that Wormull did apply but has not made it in to the final three apllicants and so will not be the next Lewes manager.

Didn't make the cut
Steve King has also been heavily linked with the Eastbourne job that is also available. King lives in Eastbourne and it is well known that he attempted to get the job there before but failed in trying.

A decision was expected to be nnounced today for the Lewes job but it now appears that Lewes will have to wait longer, until after the weekend and some time on Monday.

Who's John Mourinho?
Chairman Steve Ibbitson said: “The Lewes process is a confidential process and I am not prepared to comment on any name whatsoever. That is not confirming anything or denying anything. You could ask me if John Mourinho had applied and I would not confirm or deny it.”

Tim O'Shea On His Way - To Farnborough?

Farnborough Bound?
The managerial positions at Lewes and Farnborough have been going crazy at the present time and with there being numerous rumours that Steve King is just about to take over the reigns at Lewes. It now appears that the clubs could do a straight swap and fired Lewes boss Tim O'Shea could be on his way to play off runners up Farnborough.

O'Shea lead Lewes to relegation this year and using a total of 65 players while doing so and was vastly unpopular with the Lewes fans. However he used to play for Farnborough and the rumours are that he will now join them as manager despite having the poor record as manager.

King Resigns

So the rumours were true. Steve King has officially resigned from his post as the manager of Farnborough FC.

So is the King on his way to Lewes to make a return. The club still haven't made an announcement but one is expected at any time today and Mr King has been spotted in Lewes by several people last night, perhaps finishing off the deal and signing the crucial contract?

A stetement on Farnborough's website read:


 Farnborough Football Club can confirm that Steve King has resigned as manager of the club with immediate effect.

The club wish to express our thanks to Steve for the success that he has brought to the club on the pitch during his tenure, and would like to wish him every success in the future.

The clubs search for a new manager has already begun and in view of our desire to be well placed for pre season the club would like to appoint a suitable applicant expediently.

Friday 27 May 2011

King Packing His Case?

With the Lewes manager expected to be announced any time now, there has been a key rumour flying around on the Farnborough forum that manager Steve King has resigned.

Could this mean he is on the way to the Pan? Make sure you keep checking the site to find out soon!

Bye Birmingham, Hello Brighton?


Birmingham have today released news that key players, Seb Larsson and Lee Bowyer have left the club after being unable to save them from falling int to the championship, despite winning the carling cup.

But even more importantly to fans in Sussex, they are also letting go of stiker Kevin Phillips who has been heavily linked with a move to league 1 winners, Brighton and Hove Albion. It is thought that now Phillips is a free agent he will join Brightons attach as has Hoskins who signed from Bristol.

Brighton have already signed Hoskins and are also believed to be looking in to the possibility of signing Manchester United striker, Michael Owen. Manager Gus Poyet has explained that he needs three new strikers with Hoskins being one of them the rumours are spreading round that Phillips and Owen are the other two, both have played in the Premier division this season.

It was already known that Brighton needed new strikers as they recently lost top goalscorer Glenn Murray to bitter rivals Crystal Palace which has brought a bad feeling with Brighton supporters, hence the picture.

Birmingham can also confirm that respected defender Stephen Carr has signed an additional one year contract and will stay with the club during there minimum of a year in the championship.


"We have discussed strategies and player movements and policies," said Birmingham's acting chairman Peter Pannu.
"Suffice to say there is by and large consensus in the way we believe we should proceed."

Thursday 26 May 2011

Fair Play fulham

Fulham have been awarded a spot in the Europa league next season after they finished second in the fair play league system.
Pretty Please?

The system works on teams gaining points for various things such as; number of red and yellow cards, respect towards officials, behavoir towards opposition.

Chelsea topped the fair play chart but having already earned a Champions league place by finishing second in the league, the place went to runners up Fulham. There had been a worry that Fulham would be leap frogged by Blackpool as Zolten Gera recieved teh clubs only red card of the season on the last day, but results came out today and Fulham remained in second place, ahead of Blackpool.

Fulham came runners up in the Europa league at the end of last season but lost 2-1 in the final to Athletico Madrid but did not qualify for the competition last year and will welcome a return to european football. Next year they will have to fight it out with Tottenham who qualified by coming 5th in the premier league, Stoke, Fa cup runners up and Birmingham who qualified by wining the Carling cup and will be the first championship team to play in Europe in a long time after being relegated over the weekend.

Charlie Adam-ant He Wants To Go

As Blackpool prepare for life in the N-Power Championship, they have offered centre pieve midfielder Charlie Adam a new one year deal which he is sure that he will not be accepting as he see's his future in the premier league after tasting the thrill of it last season.
Bye Bye Blackpool?

"My future is that I want to play in the Premier League. I want to play at the top and hopefully the opportunity comes.
"My future will get sorted. It's not me who makes that decision."

Although he has not left yet, offers were rejected by Blackpool for him in January by Tottenham and Liverpool. But relegation to the championship will surely increase demand for him and it will be harder for Blackpool to fight off clubs for him.

Blackpool have already released eleven players, freeing up money for next season, including regular goalkeeper Richard Kingson.

Kolo Drugged Up

Kolo Toure - Banned
Manchester City ceneral defender Kolo Toure has been suspended for six months, plus target drug testing for the next two years, as he failed a drugs test a few months ago. This was after he supposedly took some of his wifes weight losing pills.

The ban will mean he misses the beggining of the season and be back in action by around September as his ban started last March.

Toure is contracted to Manchester City until 2013 also has his brother, Yaya, at the club.

Royalty in Lewes

Return of the King?
With the time coming up for Lewes to name their next manager, has a big hint been dropped to the name who will be announced on the weekend?

There have been reported sightings of a certain Steve King in Lewes today, and eager fans are optimistically hoping that he was there to finalise a deal.

Mr King only lives in Eastbourne so could easily be just visiting the town that he loves, however there has been a lot of speculation that Steve King has apllied for the Lewes job despite him still being contracted to Farnborough for another season.

Lewes fans shouldn't have to wait long with the announcement set to be made in the near few days at the most. 

Lewes To Chose New Manager By Weekend

Lewes have released a statement saying that the decision on a new manager should be made by the weekend. Rooks fans had been expecting to know the identity of their new manager by Thursday, but Lewes have come out and told the fans not to worry, they just want to take their time over an important decision.

It is thought that there were 25 applicants for the job, a mixture of experience and new prospects. This has lead to lots of speculation as to who has applied:

Steve King; despite Steve still working for Farnborough and the board there coming out and saying that he will be staying for another year, it is largely believed that he has applied for the Lewes job as the club is in his heart and he lives in Eastbourne. Many Rooks fans would love the prospect of seeing many ex-rooks back at the club, however he creates a divide in the club with his marmite mentality.

Simon Wormull; Ex- Lewes player has recently retired from playing football after a serious injury. We all know that Simon Wormull has lewes in his heart, having won the conference south with them back in 2008 under Steve King.

Simon Colbran; He has worked on a tight budget at Worthing before and is now ready to take the job according to a certain ex-assistant manager at Lewes. He has supposedly persuaded striker Paul Botth to join him as well as keeping Wheeler and bringing in new exiting players from around Sussex.

Danny Cullip; Ex Brighton, QPR and Lewes player. He would have very good links with Brighton as well as a lot of experience with the game itself, but not neccisarily the managerial side of things.

These are the suspected four candidates that will have been interviewed in front of the whole Lewes board on wednesday with a decision expected to be made by the weekend.

This is what Ibbo had to say on the situation: “We had interviews on Friday and Monday when we saw nine people. We would have preferred to have seen less but there were a lot of candidates who were worth seeing.
“The idea was to narrow that down to a shortlist of two or three that the full board would see and make a decision from there.
“We saw the nine and there were a number who were worth putting before the full board so rather than a shortlist of two or three it has been increased to definitely four, possibly five but probably four.
“There are some really good people we have seen.
“The procedure so far has gone very smoothly. The most important thing now is to get the right person.”

One thing is for certain, with each of the front runners, Lewes are bound to have exiting times a head.