Birmingham City manager Chris Hughton has stated that he is not interested in the vacant managerial post at Wolves, despite media speculation.
Hughton has been touted as a potential replacement for Mick McCarthy, but he has ruled himself out of the running due to his commitments at St Andrews.
“Anything like that is always very flattering,” he admitted to the Birmingham Mail.
“On the television I saw three names mentioned, so I presume that’s where it’s going and I just hope they pick the right person.
“I have a very challenging job to do here and I’ve got a group of lads who are desperate to do well this season and I’m desperate to guide them through.
“I’m desperate to guide this group of players out to the end, yes,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Alan Curbishley’s agent has confirmed that Wolves have approached his client and that an interview was forthcoming in the near future.
“They (Wolves) have said themselves they have invited him to see them,” Phil Smith is reported to have said in Mirror Football.
“That is what he will do and then we’ll see because I believe there is Alan, Steve Bruce, Neil Warnock and whoever else in the frame.
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“I’m not going to go into when it (the interview) is going to happen, other than to say it’s imminent,” he admitted.
Manchester United can take a step closer to the Premier League title at Old Trafford tomorrow in what could prove the decisive result. A 19th title will prove a record in English football and see Fergie finally deliver his promise some 20 odd years ago.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Manchester United blogs that includes Ferguson right to question breaks; the recipe of United’s success, while how the Red Devils can solve a problem like Lionel Messi.
We also look at the best Manchester United articles around the web this week.
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How United solve a problem like Lionel Messi
FIVE things we learnt from United’s CL stroll at Old Trafford
VIDEO: Busby, Shankly, Stein – Football Men Part 3
Is Fergie right to question breaks?
A £26m luxury that Manchester United could do without?
Sir Alex Ferguson’s £6m transfer steal
How many more hits can Manchester United take?
What has been the recipe to United’s season so far?
Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘Greatest XI’ of all time
Real Madrid look to hijack United’s late move
*Best of WEB*
Wingless Ferguson – United Rant
The man being tasked with stopping Lionel Messi and Barcelona – The Busby Way
Time For Ferguson To Make It Right Against Barcelona – The United Religion
Lose Against Chelsea And Be Damned To Finish Empty Handed – Red Flag Flying High
Ravel Morrison: when is enough… enough? –Stretford End
Should Chelsea Fans Fear Howard Webb Appointment? RoM
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Click on Miss Yespica below to see her in all her glory
The Liverpool nightmare that has been Hicks and Gillett finally appears to be at an end as NESV have taken the reins of the football club. Looking at the forums it appears opinion is split as to whether they are the right men to take control at Anfield, given the offer that was on the table from Peter Lim.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag blogs which has included…£300m deal offers Liverpool hope, Fernando Torres dilemma and the unlikely hero in Liverpool’s sorry saga.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Liverpool stories on the Web this week.
The Premier League WAGS Arena just got better
£300m deal offers Liverpool fresh hope
Top 10 Most Famous Liverpool Supporters
The Fernando Torres Dilemma
The unlikely HERO in Liverpool’s sorry saga
SIX of the Best – Merseyside Derby moments
The least of Liverpool’s worries at this moment in time
Liverpool’s FIVE starlets ensure the nation’s future is a bright one
Should Liverpool repel transfer approach or cash in?
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Best of Web
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TOP 5 Liverpool January Transfer Targets? – Live4Liverpool
Support the Red Men – This is Anfield
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Strange Days Indeed – Kopblog
The Rob Jones Interview – Well Red
Victory for common sense, defeat for conmen – Tomkins Times
Who’s in the wrong position? Glen Johnson or Roy Hodgson? – Live4Liverpool
Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has apologised to the fan that he had an altercation with after the recent defeat to Swansea, stating that he just wants the supporters to get behind the team.
Arsene Wenger’s men were beaten 3-2 at The Liberty Stadium on Sunday, and after the game the French forward led The Gunners players in applauding the travelling supporters.
However, Henry confronted one specific follower who was deemed to be abusing the players; he now regrets the incident.
“I was really shocked and disappointed on Sunday – and not just at the result,” Henry told The Sun.
“After the final whistle of a very tricky game, I insisted the whole team go and applaud the Arsenal supporters.
“When I arrived in front of our own fans, I couldn’t understand the abuse the team were getting from one of them.
“I wanted to tell the fan in question that we need their support not abuse. The sentiment was right but in hindsight could have been better expressed.
“So I would like to first and foremost apologise for using inappropriate language to that particular ‘supporter’.
“I didn’t intend to be malicious or threatening and I am aware that it could have been said in a calmer manner.
“We have had great moments at this club but we are all in this together. We need your support in the good times but more importantly the bad.
“Let’s get behind the team against Manchester United on Sunday and try to get three points to get the season back on track,” he concluded.
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Substitute Salomon Kalou struck a minute from time to give Chelsea a controversial 2-1 win over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.The sides looked to be meandering towards a 1-1 draw after Sandro and Frank Lampard had exchanged very different long-range strikes in the first half.
But Chelsea, who dominated possession and enjoyed the better of the chances, finally grabbed their winner when Kalou tapped in following a mis-hit strike from Didier Drogba.
The victory leaves Chelsea just three points behind Manchester United, who face Arsenal on Sunday, before Carlo Ancelotti’s men square up to the league leaders at Old Trafford next weekend.
But the Blues needed two huge slices of luck to squeeze past Tottenham, who are now four points behind fourth-place City, having played a game more and with a far inferior goal difference.
It was Spurs who took the lead in emphatic fashion, with Sandro arching a 30-yard volley into Petr Cech’s top right-hand corner after just 19 minutes.
But with half-time approaching, Chelsea got back on level terms in controversial fashion through Lampard.
The England international took aim from 25 yards but, when his strike flew straight at Heurelho Gomes, it looked like a routine save for the Brazilian.
However, the ball squirmed out of his arms, through his legs, and slowly towards the line.
The goalkeeper appeared to claw the ball clear before it crossed the line, but the linesman ruled that it had in fact gone over, and the referee awarded a goal.
And Chelsea’s winner was no less fortuitous. Kalou, who had replaced Fernando Torres in the 62nd minute, appeared to be in an offside position when he stabbed the ball home from close range a minute from time.
But Chelsea cared little about the controversy and celebrated gleefully at the final whistle as they kept their slim title hopes alive.
A catastrophic fortnight has seen Arsenal lose two of their most influential players to long term injuries. Arsene Wenger must be absolutely cursing his misfortune, especially given the significance of Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott to the Gunners’ attacking third.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of blogs that include…Van Persie must think he is cursed; Wenger vendetta and what more can George Graham do.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Arsenal stories on the Web this week.
VIDEO: TOP TEN Screamers
Arsenal and Man United are living proof that the set-up can work
Premier League clubs take advantage of the new breed of Brazilian
Wenger vendetta? I don’t think so.
Van Persie must think he is cursed
Abou Diaby is ‘not quite’ Patrick Vieira
What more can George Graham do?
Time that Cesc Fabregas moved on
What does a Celebrity Football Fan say about a club?
Should Wenger be going Dutch for Afellay?
The TOP 15 career defining moments
Caption Competition: Why is Theo Walcott shedding a tear?
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Best of Web
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Madrid show Arsenal how to spend recklessly and make it work – Le Grove
Should Arsene take a page out of Chelsea’s book? – Online Gooner
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Tough times ahead for Arsenal?? – Highbury House
Defensive Pessimism Is A Bigger Problem Than Injuries – A Cultured Left Foot
What to do about Robin Van Persie? – Online Gooner
Monty Python, Life of Brian – ‘let he who has never sinned cast the first stone’ thwack! Muuuum! – Le Grove
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A welcome addition to the Premier League’s Wag arena – Click on image below to view gallery
Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has stated that the club threaten to lose their battle for a top four finish due to their faltering home form.
The Reds have dropped points unexpectedly at Anfield this season, with the latest disappointment a 0-0 draw with Stoke on Saturday.
The Spanish full back is hoping for improvement in performances on Merseyside, otherwise they will not feature in the Champions League once more next term.
“We lost two points again. We have to improve our home form because we have lost too many points at Anfield this season,” the left back told Mirror Football.
“It has been a similar story all season at home. It is frustrating because we are creating chances, but not taking them.
“I don’t think Stoke deserved a point. We had all of the ball, especially in the second half, and created two or three really good chances, but we just couldn’t score.
“We just have to stay positive. I think, maybe the Swansea game aside, we have deserved to win the other games we have drawn at home.
“If we start to take our chances, we can be in the top four. But if we don’t, then we will make it more difficult for ourselves,” he admitted.
Kenny Dalglish’s men travel to take on Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday, and the Spaniard is looking to get back to winning ways.
“I think it’s good we have a break now so we can prepare for Bolton.
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“Away from home at the moment we are getting better results than at home so hopefully we can get the three points next Saturday,” he concluded.
There has been no shortage of celebrity Arsenal fans over the years, for example even Her Royal Majesty the Queen of England has been accused of following the Arsenal in the past, before she broke Arsenal hearts by confirming that her allegiance lies with the Hammers.
However, these ten celebrities are fully fledged, Arsenal loving humanoids, and may I say, that as celebrity fans go, it is one of the finest lists around…
Click on the North Bank below to see the top 10 celebrity fans who have once graced it
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Well there you have it. The top 10 famous Arsenal fans. Think there’s a celebrity missing from the list? Don’t consider Piers Morgan to be human, let alone a celebrity? Get involved in the comment box below.
Mido has never been the most docile of footballers. His latest antics have cost him a transfer to Turkish side Kayserispor, and after being frozen out at Middlesbrough, it is a blow to his chances of playing football this season. After hearing that Kayserispor were interested in his services, Mido took it upon himself to make an impromptu trip to visit the club’s facilities, presumably to see if they met his high standards. They did, but the club were very unhappy with the unexpected visit and their spokesman has now said the deal is off, Suleyman Hurma is quoted in the Daily Mail;
“It took Mido around two months to consider our offer which is a very long time. Now he come without invitation after buying the plane tickets himself. Mido might be a good player but he is arrogant and has serious attitude problems. We are not going to sign a player with such attitude. I hope this will be a lesson for him.”
It is perhaps no surprise that Mido has scuppered this move, but what is disappointing with his career is the sense of wasted talent that surrounds him.
In the early days of Mido’s career he was considered one of the top young prospects in Europe. After starting his career at Egypt’s Zamalek and Belgian side Gent, Mido was transferred as a teenager to Dutch giants Ajax. Here he displayed both his talent, and his challenging personality. At Ajax he averaged a goal every other game, but was frequently criticised by coach Ronald Koeman and at one point was dropped to the reserves, reportedly there was also an incident where Mido threw a pair of scissors which narrowly missed Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s head. Despite his actions Mido was being linked with top clubs throughout Europe, and made a move to Marseille. It did not work out, and a year later he was plying his trade at AS Roma. Again he failed to settle, but a loan move to Tottenham Hotspur appeared to get his career back on track.
The Egyptian striker was impressive at Spurs, using his power and heading ability to cause problems for Premier League defences. He seemed to be settled, but when Spurs made the transfer permanent his form tailed off badly. He then made a move to Middlesbrough where he failed to impress, and was subsequently sent on loan to Wigan, Zamalek and West Ham all at which he struggled. Middlesbrough have made it clear they no longer want Mido, but if he repeats behaviour with regard to the Kayserispor transfer they might find it difficult to offload him.
Mido has some great attributes, he is big, strong good in the air, he can hold the ball up and at times he has shown some good finishing skills. The Egyptian is still only 27 but his career already seems dead in the water. His behaviour has not been good, amongst other misdemeanours in England he failed he once failed to report for pre-season training for a fortnight at Boro. West Ham were only willing to pay him £1,000 a week during his loan move, a sign of how he is now viewed in English football. Mido is easily young enough to get his career back on track, but he will need to radically alter his attitude if he wants to have success in his future. He does have the ability, he proved that at Spurs, whether he has the attitude, that is far more doubtful.
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Click on image below to see the gallery of Mario Balotelli’s stunning girlfriend
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Joey Barton scored and was then sent off as QPR slipped to their fifth defeat at Loftus Road this season against Norwich who moved back into the top half.
After giving the R’s an 11th minute lead Barton then saw red following a confrontation with Zak Whitbread and Bradley Johnson with the Canaries taking full advantage of their numerical advantage equalised just before half time time through Anthony Pilkington. Despite being a man down the home side more than held their own after the break but couldn’t hold on as Steve Morison secured victory for Paul Lambert’s side with seven minutes to go. It was a cruel blow to Neil Warnock who had hoped to guide Ranger’s away from the relegation zone after a poor run of eight games without a win saw them plummet to fourth bottom in the Premier League.
They got themselves off to the best possible start when Barton fired low past John Ruddy after some slick link up play between Clint Hill and Alejandro Faurlin on the left. That seemed to settle the home side who looked nervous in the opening stages and they controlled the game up until Barton saw red on 35 minutes after tangling with Whitbread and Johnson in the centre circle with referee Neil Swarbrick indicating the Rangers skipper had used his head in a threatening manner. That offered Norwich a route back into the game that the grabbed with both hands as Pilkington striking a precise left footed effort past Paddy Kenny to equalise just seven minutes after Barton’s dismissal. Despite having an extra man the visitors struggled to make their advantage count after the break with the R’s putting in a stubborn second half display.
Shaun Wright-Phillips’ introduction proved to be a shrewd one by Warnock with the diminutive winger’s pace causing Norwich numerous problems along with testing Ruddy with a low strike. New loan signing Federico Macheda was then introduced with 10 minutes to go as the home side sought a winner and the young Italian could have had a debut goal but was thwarted byRuddy who stole in to pluck a Wright-Phillips cross out of the air. The away side had failed to trouble Kenny during the second period but the keeper was picking the ball out of his net seven minutes from time after Morison beat him with a sweeping effort to ensure Norwich started 2012 off in the best possible manner.
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